THE 11th Annual Global Organisation of Tamil Origin Meet is set to take place in Malaysia for the first time, with Penang to play host to this prestigious two-day event on Jan 4 and 5 next year.
With more than 1,000 Tamilians from over 40 countries worldwide expected to attend, the event’s focus is to celebrate the shared heritage through various programmes and discussions.
The meeting is jointly organised by the Global Organisation of Tamil Origin and the World Tamil Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s event will feature an array of sub-events, including the Global Connect Conference, the Women Leadership Forum, and many others.
Key topics will cover arts, culture, traditional food, fashion festivals, the rich history of ancient Tamils, as well as a seminar on international MSME business owners.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the meeting will serve as a platform to reinforce Penang’s role in fostering international relations while enhancing its reputation as a destination for tourism, trade, and industry.
“The sub-events, such as the Global Connect Conference, the International MSME Business Meet, and the Women Leadership Forum, will facilitate meaningful dialogues that open doors for new collaborations.
“These interactions will undoubtedly strengthen Penang’s economic position and global reach.
“The Women Leadership Forum is also a vital part of this event. Empowering women in business and leadership is crucial for fostering inclusive economic growth.
“This aligns with Penang’s vision of creating a progressive and diverse economy, where every segment of society can thrive,” Wong said in his speech during the media conference in Komtar today.
Wong also highlighted the influence and close ties between India and Penang, noting that several roads and lanes here were named after iconic landmarks and states in India.
“Chulia Street is one good example. Named after the Tamil inhabitants, the street reflects Penang’s deep connection to Tamil Nadu.
“Located within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site, Chulia Street became a bustling commercial hub during the colonial era, and the influence of Tamil traders can still be felt in the area’s historic buildings, businesses, and cultural sites.”
Another significant location, Wong added, is Madras Lane, which underscores the Tamil influence on Penang’s cultural and urban landscape.
“Tamil settlers contributed not only to trade but also to the establishment of local institutions, such as Tamil schools and community centres, which played a key role in preserving their culture,” he said.
Madras is now known as Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, in his earlier speech, emphasised the historical significance of the bond between Penang and India, particularly through trade.
“Tamil traders from South India were key figures in Penang’s development.
“Their lasting contributions are still visible in the landmarks, street names, and institutions of George Town,” he said.
Sundarajoo, who attended the 10th Annual Global Organisation of Tamil Origin Meet in India last year through a special invitation from the organisers, also revealed that the participants will enjoy various Indian cultural performances on the opening day (Jan 4) with the highlight being a special talk show known as ‘Pattimandram’ in Tamil.
Also present during the media conference were Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin Bharathi Suppiah and the Global Organisation of Tamil Origin and World Tamil Chamber of Commerce president J. Selvakumar.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting