THE George Town Esplanade Project, which includes the Esplanade Seawall and the Linear Garden, received three prestigious awards at the 14th Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA14).
This recognition highlights the project’s significant contributions to urban renewal, heritage conservation, and community enrichment.
The entries were submitted by the landscape architecture firm Permata Green Sdn Bhd.
The George Town Esplanade Project was named the Project of the Year 2024. In addition, it received the Special Award for Conservation and Preservation and the Excellence Award for Landscape Design (Malaysia Project) in the Professional category.
The results were announced during the MLAA14 Gala Dinner at the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on May 11.
MLAA event director Charles Teo stated that the awards this year featured 12 categories and attracted 123 submissions from landscape architecture professionals across the industry.
“A total of 57 project awards were conferred, along with six industry recognition awards,” he said.
“Shortlisted entrants deemed worthy of the highest accolades undergo a question and answer (Q&A) session with the jury for further deliberation and scrutiny, followed by a site visit by the jury.
“The George Town Esplanade Project was among the select few that underwent these rigorous rounds of vetting. Permata Green was shortlisted for a Q&A session on Feb 28, followed by a site visit on March 7 this year,” Teo explained.
Teo added that the jury highly commends Permata Green’s perseverance and commitment to the George Town Esplanade Project, highlighting its meticulous curation of memory, reconciliation, empowerment, celebration, and hope.
“Since its reopening in May 2022, the George Town Esplanade has become a vibrant hub, stimulating economic opportunities, attracting both locals and tourists, and fostering a greater appreciation of its historical, civic, and environmental significance.
“The second phase of the project in 2023 successfully reintegrated the adjacent linear open space and the Cenotaph War Memorial with the Esplanade.
“The project exemplifies adept collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Penang government, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Think City, the Penang Veteran’s Association, and traditional artisans of the World Heritage Site,” he said before presenting the awards to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office in Komtar today.
Teo highlighted that this is the first time in the history of the awards that a recipient of the Preservation and Conservation Award has also won the Project of the Year.
Permata Green Sdn Bhd director Teng Pe Yang expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in both the Esplanade Seawall project and the Linear Garden upgrading project.
“The achievements of both projects were remarkable and greatly benefited the community. This inspired us to submit them under the name ‘George Town Esplanade’ as an entry to MLAA14.
“We were aware of the challenges, as we were competing against some of the most established and talented landscape architecture firms and projects in Malaysia.
“Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, representing the Chief Minister and the Penang government; Chief Minister Incorporated general manager Datin Bharathi Suppiah; engineering firm Perunding YAA principal consultant Michael Yap, Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed were present at the gala dinner to witness the event and to receive the results of our submission,” he said.
Chow, in his congratulatory remarks, highlighted that both projects were successfully executed through a close public-private partnership.
“This collaboration brought together the best minds and talents from the Penang government, MBPP, and the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC)—a joint venture between the Chief Minister Incorporated of Penang (CMI) and Think City. Additionally, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and a dedicated team of local professional consultants played crucial roles in these initiatives,” he said.
Chow noted that the George Town Esplanade Project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), extending the lifespan of the seafront promenade for future generations to use and enjoy.
“It has also expanded the public waterfront area, providing a wider range of uses and enjoyment for the public. Additionally, hard spaces were transformed into green spaces with green sponge capabilities.
“Furthermore, resilient local trees were introduced based on the Atlas of Climate Resilient Trees Database, a joint initiative by MBPP and Think City. These efforts are among the many positive impacts of the George Town Esplanade Project,” he said.
Also present at the media conference today were H’ng, Bharathi, MBPP engineering department director Cheah Chin Kooi, MBPP landscape department director Azizul Fahmi Muhammad, and ILAM representative Chet Wah.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis