By V. Sivaji
The Malaysian-German Society (MGS) in Penang held its reopening of its premises in a ceremony attended by the Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador H.E. Dr. Peter Blomeyer.
Also present was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, Dato Hans Peter Brenner, the Honorable Consul of Germany in Penang, Penang Island City Council Mayor Dato A Rajendran, MGS Penang president Ms Carolinda Bieck, MGS past president Dr Wolfgang Mark and their team.
H.E Ambassador Dr Peter Blomeyer, said that old buildings bring a romantic feeling and what more long with a large garden area like at the MGS here.
“The MGS in Penang plays an important role as it carries out community projects for people-to-people contact and to celebrate customs and traditions”, said Blomeyer adding that we can retrace the German Heritage Trail to the 19th century and set up business to make Penang one of the thriving places in Malaysia.
He also added that the society also conducts German language classes for the benefit of the members of the public.
H.E Ambassador Dr Peter Blomeyer
Also present was Clement Liang, who is the vice president of MGS who offered a tour of the premises and the various displays on the history of MGS.
Meanwhile, Wong added that German companies came here in the 19th century and they are still investing in Penang.
“Even my son takes up the learning of the German language at MGS. We also have our tourism pamphlet in 14 languages and one of them is in the German language. We are also looking forward to the Oktoberfest to be held this year and welcome German tourists”, said Wong.
MGS president Ms Carolinda Bieck shared that since its establishment in 1963, the Malaysian-German Society has worked hard to promote German culture and language learning in Penang.
“It is one of the reasons why many German investors, manufacturing plants, tourists and retirees chose Penang as their preferred destination with the strong cultural ties between Malaysians and the German-speaking community.
“On behalf of the MGS, I would like to thank the City Council of Penang and the Mayor for restoring and refurbishing this beautiful building we moved into, three decades ago”, said Bieck in her address.
Rajendran added that the City Council of Penang Island is committed to maintaining and upgrading the historical buildings for communal and cultural activities.
“The repair and upgrading works on the building started in February 2024 and completed in July 2024 at a cost of RM306,000. The City Council of Penang Island has allocated another RM210,000 in the 2025 budget to rebuild the caretaker’s quarters and covered walkway”, he said to the applause of the MGS members.
The occasion also served to launch the “German Heritage Trail Signage” relaunching too.
Among the repairs undertaken were for the roofing, painting, electrical wiring, air-conditioning among others works.
Presently, they have more than 100 students learning the German language at the Society.
Guests were also served with a splendid hi-tea session as they mingled and got to know each other better.
The Malaysian-German Society in Penang is located at 250 B, Jalan Air Itam, 10460 Penang.