A TOTAL of twenty-two recipients were conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award under the George Town World Heritage Incorporated Heritage Recognition and Awards initiative this year.
Only nineteen of them were present today during the GTWHI Heritage Recognition and Awards Ceremony held at Bayview Hotel George Town today.
The award is given to individuals who have displayed long-term commitments and special merit in the field of conservation, protection, mastery of skills, know-how and practices, as well as have displayed outstanding efforts, skills and dedication to transfer skills and knowledge of cultural heritage.
Each of the recipient received a plaque made from ‘kayu jati’ and copper, a certificate, a photo album and other gifts as a gesture of appreciation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, during his speech, extended his warmest congratulations to all the recipients and commended them for their exceptional contributions to the maintenance of the outstanding universal value of George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.
“As the custodian of our cultural heritage, you have all spent your lifetime mastering skills inherited from your forefathers.
“Your dedication towards perfecting your skills, day in and day out, has enabled us to enjoy the fruits of your services, products and performances.
“Your determination, sacrifice and patience will be an inspiration to our future generation.
“On behalf of GTWHI and the Penang government, I salute your commitment, passion and professionalism,” Chow said during his speech at the GTWHI Heritage Recognition and Awards Ceremony at Bayview Hotel George Town today.
Chow added that each recipient would receive one-off cash reward amounting to RM5,000.
It is learnt that the Lifetime Achievement Award category consists of four fields, namely the Mastery of Skills, Dedication of Knowledge Transmission, Merit on Outstanding Efforts and Dedication and Merit on Cultural Heritage Advocacy.
The GTWHI Heritage Recognition and Award is an initiative launched by GTWHI to mark the GTWHI’s anniversary celebrations and the 12th anniversary of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2020.
Apart from the Lifetime Achievement Award category, there are three other categories, namely, the Conservation, Enhancement and Adaptation Award, the Cultural Heritage Events and Activities Award and the Cultural Continuity Recognition Award.
Among those present during the ceremony were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, State Financial Officer Datuk Dr Mohamad Farazi Johari, Chief Minister Incorporated deputy general manager Bharathi Suppiah and GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud