By V. SivajiIn celebration of the traditional trades of Penang and the resilient spirit of its people, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) launched a video series earlier today.
On hand was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai who was welcomed by PGT chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan and his team.
Lending support were tourism industry stakeholders and supporters too.
In his address, Wong said that these videos do more than document skills, They honour the artisans who keep our heritage alive with their hands, hearts, and stories.
“The Penang State Government encourages all Malaysians and international visitors to discover, support, and celebrate these living traditions.
“In today’s fast-moving world of apps, instant trends and digital distractions, this series invites us to take a breath. To look back. To appreciate the beauty in the hands that still stitch, carve, roll, sew, and shape – not with automation, but with heart and heritage.
“The series highlights 10 traditional trades that have helped shape Penang’s unique way of life – from the crisp “clack-clack” of wooden clogs, to the fragrance of freshly strung flower garlands, from the delicate beadwork of Nyonya shoes to the bold aroma of fermented Belacan,” added Wong.
Among the featured traditional trades are – Peanut Candy (TIKE) – Tan Kean Hooi, the third-generation artisan of Ang Seng Heong, who still rolls and cuts peanut candy by hand — preserving the snack’s authentic taste and texture, Capal (Traditional Malay Sandals) crafted by Badril Shahidan, capal represents Malay heritage. With over 20 years of experience, Badril handmakes each pair with cultural pride, Wooden Clogs (K/&) by Tan Yang Ling began learning the craft at 13 and continues to carve clogs by hand in his seventies. Each pair tells a story of Penang’s past, Flower Garlands byBasheer, a third-generation florist, hand-stringing garlands used for blessings and celebrations, creating a living symbol of interfaith harmony, Nutmeg by 82-year-old Chang Kun Min still oversees Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory, while his children carry forward the family’s legacy of turning nutmeg into oils, balms, and preserved snacks, Trishaws (Beca) by Choo Yew Choon restores trishaws at the century-old Hup Huat Bicycle Shop. His customers include royalty — a testament to his craftsmanship, Songkok by Haja Mohideen and his son-in-law Abdul Kadeer craft each traditional Malay cap by hand, preserving a symbol of identity and dignity, Manik (Beaded Shoes) byNyonya artisan May Lim stitches every pair by hand, keeping alive a Peranakan art form that once graced a UNESCO stage in Paris, Belacan (Shrimp Paste) by Sim Seng Lee Belacan Factory is helmed by Sim Liang Hock and his son Samuel Sim, who has returned from overseas to preserve the nation’s boldest flavour and finally Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppet Theatre) by Master puppeteer Mohd Jufri Yusof and his sons carry on a storytelling tradition, offering free classes to pass on the craft.
Timed to coincide with the George Town World Heritage Celebration in July – marking the 17th anniversary of George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the video series highlights ten traditional trades that have helped shape Penang’s multicultural identity.
Also present at the launch ceremony was YB Teh Lai Heng, Komtar Assemblyman, YB Joseph Ng (Air Itam), YB Wong Yuee Harng (Pengkalan Kota), Datin S. Bharathi, (CMI general manager), Dato Tony Goh (Penang MAH chairman), Dr Annuar Mohamed (Penang MOTAC Director, Abdul Hadi Che Man (Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Director among others.