I had heard so much about Seri Kaya before my visit, but nothing quite prepared me for how it would actually feel to be there.
Seri Kaya … grace in every detail
Tucked quietly within George Town, the house revealed itself not with grandeur, but with a kind of gentle confidence. The moment we arrived, that signature soft green exterior struck me—not loud, not showy, but deeply calming, as though the house had long ago made peace with its surroundings. It felt both rooted and welcoming, a rare balance.
Green touches at Seri Kaya
What stayed with me most throughout the visit was the unmistakable presence of its owner, Kah Hock—not physically in every room, but in every decision.
Kah Hock brings past & present to Seri Kaya
This was clearly not just a restoration project. It was a deeply personal act of care. Every beam, every panel, every preserved detail felt intentional, as though the house had been listened to rather than redesigned.
Walking inside, the spaces unfolded beautifully. The high ceilings with their intricate latticework allowed light to drift in softly, creating a warmth that never felt staged. The Anglo-Malay architecture held its elegance effortlessly—timber textures, airy proportions, and that wonderful sense of openness that older homes do so well.
Seri Kaya is a house with a soul
And then there were the interiors—layered, expressive, yet remarkably composed. Chartreuse armchairs sat confidently against rich wooden floors, while lovely Oriental rugs grounded the rooms with quiet opulence.
Inside Kah Hock’s Living Legacy
Teal lines traced the ceilings, guiding the eye upward, and everywhere there were thoughtful touches of colour—turmeric yellows, deep reds, botanical prints alive with birds and foliage. Nothing felt excessive. It all simply belonged.
Where heritage breathes
What I admired most was how much of the home’s original soul had been preserved. The carvings, the structure, even the subtle imperfections—all remained intact, giving the house its authenticity. Kah Hock had not tried to impose something new, but instead allowed the home to evolve into itself.
I was fortunate to experience all of this alongside Sista MaryEd, his beloved daughter who made the visit feel less like a tour and more like being gently let into a story.
Mahjong, anyone?
Kah Hock shared insights and little personal details that brought everything to life—the kind of nuances you would never notice on your own.
By the time we sat down for tea, the house had already worked its quiet magic on me. The spread was simple but thoughtful, and perfectly in tune with the spirit of the home—warm, unpretentious, and generous.
Unpretentious corners carved out at Seri Kaya
We lingered longer than expected, talking easily, the kind of conversation that only happens in spaces that put you at ease.
What struck me most, as I eventually left Seri Kaya, was not just how beautiful it was—but how it made me feel. There was a gentleness to the entire experience, a sense of being held in a place where history and modern life coexisted without tension.
Soul of the house … its old school pre-war spacious kitchen gets an upgrade
Seri Kaya wasn’t just a house I had visited. It was a home I had been welcomed into—and one that looks set to stay with me long after I had walked out the door.
Our Lady of the Jubilee presents the Child Jesus to the world, inviting us to follow her words: “Do whatever He tells you.” Clothed in Malaysian tradition, Mary and the Child Jesus reveal a faith that is both universal and deeply rooted in local culture
The statue of Our Lady of the Jubilee, designed by Rev Father Michael Cheah, beautifully reflects the harmony between Catholic faith and Malaysian culture. Commissioned for the Jubilee Year of 2000 in the Penang Diocese and first launched in 1999, this meaningful image continues to inspire the faithful today.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted in a BajuKebaya now widely recognised in Malaysia for its cultural and heritage significance, while the Child Jesus stands before her in a Baju Melayu. Together, they express how the local Church lives out its identity as truly Malaysian.
Mary is shown presenting Jesus to the world, echoing her call: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). Her kebaya is adorned with ten hibiscus flowers, symbolising the Ten Commandments and our call to love God and neighbour. The three kerongsang (broches) represent the Holy Trinity, while her white shawl signifies purity.
The Child Jesus holds a globe with a cross, reminding us that He is Lord over all and brings salvation through His sacrifice. His white attire represents holiness, and his sampin reflects faithfulness to the Father.
This meaningful image invites us to recognise Christ within our own culture and to live our faith with love, unity, and devotion.
The kebaya of Our Lady, adorned with hibiscus flowers—the national flower of Malaysia—symbolises our call to live the Ten Commandments in love and faith
Footnote: The kebaya was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 4 December 2024, through a joint nomination by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Celebrated for its intricate embroidery and deep cultural significance across Southeast Asia, it is recognised as a shared heritage of the region rather than belonging to a single nation.
Pictured here is the late Kim Jane Sanders who made several Asian countries (including Malaysia) her home, and was fond of the Kebaya, Baju Kurong and other regional attire. She was a subject matter expert on textiles.
Penang has just been selected as Malaysia’s representative in a prestigious transnational UNESCO initiative highlighting Indian Ocean maritime heritage—a network spanning 17 countries that seeks to recognize the region’s historic role as a corridor of trade, culture, and ideas.
At first glance, this is undeniably good news.
For a place like George Town—already globally recognized for its architectural and cultural richness—this adds another layer of validation. It reinforces Penang’s long-standing identity as a maritime crossroads, where influences from the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and beyond converged over centuries.
The map changes. The sea pays
The UNESCO-linked initiative reframes the Indian Ocean not as a boundary, but as a bridge—one that enabled exchange across civilizations long before modern globalization.
Penang’s inclusion is rooted in real historical substance:
Its strategic location along major maritime routes
Its role as a trading hub connecting the Coromandel Coast, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia
Its layered cultural identity shaped by migration, commerce, and empire
The state authorities have indicated that tourism and heritage stakeholders will drive this effort forward, building on the existing UNESCO World Heritage framework.
In that sense, the recognition feels earned. It aligns with Penang’s long-cultivated image as the “Emerald of the Indian Ocean”—a place where history is still visibly embedded in its streets, ports, and communities.
We redraw the coast, but erase what made it alive
But here is where the narrative becomes more complicated.
While Penang is being celebrated internationally for its maritime heritage, the present condition of its surrounding seas tells a very different story.
The waters that once enabled centuries of exchange are now increasingly defined by large-scale land reclamation projects.
Reclaimed land, lost ecosystems
These developments are not minor or isolated—they represent a sustained transformation of the island’s coastal ecology. Reclamation reshapes shorelines, disrupts sediment flows, and damages marine ecosystems that have existed long before Penang’s rise as a trading port.
The consequences are significant:
Loss of marine biodiversity
Disruption of fisheries and coastal livelihoods
Alteration of tidal and sediment dynamics
Long-term ecological instability
In other words, while we celebrate the historical importance of the sea, we are simultaneously altering—and in many cases degrading—the very environment that made that history possible.
What looks calm from above is slowly being rewritten below
There is a deeper tension here.
UNESCO recognition tends to focus on tangible and intangible heritage—architecture, trade histories, cultural exchange. But maritime heritage is not just about ships, ports, and old trade routes. It is also about the living ocean systems that sustained those networks.
To celebrate one while neglecting the other risks turning heritage into something purely symbolic—detached from present-day realities.
If Penang is to fully embrace its role in this Indian Ocean narrative, it raises an uncomfortable but necessary question …
None of this diminishes the importance of Penang’s selection. It is a positive step.
It opens doors for:
Greater international collaboration
Expanded historical research and storytelling
More sustainable and culturally grounded tourism
But its real value will depend on what comes next.
If this recognition remains confined to branding and tourism promotion, it risks becoming another layer of polished narrative.
Soft blues and greens, quieter truths
If, however, it sparks a broader commitment—one that includes protecting marine ecosystems alongside preserving heritage buildings—then it could become something far more meaningful.
Penang stands at an interesting crossroads:
Globally recognized for its past
Locally challenged in its present
Bridging that gap will require aligning heritage policy with environmental reality.
Because ultimately, maritime heritage is not just about where ships once sailed—it is about the waters they sailed on.
And those waters, today, deserve as much attention as the history they carried.
Tucked into the ever-evolving food scene of George Town, Moo Point Steaks offers a dining experience that feels both refined and refreshingly unpretentious.
Sizzling perfection at Moo Point — a beautifully seared steak with a tender, juicy center, finished with a touch of salt for pure, bold flavour
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need to announce itself loudly—the quality speaks for itself from the very first bite.
Not just any beef burger
The steaks are the clear highlight. Thoughtfully sourced and expertly handled, each cut arrives cooked with precision, allowing the natural richness and character of the meat to shine through. There’s a quiet confidence in the way the food is presented—no excess, no distraction, just a clear focus on doing the fundamentals exceptionally well.
Precision slicing, premium cuts — Moo Point Steaks at its finest
Equally notable is the service. Warm, attentive, and understated, it strikes that rare balance of being present without ever intruding. It complements the overall experience perfectly, creating a space where you can settle in and simply enjoy the meal.
In a city known for its vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, Moo Point Steaks stands out not by being loud, but by being considered. It’s a welcome addition to George Town—one that gently elevates the local dining scene with its focus on quality, restraint, and quiet excellence.
From sizzle to slice to bite — Moo Point Steaks is where every moment meets perfection
(Moo Point Steaks is located at 170 Jalan Hutton in George Town. Call +6016 273 0321)
From first dates to quiet celebrations, Three Sixty wasn’t just a place — it was a feeling. And soon, it becomes a memory (courtesy photo Yeoh Kah Hock)
There are restaurants you visit for a meal, and then there are those you grow up with — places that quietly stitch themselves into the fabric of your life.
In Penang, food is not just sustenance; it is memory, identity, and ritual.
So when news broke that three beloved establishments — Ocean Green, The Ship (Jalan Sri Bahari), and 360 Revolving Restaurant — will be closing their doors by the end of this month (April), it feels less like business news and more like the turning of a page in Penang’s living history.
A restaurant/sky-bar with many views
For decades, Ocean Green stood quietly by the sea — not flashy, not trendy, but deeply beloved.
Generations of Penangites marked birthdays, reunions, and weekend dinners here, often accompanied by the sound of waves and the salty breeze.
It has not been just a seafood restaurant; it’s been a ritual.
The smoky aroma of satay, the comforting familiarity of steamed fish and ‘Choon Pneah’ (spring rolls), and the communal joy of sharing dishes under open skies have made Ocean Green a place where time seemed to slow down.
It represents a Penang that was unhurried — where meals stretched into conversations and laughter echoed into the night.
Now, as it prepares to close at the end of April 2026, many are mourning more than just a dining spot. They are saying goodbye to a place where childhoods were celebrated and family traditions quietly formed.
Ocean Green has stood out not because it reinvented dining, but because it never needed to. It has remained steadfast — a constant in a rapidly changing culinary landscape.
The late and fun-loving journalist Fauziah Varusay who had relocated to Australia, visited the beach fronting Ocean Green on her final trip to Penang
If Ocean Green was about the sea breeze, The Ship along Jalan Sri Bahari was about imagination grounded in the heart of George Town.
While many remember the Batu Ferringhi outlet, the Sri Bahari branch has carried its own quiet legacy — one rooted in decades of loyal patrons and timeless Western classics.
Walking in felt like stepping into a different era: dark wood interiors, maritime motifs, and the unmistakable sizzle of hot plates arriving at your table.
For many Penangites, this was where Western dining became accessible and memorable — where steaks, garlic bread, and mushroom soup defined special occasions.
It was where first dates happened, where families celebrated milestones, and where a sense of occasion was built into every visit.
More than just a themed restaurant, The Ship has represented a chapter in Penang’s evolution — when dining out meant dressing up, slowing down, and savouring the experience.
Its impending closure marks the fading of a time when restaurants told stories not just through food, but through atmosphere and ritual.
High above the city, 360 Revolving Restaurant at the top of City Bayview Hotel (now called Bayview Hotel Georgetown) has offered something few places could: perspective.
It wasn’t just about the buffet or the ambiance — it was about watching Penang move. Slowly rotating, the restaurant gave diners a panoramic view of George Town and beyond, transforming meals into moments of quiet reflection.
It became a symbol of a more modern Penang — one that embraced skyline views, elevated dining, and a touch of sophistication.
They came for the food, but stayed for the view … and are leaving with memories (courtesy image Yeoh Kah Hock)
From romantic dinners to celebratory nights, the experience of watching the city shift beneath you made every visit feel cinematic. It was where proposals happened, anniversaries were toasted, and visitors saw Penang from an entirely different angle.
Now, as it prepares for its “final spin,” one of the island’s most recognisable dining experiences will soon become a memory.
What makes these closures so poignant is not just their longevity, but what they represent collectively:
• Ocean Green — the soul of seaside, communal dining
• The Ship (Jalan Sri Bahari) — the nostalgia of classic Western dining in the city
• 360 Revolving Restaurant (City Bayview Hotel) — the modern, elevated view of Penang
Together, they tell the story of an island through food — from humble coastal feasts to nostalgic dining rooms and sky-high experiences.
Penang’s food scene will continue to thrive — it always does.
New cafés will emerge, new trends will take hold. But places like these cannot be replaced, because they were never just about food.
They were about time.
And as April draws to a close, Penang isn’t just losing three restaurants.
It is quietly saying goodbye to three chapters of itself.
Ends.
The (food) stories that Penang tellsPrecious memories and views of Penang from 360 Revolving Restaurant and Sky Bar
In a move that beautifully blends French wellness philosophy with Southeast Asia’s rich heritage, L’Occitane en Provence has brought its signature spa experience to Malaysia in Penang—nestled within the storied walls of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) in George Town.
The Spa L’Occitane en Provence marks a significant moment for both the brand and the destination: a meeting of timeless European sensorial luxury and one of Malaysia’s most iconic heritage hotels.
Perched along the seafront in George Town—a UNESCO World Heritage city—the Eastern & Oriental Hotel has long been synonymous with colonial elegance and old-world charm. Now, it has added a new layer to its legacy: immersive, nature-inspired wellness.
Welcoming all spa novices and junkies
As a L’Occitane fan (and spa junkie!), the recent announcements that a Spa L’Occitane is “coming soon” to the E&O Hotel, sent me sprinting over to check out one of the brand’s notable new openings in the region.
The choice of location is no coincidence. L’Occitane’s spa philosophy I understand, thrives in environments that evoke tranquility, authenticity, and a sense of place—qualities that the E&O embodies effortlessly.
Founded in 1976 in southern France, L’Occitane built its identity around the natural ingredients and traditions of Provence—lavender fields, almond groves, and aromatic herbs.
Immortelle flowers are one of the signature ingredients in a dedicated range of their products
Its spas extend that ethos into a multi-sensory wellness experience.
Rather than simply offering treatments, Spa L’Occitane is designed as a journey—one that engages touch, scent, and ritual.
At the heart of the concept:
• Provençal botanicals such as immortelle, lavender, and shea butter
• Hands-on therapies delivered by trained therapists (mine was the lovely Shirley)
• Holistic rituals that combine relaxation with measurable skin and body benefits
• A strong emphasis on sensorial immersion and wellbeing
All well-loved L’Occitane products are used and found in its spas
Signature treatments include deeply relaxing aromachology massages and anti-aging facials powered by the brand’s proprietary formulations which were a magical way for me to de-stress post-Easter.
While L’Occitane is widely known for its boutiques, its spa division has quietly built a strong global presence.
Today:
• The brand operates over 100 spas across around 30 countries
• Earlier figures show 90+ spas in nearly 30 countries, highlighting steady expansion
• These spas are often housed within luxury hotels and resorts, including partnerships with brands like Sofitel , JW Marriott and now, the E&O.
Other notable locations include:
• Le Couvent des Minimes, France – a flagship destination set in a historic monastery
• Bali, Indonesia – tropical resort settings integrating local wellness traditions
• São Paulo, Brazil – urban sanctuary concepts
• Taipei and Hong Kong – where Eastern and Western aesthetics converge
The brand’s shower amenities are found in the treatment rooms
Across these destinations, the brand adapts its treatments to local culture while maintaining its Provençal core—creating what it describes as a “360° wellbeing experience.”
Penang has been steadily evolving into a lifestyle destination that balances culture, cuisine, and boutique luxury.
The arrival of Spa L’Occitane signals a broader shift: from heritage tourism to heritage wellness.
Welcome to spa bliss
By situating the spa within the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, L’Occitane is tapping into:
• The romantic nostalgia of colonial-era travel
• The growing demand for destination wellness experiences
• A regional audience increasingly drawn to premium, experience-led hospitality
This also aligns with L’Occitane’s broader strategy of embedding its spas within experiential environments, rather than standalone retail spaces.
For the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, the partnership enhances its positioning as more than a historic landmark—it becomes a wellness destination in its own right.
For travellers, it offers something rare: the chance to step from the vibrant streets of George Town into a sanctuary inspired by the lavender-scented hills of Provence.
And for Penang, it marks yet another step in its evolution—from cultural gem to holistic luxury destination.
In essence, L’Occitane’s arrival in Penang is not just about a spa—it’s about storytelling.
A story where French botanicals meet Malaysian heritage, and where the past and present come together in the most sensorial way possible.
Definitely calls for a return to sample more spa treats!
Welcome to my miniature take on Sin Kee Restaurant — a true old-school Hainanese kopitiam tucked away in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
No frills, no fuss — just decades of honest cooking since 1968. Sin Kee has quietly built its reputation on comforting classics like Hainanese chicken chop, pork chop rice, and rich, gravy-soaked fried rice that hits every nostalgic note. It’s the kind of place where recipes haven’t changed, and neither has the charm.
In this little diorama, I imagined their iconic dishes as a bustling kopitiam scene — where tiny diners gather around larger-than-life plates, soaking in that familiar, comforting atmosphere we all know and love.
Because sometimes, the simplest places leave the biggest impressions.
In a world where trust is a rare gem, someone seems to have flipped the script!
Baking with honour
Welcome to SK Homemade Cakes’ self-serve kiosk at Island 88 (Island Plaza) where honesty is the best policy. Pick your treats (gluten-free,eggless, or indulgent buttery numbers), enter what you owe, and make cashless payment.
Sweet trust kiosk
Help yourself to their carrier bags and get your receipt straight to your email inbox.
Find them also at their 6, Jalan Merbau bricks & mortar bakery in Tanjong Tokong.
Psst… cake and cookie samples available! So go experience the power of trust and decency.
In the heart of George Town’s heritage district, Bishop Street whispers stories of elegance, history, and reinvention.
Once home to the prestigious B.P. de Silva jewellers, this iconic row carried a reputation for luxury, refinement, and timeless craftsmanship — with a clientele that included royalty and dignitaries along with high society from across the region.
Today, in a delightful twist of heritage, that very space once filled with velvet-lined showcases now draws admirers of a different kind — food lovers.
Entrance to the former B.P De Silva which is today home to Aunty Gaik Lean’s Old School EateryAward-winning one star Michelin restaurant
Stepping into the four-times awarded one-star Michelin Aunty Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, feels like walking into a lovingly preserved memory — with warm Peranakan hospitality, family recipes, and an unmistakable sense of home.
A Taste of Nostalgia, Reimagined
What sets Aunty Gaik Lean’s apart is not just its rich, authentic Nyonya flavours, but its Muslim-friendly menu that has not compromised on quality or taste. It’s a rare and respectful adaptation of traditional cuisine, made accessible to more diners without losing the heart of its heritage.
The nasi ulam is aromatic and vibrant, and the sambal belacan — bold as ever. Even vegetarian diners, including many from the Indian subcontinent, have found the dishes flavourful and deeply satisfying — a testament to the careful balance and generosity in the kitchen.
Where History Meets Heart
To dine here is to savour more than food. You sit where once patrons browsed fine gems under chandeliers, in a building that quietly cradles Penang’s evolving story — from colonial-era commerce to culinary celebration.
The echoes of B.P. de Silva’s prestige lend a quiet dignity to the eatery, while the cheerful clatter of cutlery and scent of shallots signal a more grounded kind of luxury: a meal made with love.
Whether you’re drawn by memories of kampung cooking or curiosity for the space’s storied past, Aunty Gaik Lean’s offers more than just lunch or dinner — it offers a taste of heritage, harmony, and hospitality.
So, pull up a chair. The past has never felt so warm.
Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery is located at 1, Lebuh Bishop, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Presenting slices of precious insights into Penang’s retail scene (courtesy image: Marcus Langdon)
(BACK COVER BLURB)
Pritchard & Co. Ltd. (1888–1959) is a name which has almost faded from memory in Malaysia. Its foundation and development encompass a period when Malaya saw unprecedented growth driven by an export boom in tin, rubber, and other agricultural produce which coincided with advances in technology such as the invention of electricity, telephones, motorised vehicles, and aircraft.
As the first widely-diversified department store in northern Malaya, with its main store in Penang and branches in Ipoh, Butterworth, and Sungai Petani, Pritchard’s became a key player in the growth of retailing in Malaya during the best and worst of times of British colonial Malaya.
Drawn from family documents and richly-illustrated with nearly 300 images, including many rarely seen photographs from inside the stores, this book captures spectacularly the essence of times past as it follows the fortunes, activities, and fate of the business and the family behind it.
9-11 Union Street, constructed by Pritchard & Co. in 1916, currently the Maybank building (Courtesy of The Robert Hussey Collection)
“Pritchard’s of Penang – Enterprise, Secession, and Murder” featuring items from The Robert Hussey Collection is a thoroughly-researched and richly-detailed exploration of one of Penang’s most iconic retail establishments.
Drawing from a wealth of memorabilia and personal insights provided by someone intimately connected to the Pritchard family, historian Marcus Langdon masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the essence of the island’s retail history from the British colonial era to modern times.
15 Beach Street, where Pritchard & Co. began (Courtesy of The Robert Hussey Collection)
“During a research trip to Singapore around 2011, a well-spoken gentleman named Robert Hussey contacted me,” says Langdon in the book’s preface.
“In his possession were some old Penang photographs which had been left to him, and he wondered if they might have some historical interest.”
