PENANG is gearing up to host the 28th national-level International Museum Day Festival (HMA) 2024 next month, marking its inaugural time as host and expecting around 200,000 visitors to its shores.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the event would provide Penang with a unique experience and have an impact on Penangites.
“Furthermore, the HMA 2024 provides an opportunity for the community to explore and witness the creative contributions made by museums to the country’s development.
“This prestigious event is expected to be attended by around 1,000 museum practitioners from across Malaysia, as well as regional institutions from neighbouring and international countries.
“Some 200,000 visitors are targetted to come to Penang island through three main entry points.
“They include the first and second Penang Bridge, Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, and Penang International Airport,” Wong said during his speech at the pre- ‘International Museum Day’ launching ceremony at Town Hall on April 28.
The festival is scheduled to take place at the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery from May 13 to 22.
It is learned that the theme for this year’s International Museum Day is ‘Museum for Education and Research’.
The festival’s lineup includes beach sports activities and the exploration of creative economy products. Moreover, there will be collaborative efforts with non-governmental organisations.
In addition, a smart app has been developed for visitors to get updates on the festival.
Wong said that, along with the International Museum Day Festival, many other interesting activities and events will take place in the state, namely Wesak Day, durian harvest season, and many others.
Apart from that, Wong also shared that the Penang Hill cable car project is progressing well, with its groundbreaking ceremony set to take place in June.
“It is expected that this project will be completed in two years, with hopes that it will coincide with the Visit Malaysia Year in 2026,” he added.
It was reported earlier that Hartasuma Sdn Bhd has officially signed a contract with Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH for the Penang Hill cable car project.
Story & Pix Tanushalini Moroter