THE Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, through the Department of National Heritage Malaysia and ICOMOS Malaysia, organised an international seminar on the Preservation and Protection of the Integrity of World Heritage Sites in Penang from Oct 9 to 10.
The two-day programme brought together experts from various countries to exchange ideas, experiences, and knowledge on the critical issues surrounding the preservation of heritage sites.
Experienced speakers and participants from as far as Canada, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh attended the seminar.
To honour the speakers and participants, a special dinner was hosted at Royale Chulan Penang on Oct 10, courtesy of the Penang State Secretariat Office.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who was present as the guest honour, thanked the organisers for holding such an insightful seminar in Penang.
“This seminar has provided an invaluable platform to spread the principles of protecting and preserving the integrity of World Heritage and cultural sites, guided by the expertise of professionals, including those from Unesco and its advisory bodies.
“It has also facilitated the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences among the member countries while identifying future actions to safeguard the integrity of World Heritage Sites and other heritage sites.
“It is fitting that Penang has played host to his vital conversation.
“George Town, as many of you know, was named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008, and the integrity of our heritage is a matter of both pride and responsibility for the state government.
“We are committed to ensuring that our heritage continues to thrive amidst the pressures of modernisation and urban development,” Wong said in his speech.
He also noted that Penang became a dual-certified city by Unesco after Penang Hill and its surrounding areas were designated as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2021, boasting both a rich cultural heritage and a pristine natural environment.
Among those present at the dinner were the Department of National Heritage Malaysia Commissioner Mohamad Muda Bahadin, Australian heritage consultant Duncan Marshall, and Dr. Ayesha Pamela Rogers from the University of Northern British Columbia, Canada (Department of Global and International Studies).
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat