By V. Sivaji
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Malaysia’s oldest grand dame of hospitality, marks a remarkable milestone — 140 years of elegance, heritage, and service — with a gala dinner that brings together a glittering array of guests, dignitaries and friends of the hotel.
The celebration was graced by Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow along with State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai and a host of dignitaries. Among them was Madam Ding Qiao, Acting Consul-General of The People’s Republic of China in Penang, H.E Machida Shinya Consul-General of Japan in Penang among others.
In his opening address, Chow expressed his pleasure to celebrate a remarkable milestone—the 140th anniversary of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel.
“One hundred and forty years is no small feat. It is a legacy that very few institutions in our region can claim, and it belongs not only to the E&O Hotel but also to Penang itself.
“For the past week I had been in Kuala Lumpur for a series of meetings and events, and it struck me how the oldest and most iconic hotel in Malaysia is not in the capital—but right here in Penang,”he said.
He shared that the E&O Hotel is a true testament to Penang’s role as a maritime trading state and a global connector since the 19th century—a role that continues to define who we are today.
Also present was the Executive Chairman of Eastern & Oriental Berhad Dato’ Seri Tee Eng Ho along with Dato’ Tee Eng Seng, Kok Tuck Cheong, Michael Tan among others.
Founded in 1885, for 140 years, since its founding by the visionary Sarkies Brothers, the E&O Hotel has stood as a cultural landmark on George Town’s seafront, mixing colonial grandeur with warm Malaysian charm. Its walls have witnessed grand balls, historic events, the footsteps of travellers and luminaries, and the evolution of Is this city itself.
As the hotel’s first female General Manager, Ms Alison Fraser has become synonymous with preserving the E&O’s storied legacy while leading it into the modern age.
The formal black‑tie dinner features a menu that pays tribute to E&O’s heritage — combining classic colonial‑era sophistication with local flavours.
Guests were treated to musical performances by the Totally Telemann Quartet, Musica Sinfonietta and the Big Band of Penang, They presented a series of classical pieces reminiscent of earlier eras in the hotel’s past.
Festivities culminated in a fireworks display overlooking the Andaman Sea, symbolising both a closing of the night’s celebration and opening of new possibilities.
