Tag Archives: Art

Art, George Town, Music, Style

A Timeless Legacy: Celebrating 70 Years of Culture and Creativity

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In a world increasingly driven by the fleeting and the digital, there remains something undeniably noble about tradition, artistry, and the enduring power of culture.

 This October, one of Malaysia’s most revered cultural institutions, the Penang Arts Council, is celebrating  exactly that — a seven decade legacy of creative excellence.

On Saturday, 25 October 2025, the grandeur of Penang’s historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel will set the stage for a once-in-a-generation celebration: the Penang Arts Council 70th Anniversary Gala.

From 6:00PM to 10:00PM, guests will be immersed in an evening of curated musical splendour — a sweeping journey through some of the most iconic opera productions ever staged by the Council. 

Handpicked from decades of celebrated performances across Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, the repertoire will include beloved arias and ensembles from La Traviata, The Magic Flute, The Mikado, The Merry Widow, Carmen and Turandot. 

This tribute to operatic excellence will be brought to life by a distinguished cast of vocal talents: Chaing Yi Ling, Peter Ong, Tan Jin Yin, Wong Jun Wen, Wilson Loh Titt Tze, accompanied on piano by the acclaimed Loh Chun Han. It promises to be an unforgettable night — where every note honours the past, while echoing into the future.

But the evening is more than a concert. It promises to be a cultural gathering of note, a convergence of art connoisseurs, patrons, and visionaries. A highlight of the gala will be the exclusive Art Auction, showcasing works by some of the most respected names in Malaysian visual arts — including Chan Tat Wai, Da Niu, Foo Hong Tatt, Jason Min, Kek Hoon Pin, Lee Joo For, Lee Eng Beng, Tan Choon Ghee, Wang Xiao Ling, Alex Leong, along with contributions from The Art Gallery, Penang. 

Each artwork, generously donated, reflects a shared belief in sustaining Penang’s cultural vitality. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction bids will directly fund the Penang Arts Council’s 2026 cultural programmes, supporting the next generation of artists and ensuring continued access to the arts for the wider community.

The event is looking to be not just a gala, but an affirmation of identity, legacy, and the quiet power of the arts to shape who we are — as a people, a place, and a culture.

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in pre-dinner online bidding, with QR codes and links available via the official media flyer.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025  

🕕 Time :6:00PM – 10:00PM  

📍 Venue: Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang  

🎟 Tickets available: Click here to purchase](https://shorturl.at/zI0di)

Established in 1954, the Penang Arts Council stands as one of Malaysia’s oldest and most respected arts organizations.

For seven decades, it has served as a platform for artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners — fostering talent, preserving tradition, and promoting the arts across communities. Its influence stretches far beyond the island’s shores, shaping the cultural narrative of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

(All images courtesy of the Penang Arts Council) 

Art, Church, George Town, Music, Style, Travel

Remembering Kim

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Kim, a vibrant and colourful soul whose love for fabric and textiles was matched by her passion for travel and devotion to music, has left us after an illness. 

Kim at one of her favourite travel destinations (Bali) this year (photo by Tess tweaked by Boon Tiong)

Her creative spirit shone brightly through her work with textiles which saw the production of a book. 

The book authored by Kim

An avid traveler, Kim, embarked on countless adventures, exploring new cultures and gathering inspiration for her work, as she set up homes with her late husband Michael Saunders, in various Asian cities. She cherished every journey, finding joy in discovering new places, meeting new friends, and experiencing the beauty of the world.

Her devotion and love for dogs is legendary and she will be remembered for always being the first to lend a hand and donation to those in need.

Kim’s love for music, particularly choral singing, enriched her life and the lives of those around her. 

Whether performing in local choirs or sharing her love of music for God in church, her voice resonated always with passion and joy. She found solace and connection through song and hymns, and her spirit will undoubtedly echo in the hearts of those who sang alongside her.

Kim sang in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Penang’s choir

Now, Kim is reunited with her beloved Michael, and together they continue their journey in the beyond. May their love inspire us to embrace our passions and cherish every moment. 

Rest in peace, Kim. Your legacy of love, service and inspiration will be etched in all our hearts.

#kimjanesaunders

#requiescatinpace

#vale

Art, George Town, Style, Wellness, Yoga

Namaste, CSR🙏🏽

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The multi-talented Charles

Today, let’s celebrate the life of a remarkable person who touched each of our hearts in unique ways. 

As we remember our beloved Charles Stephen Ramachandran/CharlieBoy who was not only a talented hairdresser but also a passionate yoga instructor and gifted artist (plus a mean sugee cake baker and great tailor) we reflect on the vibrant energy he brought into our world.

In his work, Charles transformed not just hair, but lives—helping people feel confident, beautiful, and truly seen. He had this gift for making others shine, for emphasizing the beauty that exists within each of us. 

His artistry was not limited to the salon; it extended into every canvas he touched, leaving behind vibrant and evocative pieces that spoke to the deep emotions we all share. Each stroke of his brush echoed his spirit—expressive, colourful and undeniably full of life.

As a yoga instructor, he taught many of us the importance of mindfulness, balance, and connection. We were reminded to breathe, to find peace within ourselves, and to embrace the beauty of our own journeys. 

Charles showed us that strength comes in many forms—sometimes in the quiet moments of stillness and reflection, and sometimes in the boldness of self-expression.

And perhaps most importantly, he showed us the power of love. Love for himself, love for his craft, and love for each of us. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Charlie Boy taught us to celebrate authenticity and to live fully and unapologetically.

As we grieve his passing, let us also celebrate the joy he brought into our lives. Let us carry forward his legacy of love, creativity, and acceptance. May we remember to support one another, to uplift each other, and to embrace the diverse tapestry of life that Charles so beautifully embodied.

Today, we honour not just a life lived, but a life that inspired. May his spirit continue to guide us as we navigate our own paths. 

Fly high with Aunty Margaret & Uncle Stephen, our dear son of Pulau Tikus❤️

Those growing up with Charles in Pulau Tikus remember walking through this field with him and our dear Nigel, in front of the home of their beloved Nanny Jo
Charles will rest in the parlour of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Pulau Tikus in Penang from this evening until his farewell funeral mass tomorrow

#requiescatinpace #vale #RIP #CharlesStephenRamachandran #CSR

Art, George Town, Heritage, Style, Travel

Sparking joy in sketches … the Penang way

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A decade ago, Penang-born Tiffany Choong began sketching daily in her art journal, as part of her Happiness Project.

The self-taught artist discovered the joys of sketching through her global travels, which in turn it is said, gives her “a sense of purpose that fuels her soul.”

Just in time for Christmas, Tiffany presents EVERYDAY PENANG The Art of Joy.

She delivers playful pen and ink sketches, having drawn inspiration from simple objects she takes in daily.

Each sketch takes the reader not only into the “inner Penang” through the eyes of the artist, but is also paired with little pick-me-up quotes and words of wisdom along the way.

The visual treats found on every page of the compact book, is one which will spark joy with Penang residents and Penangites-at-heart, thanks to boutique publisher Clarity Publishing, who has connected Tiffany’s hometown and heritage with themes of love, loss and identity, including traditions and rituals.

As we wind up 2023 with an attitude of gratitude, the book serves as a gentle and colourful reminder to ourselves that “the simple joys of life will always shine through, if we let them.”

Copies of the book are available via https://www.clarity8.com/shopshop/en/gift-book/62-everyday-penang-the-art-of-joy.html

(All images courtesy of Clarity Publishing Sdn Bhd)

Eats, George Town, Homes, Photography, Style

Nailing a good sugee cake

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It is not a place one associates with great sugee (semolina) cake, but this is Penang, and you just never know what lies behind a door, the side of a backlane or even a monsoon drain here!

In this case, it’s a grand mansion by-the-sea, known simply as 32 Mansion. I always admire businesses with simple names coined from their addresses or postcodes. (the street address being 32 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah).

A visit to this 1920s sea-fronting Italian villa, is a history lesson in itself …

(Extracted from the business operator’s website)

BUILT FOR LEONG YIN KEAN, THE SON OF TIN MAGNATE LEONG FEE, WHO HAD FALLEN IN LOVE WITH ITALY WHILST A STUDENT AT CAMBRIDGE, THIS ELEGANT ITALIANATE VILLA ON GEORGE TOWN’S NORTH BEACH LOOKS OUT OVER GARDENS ONTO THE SEA.
IT WAS DESIGNED BY CHARLES MILLER (OF STARK & MCNEILL) AND IS LOCATED ON “MILLIONAIRE’S ROW” (NORTHAM ROAD BUT NOW RENAMED JALAN SULTAN AHMAD SHAH).

THE MANSION WAS BUILT IN 1926 AND MODELED AFTER THE OPULENT VILLAS IN LONDON’S REGENT’S PARK. SADLY, LIKE MANY OF PENANG’S MANSIONS, IT FELL INTO A STATE OF DISREPAIR AND HAD BEEN USED AS A MOTOR-BIKE CENTRE CALLED BIKER’S PARADISE AND HAD AS MANY AS 30 TENANTS LIVING IN PARTITIONED BLOCKS ALONG ITS ONCE ELEGANT ROOMS.


RESTORED TO ITS FORMER GLORY IN 2000 BY ESCOY HOLDINGS IT IS A MODEL OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION BY ADAPTIVE RE-USE AND IT NOW HOUSES THIRTY-TWO AT THE MANSION AND BEACH BLANKET BABYLON.

Back to their sugee cake … it can be found on Beach Blanket Babylon, or BBB’s dessert menu or pre-ordered as a fresh and buttery takeaway (it’s advisable to order the full-sized sugee cake at least 3 days ahead).

While BBB is better known for its crab laksa, the humble sugee cake has received equal praise from those who appreciate this baked goodness, for which many Eurasian, Peranakan, Chinese and Indian aunties (and uncles) guard the recipes fiercely.

Step into the home so cosily and welcoming created by Kah Hock, for either a slice of his sugee cake or the rest of the great spread offered.

Walk away with not only a satisfied meal, but endless shots of this great home and (it’s grounds) for your countless Instagram and other social media posts!

George Town

Honing the power and possibilities of art in a city

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It’s baaaack!

Save the dates from July 15-30 for yet another edition of the George Town Festival (GTF).

‘Celebrating the Power and Possibilities of the Arts in the City’ is the theme adopted for this 14th edition of what continues to be a promised spectacular celebration of art, culture, and heritage for all to experience.

The festival presents a myriad of outstanding artistic works by Malaysian and international artists, (including those from Penang) featuring productions across varied art forms ranging from traditional, contemporary, experimental, and multidisciplinary.

“This makes George Town Festival 2023 the most exciting iteration in recent years, bridging tangible and intangible heritage through continued global artistic partnership and exchange,” its organisers said in a statement.

GTF was first mooted in 2010 to honour George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Over a decade later, the festival continues to elevate the visibility of the city’s heritage while creating spaces and platforms for increased cultural engagement through the arts.

“Since its inaugural edition, GTF has become a hallmark event in Malaysia and remains an avenue for creatives, festival-goers and stakeholders to engage with the arts and one another, spurring discussions, bilateral relations, and increased collaborations through and for the arts,” say it’s organisers.

Currently in its 14th edition, GTF 2023 features over 50 programmes with free access to 70% of its shows and events.

The programme line-up (https://georgetownfestival.com/2023/programmes_/the-monkey-king-adventures-love-of-onibaba/# ) includes several premiering and debut productions, indigenous-ethnic-cultural performances, digital installations, books and game launches, community-based events, and a series of arts masterclasses, workshops, and forums.

They will be spread across 20 over locations in George Town and the wider Penang area.

To further stimulate global artistic partnerships, GTF 2023 will facilitate performances and events between artists from East and West Malaysia and creative exchange with Taiwan and Australia.

This year, the festival is partnering with the Australian High Commission as a channel to honour the 50th-anniversary celebration of George Town and Adelaide as sister cities.

