THE inception of George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) Heritage Recognition and Awards was made to recognise the contribution from individuals and organisations in preserving the cultural heritage during Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow welcomed the move to honour them for their outstanding contributions to the maintenance of the universal value of George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.
“It is important for us to recognise their effort to ensure that we do not get bogged down by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The state and GTWHI have continued with our efforts to preserve the cultural heritage.
“For instance, the George Town Heritage Habitat Seed Fund will still be continued for the restoration work purposes,” Chow told reporters after giving out GTWHI Heritage and Recognition Awards to Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple in King Street today.
The Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple in Tanjong Tokong has received Cultural Continuity Recognition (Platinum Status); Cultural Heritage Events and Activities (Special Mention by the Jury) for traditional Chinese praying rituals conducted during the birthday celebrations of the deity Guan Gong and Cultural Heritage Events and Activities (Special Mention by the Jury) for traditional Chinese praying rituals conducted during the birthday celebrations of the deity Thai Pak Koong.
The Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) King Street Fu De Ci Temple has obtained the Conservation, Enhancement and Adaptation Award.
Chow presented the awards to Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple today.
“We commend the committment shown by the committee of Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple in preserving the cultural heritage and ritual practices inherited from our forefathers.
“Your dedication can be seen through the proactive documentation and efforts in imparting the priceless traditions to the next generation.
“Such efforts have contributed to George Town Unesco World Heritage Site,” he said.
“As we undergo recovery, we expect more visitors to visit our heritage buildings gradually,” he said.
Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple vice-president and Restoration Committee chairman Datuk Lio Chee Yeong expressed his gratitude to the state and GTWHI for their recognition.
Also present were Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple president Foo Yen Chow, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi and Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) King Street Fu De Ci Temple committee members.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis