WE ARE SITE MANAGERS INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM 2024’ OPENING CEREMONY
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR ‘WE ARE SITE MANAGERS INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM 2024’ OPENING CEREMONY
1 MARCH 2024 (FRIDAY) | 9.00AM
THE WEMBLEY ST GILES HOTEL, PENANG
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Yang Berhormat Teh Lai Heng,
State Assemblyman of KOMTAR
Yang Berhormat Wong Yuee Harng,
State Assemblyman of Pengkalan Kota
Yang Berbahagia Dato Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony,
Mayor of the City Council of Penang
Yang Berbahagia Datin Bharathi Suppiah,
General Manager of Chief Minister of Penang Incorporated
Yang Berusaha Dr Ang Ming Chee,
General Manager of George Town World Heritage Incorporated and Symposium Director,
Ms Moe Chiba,
Section Chief and Programme Specialist for Culture, UNESCO Office in Jakarta
Dr Abdulelah Al-Tokhais,
Chairperson of UNESCO 45th Extended World Heritage Session
Mr Einar Á. Sæmundsen,
Chairperson, Nordic World Heritage Association
Ms Fatma Twahir,
Chairperson, African Site Managers Network
Distinguished Site Managers, heritage professionals, Participants, and Media
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning to you all.
First and foremost, let me take this opportunity by expressing my sincere gratitude to the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) for organizing a propitious symposium that emboldens discussion and discourses for the betterment of conserving and preserving history, culture, and heritage. On behalf of the state government, it is a pleasure to extend a warm welcome and bid you Selamat Datang to George Town, Penang!
As we convene this morning, it is understood that a staggering 160 leading world heritage site managers and heritage professionals from 37 countries across continents have travelled near and far to Penang, Malaysia. Whether it is your first trip to Penang, or your return visit to this beautiful city, I am confident that George Town will greet you with an atmosphere of warmth and multicultural hospitality.
Penang stands as a vibrant yet dynamic cultural and heritage pinnacle of Malaysia. With its breathtaking landscapes, piquant cuisines, and beautiful people, Penang proudly hosts two UNESCO-accredited sites, namely the Historic City of George Town, a part of the Melaka and George Town Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca, which held the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since its first inscription in 2008. Meanwhile, just 8 kilometres away lies the UNESCO Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, a testament to Penang's commitment to environmental preservation, earning its inscription in 2021.
We as Penangites take immense pride in our beautiful cultural and natural heritage. We commemorate the George Town Historic City Day on 7 July, and celebrate its UNESCO World Heritage Status with a public holiday gazetted by the state government. With that being said, when in town, you will discover that the Penangites are also naming their shops, hotels, eateries, businesses with the word ‘heritage’. For example, Heritage Teh Tarik and Roti Canai, Heritage House, Heritage Cafe, Heritage Hotel, Kedai Kopi Heritage, and Penang Heritage Ice Kacang etc.
Ladies and gentlemen,
George Town has reached beyond its presumed milestones on heritage conservation, management and promotion after 16 years as a World Heritage Site.
I have had the privilege to witness first-hand, the commitments and dedication of our own Site Managers, the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) that has spearheaded conservation efforts while safeguarding our historical city. GTWHI demonstrates our commitment to maintain our World Heritage Status.
Through GTWHI, we are able to adequately respond to UNESCO State of Conservation investigations, collaborate with our state party, and the National Heritage Department, and cooperate with the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO. At the local level, GTWHI works hand-in-hand with the Penang Island City Council to facilitate development projects, restorations, and repair permits within the Heritage Site.
Most importantly, we are able to continue empowering the diverse community who work, live, use and visit the city. As a melting pot, Penang has always been home to people of multi- cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Our cosmopolitan identity has been deeply ingrained in our heritage and continues to thrive in our community. Therefore, we are committed to enhancing the multicultural community coexistence in a fair, harmonious, and progressive manner, through a multitude of policies, activities, and initiatives.
Heritage preservation is an integral component to the Penang2030 vision, a decade-long initiative by the state government, aimed at positioning Penang to inspire the nation. As we move forward with the development of state infrastructure, we are equally committed to balancing heritage conservation and pursuing a sustainable urban development. This commitment ensures that Penangites can strive to enhance their quality of life by fostering increased liveability while, at the same time, preserving their identity and cultural footholds.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am confident that everyone present today, in particular the World Heritage Site Managers, has worked tirelessly to ensure the protection of your respective special places. I extend my sincerest admiration toward all of you, for the work you have done and what lies ahead.
It is with hope that you will enjoy the Site Visits tomorrow, where George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage City, awaits you with over 3,000 historic buildings and landscapes, surrounded by warm hospitality, rich history, and a promising future. I am sure you will enjoy the greens at the Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park, and celebrate the coexistence of diversity, including landmarks like Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Seh Teok Tong Cheah Kongsi and many more.
Above all, I hope you will forge new friendships, strengthen existing partnerships, engage in meaningful dialogues, and explore new opportunities during this Symposium. Let George Town serve as the epicentre for the establishment of the World Heritage Site Managers’ Network, fostering global collective action for a transparent, inclusive and updated list of Site Managers of World Heritage properties.
Finally, I wish you all, all the best in the launching of the George Town Declaration. May this Declaration gather the deserved and much needed support from all global stakeholders. Rest assured that the Penang State Government, as the host of this symposium, will be the first to embrace and endorse the George Town Declaration, fully supporting your vision for a renewed future for the Convention.
Together, let us work hand-in-hand to promote, conserve and protect the World Heritage properties for today, tomorrow, and the future.
With that, I declare this We Are Site Managers International Symposium OPEN!
Thank you.