A highlight of this is ‘The Senses’ which will present a sensory and immersive musical experience within the naturescapes of Penang Hill’s 130-million-year-old rainforest.

In its effort to deepen awareness and appreciation of traditional art forms, GTF 2023 also includes several ethnic-traditional cultural performances to help elevate the visibility of intangible heritage in Penang and beyond.

Highlights in the programme are Panggung Semar, bhumiMATA, and The Monkey King Adventures: Love of Onibaba.

George Town Festival 2023 is a project by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), organised by TLM Event, and endorsed by the Penang State Government and the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy.

It is fully supported by the City Council of Penang Island and Penang Global Tourism.

(all images courtesy of George Town Festival)

Festivals, George Town, Media, Photography, Style, Travel

Caring Matters

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Dear Bibliophiles and those visiting Penang this weekend,

The George Town Literary Festival and it’s related events are set to keep us all on our toes as we have fun being introduced to new book titles and their authors and have a great start to Christmas shopping!

How about taking some time out and going on a photographic exploration of love, caring relationships, social and filial ties?

It is being presented by Karyn Coxall-Leong from Friday 22/11/2019 till 29/11/2019 at Viva Victoria’s Upstairs Gallery at 169, Lebuh Victoria.

The exhibition opens at 6pm this Friday and runs from 12 noon till 11.30pm on other days.

“In a time and place where technology, convenience, consumerism lead, it is so very easy to get caught up in the everyday goings-on, ” says Karyn.

“No matter your circumstances or where you come from, we must all make an effort to remember family and community as the true lynchpins of life.”

(Images courtesy of Karyn Coxall-Leong)

Church, George Town

From Broadway to George Town … story-telling of faith

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Broadway actor Bruce Kuhn is coming to town! This will not be his first trip to Malaysia (he has performed in the Klang Valley and East Malaysia previously) but definitely his maiden visit to Penang.

Kuhn’s list of acting performances in the United States include playing Javert (the Police Inspector) and Thenardier (Master of the House) in “Les Miserables” on Broadway. He also starred in the national tour of Harry Chapin’s one-man Off-Broadway hit, “The Cotton Patch Gospel,” and performed in the national tour of “Chess,” directed by Trevor Nunn.

His one-man shows on his worldwide tours have included “The Gospel of Luke” and “Acts of the Apostles” which are told as stories in a compelling manner.

Kuhn’s gift in storytelling is one which he shares with others, via ‘Word by Heart’, an international training school (which he is a co-founder). Students around the world (from Vancouver in Canada to Oxford in the UK) have been taught via his courses, to present a gospel to an audience.

His Penang dates are from Friday (21/6/2019) to Saturday (22/6/2019) where he will be sharing his God-given talents via two monologue theatre performances and a workshop.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception at Pulau Tikus in George Town will host Bruce Kuhn and his performances.

With a donation of RM25, you get to attend all three sessions. Tickets are available during weekend masses at the church and at the parish office.

His Penang programme is as follows:

8 pm on Friday 21 June, 2019

Monologue on the Gospel of Luke

10 am on Saturday 22 June, 2019

Workshop on Memorizing & Story Telling

8 pm on Saturday 22 June , 2019

Monologue on the Acts of the Apostles

(Church of the Immaculate Conception, 1 Lorong Maktab, 10250 Penang)

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Art, George Town, Media, Shop, Style, Travel

Rebecca’s Nifty Sketchbooks

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Her t-shirts and their Malaysiana prints of flora and fauna inspired many in the 1980s when she sold these items at Central Market in Kuala Lumpur.

Today, Malaysian artist and painter Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson continues to be inspired from her homes in Penang, Pangkor and Piedmont (Italy) and shares her impressions on paper, canvas, textile and other mediums.

Her latest offerings are these nifty sketchbooks which can double up as travel journals in eye-catching colours and takes you to the jungle and the sea.

A set of 6 of these sketchbooks are retailing at RM80 and currently sold at the Tropical Spice Garden at Teluk Bahang in Penang. Other retail outlets are being confirmed at the moment.

Contact details for the artist are found in the photo below …