Planning for ‘city of Asian culture’
THE state government plans to transform George Town into an Asia Cultural City in conjunction with its listing as a Unesco World Heritage site.
Penang Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Com-mittee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the state would invite Asian countries to promote their culture to Penang.
Law (right) checking out the stalls at the fair at New World Park.
Law was speaking at a press conference after launching the Thai Culture and Cuisine 2008 fair at New World Park recently.
“Apart from the myriad of Chi-nese, Indian and Malay celebrations, we also observe Thai festivals such as the Songkran Festival and the Loy Krathong in Penang.
“This year, the Loy Krathong festival will be held in a bigger scale in November at Esplanade for the first time.”
“This is a form of culture exchange which will enhance bilateral ties between Penang and Thailand,” he said.
Law said an Irish cultural festival would be held at Padang Brown from Oct 10 to Oct 12.
“There would be cultural performances and Irish football during the three-day celebration,” he said, adding that the state was also looking at organising an Indian cultural festival and a Bangladesh cultural festival. At the 10-day Thai Culture and Cuisine 2008 fair organised by the Thai Consulate in Penang, a total of 50 stalls have been set up, showcasing Thai products and delicacies from Songkhla, Satun Pattani, Hadyai and Yala provinces.
Thai consul-general Manopchai Vongphakdi said the fair was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties between Thailand and Malaysia.
“Many Thai students come to study in Penang and there are also Thai food and drinks available in the state.
“We hope to foster further understanding and cultural promo between the two countries,” he said.
This article is courtesy from The Star Metro
