FLAG OFF CEREMONY OF GEORGE TOWN HERITAGE WALK 2019
SPEECH BY YAB CHOW KON YEOW,
CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
THE FLAG OFF CEREMONY OF GEORGE TOWN HERITAGE WALK 2019
A very good morning to all of you.
First and foremost, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you from near and far who are participating in George Town Heritage Walk 2019. I am pleased to see so many of you here with us early this morning at the historical Lebuh Pantai (Beach Street).
The George Town Heritage Walk 2019 is held in conjunction with the George Town Festival and George Town Heritage Celebrations to commemorate George Town World Heritage Day which falls on the 7th of July. Obtaining UNESCO Heritage Site status in 2008, George Town is set to have a mesmerising celebration of arts, culture and heritage through the George Town Festival which is in its tenth edition this year.
I am truly glad to find out and to witness that they are 1,500 participants from 12 countries joining the 5-km heritage walk today. This is indeed a great achievement and opportunity for all of us to immerse in the enchanting street views and appreciate the sights and sounds of the remarkable historical landmarks in George Town World Heritage Site.
I am confident that you will get to gain an in-depth insight into the rich culture and heritage of George Town through this meaningful walk. From Kapitan Keling Mosque, Goddess of Mercy Temple, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi to Pinang Peranakan Mansion and more, George Town’s beautiful and vibrant heritage has much to be honoured and celebrated. Also, prepare to be surprised by some fantastic pop-up performances by international artists along the way to lighten up your Sunday morning.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The George Town Heritage Walk 2019 serves to kickstart George Town Festival which is set to take centre stage in Penang from 13 to 28 July, celebrating local and international works of art. The theme of this year, ‘A Festival for Everyone’ stresses on the idea of making arts accessible for all with lots of free-to-attend events and they are certainly something that you do not want to miss. The 16-day long Festival will feature a total of 150 programmes, including visual arts, theatre, music, dance, comedy, film, photography and many more. Be sure to mark your schedules as ‘busy’ or ‘occupied’ during these 16 days to immerse yourself completely in the arts, culture and heritage of George Town.
On behalf of the Penang State Government, I wish that everyone here will have a fun and healthy morning while reminiscing wonderful memories. Let us all enjoy ourselves!
Thank you.