BUSINESSES passed down to the next generation is a legacy that should be cherished as it adds on to the cultural value of a city and its community.
The George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), being an organisation that strives to preserve and conserve the cultural heritage of George Town, has honoured a total of 33 enduring businesses through the GTWHI Heritage Recognition and Awards 2020.
These recipients were awarded under the Cultural Continuity Recognition Award category.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, together with GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, yesterday visited several award-winning shops, namely Hong Kong Shoe Store, Hup Huat Tricyle and Bicycle Repair, Kedai Songkok O.S.M. Mohd Shariff, Seang Hin Leong, Tian Hua Arts and Antique shops to deliver the awards to them personally.
Wong Heng Mun (Hong Kong Shoe Store), Sim Chew Poh (Seang Hin Leong), Ng Chai Tian (Tian Hua Arts & Antique), Hajja Mohideen O.S.M Mohd Shariff (Kedai Songkok O.S.M. Mohd Shariff) Choo Yew Choon (Hup Huat Tricyle and Bicycle Repair) each received a plaque, certificate, photo album from Teh and Ang.
According to Heng Mun, a second-generation owner, the Hong Kong Shoe Store has been in existence for more than 60 years.
It was founded in 1958 by his father Wong Sung Choy, who was very adept at making shoes for both men and women.
“We specialise in custom made shoes for all sizes, be it big or small, including for any special needs.
“Apart from that, students from colleges and universities also come here to learn the art of shoemaking,” Heng Mun told Buletin Mutiara after receiving the award from Teh and Ang.
For Chew Poh, the owner of Sean Hin Leong said he learned the art to make crafts out of rattan and bamboo from his father Sim Buck Teik.
“My father inherited the skills from his father. Therefore, I am the third-generation owner of this shop.
“I do not make all the items in this shop by myself as I do take in crafts from outside,” Chew Poh said.
The famous ‘songkok’ maker Hajja Mohideen said he was delighted for being bestowed the award.
“It is not difficult to hand make ‘songkok’ since a single piece can be done within two hours but what makes it difficult is to make a living.
“This songkok-making business, which was founded by my father, has been around for more than 80 years.
“Now, my son-in-law has taken over our business,” he added.
Another recipient, Ng Chai Tian, the owner of Tian Hua Arts & Antique, is a master craftsman in Chinese seal engravings.
He has been running his business for over four decades.
“I will let my customers choose the type of stones first before starting my engraving work. The stones are imported from China,” Ng said.
Meanwhile, Choo Yew Choon, the shop owner of Hup Huat Tricyle and Bicycle Repair which is a century old shop, warmly received the award from Teh and Dr Ang.
It is learned the Choo is the last man standing in the trishaw-making business in Penang.
The GTWHI Heritage Recognition and Awards 2020 comprised four categories such as the Lifetime Achievement Award category, the Conservation, Enhancement and Adaptation Award, the Cultural Heritage Events and Activities Award and the Cultural Continuity Recognition Award.
Early on Jan 3, an award ceremony was held at the Bayview Hotel George Town to present awards to the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix Darwina Mohd Daud & Courtesy of GTWHI