The office of the State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy launched the “Penang in Frames: From Heritage to Adventure” Photography Competition in Komtar yesterday.
In attendance was YB Wong Hon Wai along with sponsors and partners who helped bring this competition to reality.
In his address, Wong said that the event is not just unveiling a competition, but a creative movement that celebrates Penang’s identity, its beauty and its people, through the power of photography.
“Our office has always believed that one of the most direct and impactful ways to promote Penang is through the power of the lens. When potential travellers overseas decide where to go next, they don’t just read brochures; they look at photos.
“A single captivating image, a vibrant street mural, a bowl of steaming laksa, or the sunset over Penang Bridge, can inspire a journey, ignite curiosity, and make someone thousands of miles away dream of visiting Penang. That is why photography is not just an art form; it is a powerful tourism tool. Every frame tells a story; every image carries emotion and every photo taken in Penang becomes a visual ambassador to the world,” he said.
He also added that photographers are also storytellers of Penang.
“Regardless if you are a talented photographer, professionals and hobbyists, you are not just image-makers. You are storytellers of Penang. Through your lens, you help us tell the story of who we are, a state where heritage meets creativity, where tradition meets innovation.
“This year’s Frames of Penang Photography Competition is divided into three exciting categories, each representing a different heartbeat of Penang’s spirit.
Category One: Culture & Food.
“Penang’s soul lives in its heritage and its food. From the aroma of char koay teow along George Town’s back lanes, to the artistry of our hawkers perfecting recipes passed down for generations, these are stories worth capturing. Every dish tells a tale of our multicultural heritage, Malay, Chinese, Indian and Baba Nyonya, blending on one plate.
“Penang is known globally as a creative city, a place where art lives in every corner. From street murals in George Town to music festivals, from artisans to local designers breathing new life into tradition, creativity is part of our daily life.
“Beyond the city and the heritage zone, Penang offers another side waiting to be explored. Our lush rainforests, scenic hiking trails, and calm beaches offer a refreshing contrast to urban life. This category invites photographers to capture our natural beauty, from the sunrise at Penang Hill to the paddy fields of Balik Pulau, from turtle conservation at Pantai Kerachut to kayaking in Teluk Bahang,” he shared.
He was also encouraged to go beyond what is seen to capture what is felt. Show us Penang’s warmth, its colours, its people. Capture the laughter in our markets, the quiet beauty of our temples, the movement of our festivals, and the serenity of our hills.