EURASIAN HERITAGE FIESTA 2017 - PHOTO EXHIBITION: THE "PENANG EURASIAN STORY"
SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
FOR PHOTO EXHIBITION - THE PENANG EURASIAN STORY
ON 26 AUGUST 2017
I would like to congratulate the Penang Eurasian Association for showcasing the ethnic culture, traditions and customs of the Penang Eurasians. Through this photo exhibition at the Penang Eurasian Association in Pulau Tikus this tells your story, synonymous with the rich history of the Eurasians in Penang.
This special exhibition gives us an insight of the presence of the early Eurasian community in Penang. It highlights the Eurasian heritage and the community’s contribution to society and to the nation. The Eurasian community in Penang has exhibited through the years, a tremendous love for music and food. Among the most well known musicians was the legendary composer and pianist Jimmy Boyle who wrote Putera Puteri.
Some of the Eurasian contributions to music is enshrined in our Penang Music Museum, a RM3 million initiative by Penang Water Supply Authority to preserve and project the well-known music performers and their works.
The “Penang Eurasian Story” Photo Exhibition stimulates and raises historical awareness among the general public especially the young. I am sure the public will appreciate the rich heritage and culture of the Eurasians not only in Penang, but also within the region and the whole world!
Your aim to make this photo exhibition a permanent fixture in Penang to showcase Eurasian music and heritage memorabilia deserves acknowledgment. It will be a highly interesting tourist attraction as it will be an opportunity for many tourists visiting Penang to discover more about your invaluable contributions to the rich culture, history and heritage of Penang.
We embrace our Eurasian brothers and sisters as part of our Penang community to cherish and behold your ancestor's contributions. We need to look beyond to the future with confidence and as part of the larger Penang community to forge a dynamic and international city.