SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE WINTER SOLSTICE 213th SEH TEK TONG CHEAH KONGSI ANNIVERSARY DINNER

22 December 2023
MUS, Jalan Macalister

Good evening to all of you.

I thank Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi for this invitation to be here for your 213^th Anniversary dinner which also coincides with the Winter Solstice celebration. As a tradition, the Winter Solstice Festival or Dong Zhi is observed by the Chinese in China as an end of the harvest festival and to mark the beginning of winter. While there’s no Winter season in Malaysia, the celebration is observed with a family reunion over dinner with colourful tangyuans being eaten to symbolize family unity and prosperity.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

One of the challenges which we face today is on striking a fair balance between age-old traditions and modernity. Preserving our heritage is not merely a duty; it is a commitment to safeguard the soul of our communities, a link between our past and our future. Yet, the path to preservation of our traditions is fraught with obstacles.

In November this year, the Penang state government received funding from the federal government for the implementation of our heritage-based initiatives through George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI). Our focus will be on the provision of special grants to encourage heritage building owners to restore their buildings and initiatives to encourage inner city residents to continue living in the city.

Speaking about the restoration of heritage buildings, I must commend that Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi have done a splendid job in this aspect.

Your clan house in the heart of the George Town Heritage area is an example of a successful restoration project being carried out on the initiative of your previous Chairman Dato’ Peter Cheah with the support of his committee members.

This successful restoration story, however, is not easily repeated by others. A matter of great importance and challenge – the difficulties faced in obtaining approval for the restoration and maintenance of heritage buildings.

Heritage buildings that have stood for years, embodying the essence of their time, are suddenly subjected to new requirements that were not in place when they were initially erected. This often requires owners to restore elements that were not mandated before, leading to additional costs and, in some cases, logistical challenges.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

As we face these difficulties, it is essential to find a balance between preserving our heritage and ensuring the feasibility of restoration projects. The imposition of new requirements should be approached with sensitivity, recognizing the financial constraints and the potential strain on the commitment to preservation.

In the ongoing journey to preserve and showcase our cultural heritage, I would also like to draw your attention to the vast potential in the use of digitalization by our clan houses. This initiative not only enhances the accessibility of our history and culture but also provides an enriching experience for tourists.

It is imperative that we explore avenues to make our cultural treasures more accessible to the modern world. Our numerous clan houses in George Town, steeped in history and cultural significance, now stands at the intersection of tradition and technology.

By embracing digitalization, we are extending an open invitation to tourists, both local and international, to immerse themselves in our heritage. Through user-friendly interfaces, visitors can easily access the history and culture embedded in our clan houses. This digital initiative serves as a bridge between the past and the present while ensuring that the cultural narrative remains vibrant and accessible.

Moreover, digitalization opens up possibilities for dynamic storytelling. Through engaging audio-visual content and interactive exhibits, we can breathe new life into the narratives of our ancestors, captivating the imagination of visitors to our clan houses. This not only elevates the tourist experience but also fosters a greater appreciation for our rich cultural history and heritage.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Having said all these, it is important that we take the view that modern tools are at our disposal to enhance as well as to strengthen our ties with our cultural heritage and its historical artefacts which are rich in value, wisdom and legacy. Embracing technology can help us to embark on a journey that transcends time and to gain a deeper understanding of the legacy we are working tirelessly to preserve.

And with that, I wish everyone here Happy Winter Solstice Festival, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!