By V. Sivaji
Having the honour of being the oldest tourist guides body in Malaysia, the Penang Tourist Guides Association (PTGA) celebrated its 60th anniversary in grand style at the Ascott Gurney Penang.
Welcoming his guests was PTGA president, Clement Liang and his committee members. Guest of honour was YB Wong Hon Wai, State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy.
Also spotted was Dr Annuar Mohamed, Penang MOTAC Director, Carolyn Leong, Penang MATTA chairman, Mary Ann Harris, Ooi Chok Yan, Penang Global Tourism Chief Executive Officer, John Kim, representing MAH Penang, Andy Lau, MyBha Penang, Abdul Hadi Che Man Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director and a host of other guests.
Sharing his joy at the remarkable journey of PTGA, Wong congratulated PGTA for their historic achievement.
“Sixty years ago, a small group of people decided that Penang’s story was worth telling properly. Today, that decision has become a profession, an institution, and one of the pillars of this state’s economy. On behalf of the Penang State Government, congratulations to PTGA. And happy birthday.
“Let me also take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy World Tourism Day. September 27th is also World Tourism Day. Therefore, today is a double celebration.
“There is also a very meaningful coincidence here. PTGA was founded and registered on 27 September 1966, while 27 September was later designated as World Tourism Day in 1980. The date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism, the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes on 27 September 1970.
“So today, as we celebrate 60 years of PTGA, we are also celebrating the importance of tourism itself,” said Wong.
He also remarked that the 2026 theme also reminds us that we have to explore how AI and digital technology can create a smarter, more inclusive and sustainable tourism sector.
“Tourism has changed completely since 1966. A visitor today can research our food, our buildings and our history before they even board the plane. Some would say that makes the guide less necessary. I say the opposite.
“When information is free and available to everyone, interpretation becomes the scarce resource. Anyone can tell a visitor what a building is. Very few can tell them why it still matters. That is not a small distinction. It is the entire value of this profession, and it has only grown. And PTGA has been part of this journey from the very beginning,” added Wong.
The ceremony also saw pioneer members of PTGA being recognised for their contribution with certificates of appreciation.
Earlier, Liang in his speech said that the gathering honours the vision and dedication of the pioneers who came together 60 years ago to establish a professional body for tourist guides in Penang. Their commitment laid the foundation for the strong and respected association we are proud to be part of today.
“As guides, we do much more than show visitors around. We are storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and passionate advocates for Penang. Every day, we bring to life the heritage, traditions, and unique character of our beloved” Pearl of the Orient”. Through our work, countless visitors from around the world have come to know and appreciate Penang’s rich history and vibrant culture.
“This celebration is also an opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed to our journey, our founding members, past leaders, committee members, fellow guides, tourism partners, government agencies, sponsors, and friends. Your support, dedication, and friendship have been invaluable,” h added.
The PTGA has some 700 members todate.
Thanks to the organising commitee that made this 60th PTGA celebration a memorable n successful gathering.