THE welcoming dinner for the ‘We Are Site Managers International Symposium’ turned out to be a rich cultural experience and fun for 160 representatives from 37 countries at the Wembley St Giles Hotel in George Town tonight.
The participants, currently in Penang to attend the five-day symposium, from today until March 5, had earlier in the day immersed themselves in engaging discourses and dialogues. They added a touch of cultural flair to the evening by donning their respective national costumes during the dinner.
Hosted by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the event showcased a diverse array of local cultural dances.
The event started with a vibrant lion dance, welcoming Chow and other distinguished guests upon their arrival. The lion dancers then led the way into the banquet hall, then moved around from table to table to greet the attendees, some of whom took the opportunity to take memorable photographs with the lively ‘lions’.
Following this lively welcome, the Sada Borneo musical band from Sarawak took the stage, treating the audience to a blend of vibrant traditional and fusion music. The cultural richness continued with a Dikir Barat performance by the Dikir Barat Suara Mutiara.
Next was a captivating presentation, Daathubhajana and Chirathalu mini sketch and dance. The celebration continued with a multicultural dance performance by Wak Long Music & Art Centre.
The event concluded on a high note as the participants enthusiastically joined the dancers for a collective dance around the banquet floor.
Natalyn Oye Addo from Ghana, a site manager from Ghana, rose from her chair and let her hair down as she joined the lively dancing line.
“The event was truly fascinating as we experienced different facets of Malaysian culture and witnessed different dances.
“It gives a good idea for the different societies that are here. Particularly, I liked the last dance; it was so colourful and very inviting. So, we all spontaneously stood up and joined in,” said Natalyn, a site manager for Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions in Ghana.
Wang Xinyuan, a deputy director and professor from the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage, a category II under the auspices of UNESCO, expressed his deep appreciation for Malaysian culture.
“The cultural presentations, music and dancing were truly exceptional. Furthermore, the food was very, very delicious. This is the first time I am here and I am thrilled. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to explore the Clan jetties and many wooden bridges,” Wang, 60, said.
Another participant, Elinar A.E. Saemundsen, the director of Thingvellier National Park, a historic site in Iceland, said he would miss Penang when his month-long stay comes to an end next week.
“The Malaysian cultural performances have been so amazing. They embody everything I have actually experienced in the last month, as I have been with George Town World Heritage Incorporated under a fellowship programme.
“These events sum up both the rich food and the vibrant culture. And I am very happy about it.
“During my stay in George Town, I had the opportunity to learn of the commendable work of the GTWHI. It is fascinating to see how this agency, focused on good site management, operates.
“On a macro level, their approach to safeguarding the world heritage is unique and effective. Overall, my experience with George Town, Penang, and Malaysia as a whole has been very positive,” Saemundsen said.
He added that he would soon have to exchange the hot and humid weather in Penang for a much colder climate back home, facing temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Centigrade.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour, extended a warm welcome to all the participants in his speech. He expressed his hope that the symposium would generate fruitful dialogues that would contribute to sustainable actions and implementations for all.
He said Penang was presented with a unique opportunity to preserve the inner city for its intrinsic values and foster a greater appreciation for heritage when George Town was designated a Unesco site in 2008.
“Beyond the architectural marvels that grace our cityspace, it is the profound essence of multicultural co-existence that truly defines the spirit of our community.
“Tonight’s cultural programmes highlight this harmony. Each performance beautifully showcases our differences, reminding us of the strength found in diversity. It is in these moments of shared appreciation that we recognise the beauty and harmony that emerge from the peaceful coexistence of our differences,” Chow said.
Chow also praised GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee and her team for successfully organising the symposium.
Dr Ang, in a brief speech, expressed her delight at seeing the attendees in their traditional attire.
“It is truly heartwarming to celebrate our diversity in unity,” she remarked.
Among those present at the welcoming dinner were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Chief Minister Incorporated general manager Datin Bharathi Suppiah, Moe Chiba (Unesco Office in Jakarta’s section chief and programme specialist for culture) and Dr Abdulelah Al-Tokhais (chairperson of Unesco 45th Extended World Heritage Session).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat