By V. Sivaji
In recognition of old and time tested brands from Penang, a local media organisation presented awards to six of the pioneer establishments earlier today.
Present to present the awards was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai who was received by Dato’ Ch’ng Huck Theng who is the Editor-in-Chief of iNPENANG magazine, Founder of CHTNetwork and his team.
The ceremony presented awards to six recipients, namely, Ghee Hiang (founded in 1856), Koon Kee, a very true-blue Penang kopi powder, was founded in 1950 (75 years), Feng Yi Dumplings, founded in the 1975 (55 years), Jeruk Madu Pak Ali (1985), Gama Supermarket and Departmental Store (since 1967) and Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort (1973).
Representing Feng Yi was its founder herself, Madam Teoh Siew Hong aged 86-years-old and her family members.
Also present was Andre Lim, representing Datuk Andrew Lim – Group Executive Chairman, GAMA, Mohamad Amzar Alias, representing Datuk Haji Alias bin Haji Ali (Managing Director of Jeruk Madu Pak Ali), Ms Christina Lee (Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort) and Ms Pinky Woon and Mr Adrian Chin (Koon Kee Coffee).
Lending support was Penang Global Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Ooi Chok Yan among others.
In his address, Wong congratulated the six establishments as the enduring icons of the brand world in Penang and that their heritage, quality, innovation, and their timeless appeal are their key attributes, defining them as the legendary brands of Penang.
“This initiative not only highlights the best that Penang has to offer but also supports our local businesses by showcasing their unique qualities to a wider audience.
“New brands emerge daily, but there is a unique allure in those that have stood the test of time. Old brands have a timeless charm, built on legacies of trust, quality, innovation and adaptation,” shared Wong.
He also took time to highlight the top 10 tourism developments in Penang. Among them were –
-The Funicular Train at Penang Hill, which has been listed as one of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Funicular Trains in the World by Travel + Leisure magazine.
– Penang International Airport was ranked as the second busiest airport in Malaysia in 2024, surpassing Kota Kinabalu Airport.
– .Since August 2023, Penang has added 13 new direct flights. The latest addition is from Myanmar Airways International, and by the end of the month, a new Chengdu Airlines.
– In Q1 2024, we conducted roadshows to India and Taiwan. We have signed an MOU with EaseMyTrip to bring in more Indian tourists and business activities.
– In the area of medical tourism, we facilitated the signing of an MOU between UnionPay and private hospitals in Penang.
– Lonely Planet has listed Penang as one of the 7 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia.
– Penang has achieved the following recognitions: a) Two new Guinness World Records at ESCAPE Penang for the Longest Tubby Racer and Biggest Tipping Bucket. b) Home to the world’s first biofluorescent garden – Entopia by Night.
– The Penang Chingay team performed for the first time in history at the Singapore Formula One Pit Building during the Singapore Chingay Parade. A joint nomination for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage was submitted at the end of March:- Lion Dance: Malaysia and China/Chingay Parade: Malaysia and Singapore.
– Penang saw the addition of over 10 new hotels in 2024 thus increase: 2,200 hotel rooms in one year, based on statistics from MOTAC.
– The frequency of international flights at Penang International Airport (PIA) reached 320 flights per week as of February this year, surpassing the 284 per week recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2016, there were only 208 flights per week.
Meanwhile, Ch’ng added that the edition of iNPenang Best Guide – Old Brands is very significant, as it is the old brandsthat first helped to shape Penang in the tourism and retailing industries.
“It is important to acknowledge and protect our history and promote it. This edition we salute not only Penang’s oldest but also Malaysia’s oldest product brand, Ghee Hiang, established in 1856,” he said.