PRESS CONFERENCE GTF 2023
SPEECH BY YAB CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
FOR PRESS CONFERENCE
GTF 2023
26 June 2023
Bilik Gerakan
Good afternoon, everyone.
It is my pleasure to welcome all of you here today for the programme announcement of George Town Festival 2023. Following the challenges over the last three years, the organisation of the George Town Festival has needed to adapt to certain restrictions and limitations, seeing a digital version in 2020, a hybrid version in 2021, and a scaled-back physical version last year.
Despite last year’s post-pandemic circumstances, George Town Festival 2022 saw an impressive and highly successful iteration, with 90% of sold-out ticketed shows and over 100,000 attendees throughout the two-week duration of the festival.
The overwhelmingly positive response towards last year’s festival showed its value as a positioner of the arts. The festival’s dedication to the arts has resulted in its recognition as the “main highlight on the global arts calendar” (Tatler Asia, 2022) and one of the “best music [and arts] festivals in Southeast Asia” (Lifestyle Asia, 2022).
As part of our commitment to celebrating the arts and culture in Penang and wider Malaysia, GTF 2023 presents Sounds from the East in collaboration with Design Village Outlet Mall. This also marks the first time George Town Festival extends its presence to Batu Kawan, making it a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate the truly extraordinary world of Borneo through music and dance on the mainland.
Sounds from the East is not just any other event; it is an experience that will ignite our souls and immerse us in the rich soundscapes of Borneo.
It is a celebration of the diverse musical heritage that flows through the veins of our nation, showcasing the extraordinary talents of bands from Sabah and Sarawak. These gifted musicians have dedicated their lives to preserving the cultural treasures that define our Malaysian identity.
The concert is also family-friendly, encouraging us to bring our loved ones, friends and children along. As we gather under the canopy of melodies, we give our children a precious gift—the gift of discovery. It is an opportunity for them to learn more about the diverse heritage that weaves the fabric of our nation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While the State remains dedicated to making Penang a meaningful place for everyone through the Penang2030 Vision, we are also committed to reinvigorating our sense of community. In line with the State’s devotion to the people of Penang, George Town Festival is a vibrant and vital space for all to immerse in new perspectives and rethink how we can engage with our society through the arts.
I welcome everyone to attend Sounds from the East on 8 July 2023 at Batu Kawan with your family, friends, children, and loved ones for an experience like no other because I understand that there will be a total of 50 programmes by our talented performers over a period of 16 days. I also take this opportunity to encourage everyone to celebrate the arts and culture with us at George Town Festival 2023. I look forward to seeing you all in the next coming weeks.
For press members who want more details on the curation of the festival, I now pass to Jack Wong… Thank You.