WHY travel the world when you can bring the world to Penang? The Penang government’s latest creative effort to stimulate domestic tourism through creative sculptures with references to iconic landmarks and cultures of various countries under one roof at Esplanade certainly deserves applause.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, such activities were crucial to help stimulate domestic tourism and sustain the tourism industry in the state.
“Tourism sector, as we all know, is a major contributor to the state’s economy. So, it is important we come up with such initiatives to strengthen Penang’s domestic appeal and at the same time, lighten up the atmosphere surrounding the local community here,” Yeoh said during an exclusive interview with Buletin Mutiara at his office in Komtar today.
According to Yeoh, the initiative, which was a joint effort with Penang Global Tourism and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), is expected to be exhibited until June this year.
He also stated that the sculptures are now 70 percent completed, and the remaining would be completed very soon.
“Although it is not fully completed yet, it is great to see many people visiting and taking photos with the sculptures,” he added.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is expected to officiate the launching ceremony on April 27.
The sculptures feature iconic landmarks and monumental buildings from countries such as United Kingdom (Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral, Tower Bridge), Japan (Mount Fuji, Chureito Pagoda), Australia (Sydney Opera House, Twelve Apostles), India (Taj Mahal, India Gate), China (Temple of Heaven, Great Wall of China), United Arab Emirates (Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab), United States of America (Statue of Liberty National Monument, Golden Gate Bridge) and France (Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris).
Additionally, 12 sets of zodiac signs are also exhibited creatively and innovatively for visitors of all age groups.
These beautifully decorated sculptures enchanted many Penangites.
Tabitha Andrews, 31, who works in a private hospital here, applauded the state government’s effort to set up these extremely eye-catching and beautiful sculptures.
“These displays tell a lot of stories about the respective countries they represent. In a way, they also help us to understand better about the cultures, values and most importantly, the significance of the monumental and iconic buildings in the various countries,” she said when interviewed by Buletin Mutiara.
Meanwhile, Zeenat Muhamad Ali, 30, said she was not aware of the sculptures until this morning (April 16) when she had passed by the area with her kids in the car.
“My kids got excited the very moment they saw the displays, and their excitement left me with no choice but to stop my car as they wanted to take pictures with it.
“The sculptures were indeed very intelligently decorated. Great job to the authorities who had set up these displays here,” she said.
Separately, Yeoh also said his office had hired security personnel to safeguard the sculptures from being vandalised.
“We hope the people will enjoy and appreciate these displays and not vandalise them. While enjoying, I would also like to urge everyone to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as scanning the MySejahtera QR code, wear face mask at all times and maintaining physical distancing,” he added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Mersyad Omar