Langdon had recently relocated to Penang and Hussey, too, was making plans to move from Singapore to Penang—the place of his birth. Some three years later he made that move.
“Over the next few years,” Langdon recalls “we met up regularly and I became aware of the extent of his collection.
“Essentially it was an assemblage of personal documents, photographs, drawings, and miscellaneous items relating to several generations of the Pritchard family, the core of the collection offered a wonderful insight into British life in Penang in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
“Understanding that Pritchard’s (as it was colloquially known) was acknowledged as the first true British-style department store in Penang and northern Malaya, we both felt it was important that the relevant portions of this rare collection were recorded for posterity.”
And so the book project took off and Langdon spent a great amount of time on it when what he dubs “a microscopic virus dubbed COVID-19”, came along.
“With Malaysia and the majority of the world’s population shut down and confined to our homes, and without the usual daily distractions of a publishing business, more work was accomplished at my desk in those far-too-many long months than thought humanly possible.
“The backbone of this book,” he explains, “was forged at that time.”
“Again, other projects and complications got in the way, and it is only now that the final touches, and providential updates, have been applied.”
The book chronicles Pritchard’s journey as more than just a store—it was a symbol of upscale shopping and a bellwether of Penang’s socio-economic landscape during its heyday.
Before the advent of Whiteaways—another historic department store that eventually became more dominant—Pritchard’s played a significant role in the retail landscape of Penang, embodying the colonial-era shopping experience.
Over the years, as shopping habits and retail environments evolved, Pritchard’s gradually declined in prominence, but it remains a nostalgic symbol of Penang’s rich commercial history.
Langdon’s meticulous approach shines through in his vivid descriptions and images of the store’s evolution, from its founding days during the British occupation, through the tumult of the Second World War, and into the post-war resurgence.
George Henry Pritchard, 1927 (Courtesy of The Robert Hussey Collection)
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its detailed account of the advertising campaigns that helped cement Pritchard’s reputation as a premier shopping destination.
Langdon’s insights into marketing strategies of the time, are illuminated via the photographs and graphics of how the store maintained its allure and adapted to changing times.
The narrative also thoughtfully addresses the challenges faced during wartime, highlighting the resilience of the business and its ability to bounce back after setbacks.
What sets this book apart is the author’s ability to combine solid research with a personal touch, bringing to life the stories behind the memorabilia that made Pritchard’s a household name.
It is a nostalgic yet informative journey that not only celebrates a storied business but also offers a window into Penang’s broader cultural and economic history.
In sum, “Pritchard’s of Penang – Enterprise, Secession, and Murder”, is a must-read for history enthusiasts, retail aficionados, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Penang’s colonial past.
Inside the Union Street store, 1930s (Courtesy of The Robert Hussey Collection)
In crafting a compelling narrative that honours the legacy of Pritchard’s while providing valuable insights into the evolution of retail in Southeast Asia, Langdon has this to say:
“I cannot express how grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to bring this treasured cache of family and business history to light for a wider audience to share and preserve for posterity.”
“Despite the ‘colonial’ period now being frowned upon by upcoming generations, it is nevertheless an integral part of the development of Malaya as it was—and something future generations will undoubtedly be researching.
“Even today,” Langdon adds, “many Penangites, and indeed those further afield, would not have even heard of Pritchard’s. It was, after all, essentially an era long before their time.
“Hopefully this book, with its remarkable photographs, will restore Pritchard & Co. and the families behind it to its small but rightful niche in Penang, and indeed, Malaysian, history.”
Marcus Langdon (courtesy image from the author)
Below are several excerpts from the book for interested history buffs and shopaholics:
(For many years, Pritchard’s had been the tailors of choice to the Royal Court of Kedah under Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.
Remarkably, it was the practice of the royalty and members of the Court to wear Western clothing outside their private abodes.
Lighter drill materials were used for office wear, and often heavy Tweed was donned for formal occasions.
In his 1959 book Prince and Premier, Harry Miller stated that:
‘Twice a year an English tailor from Pritchard’s, a firm in Penang, travelled the sixty miles to Alor Star to measure members of the royal family for new clothes.
He returned a few weeks later for fittings. When the sultan’s son, Tunku Abdul Rahman, was awarded a scholarship to Cambridge University in 1919, ‘The man from Pritchard’s in Penang was summoned to fit the sixteen-year-old prince with suits.’
Excitement is also said to have prevailed at the Penang store when King Rama VI of Siam paid a visit on 7 October 1924.
After purchasing jewellery at B.P. de Silva’s store in Bishop Street, the King was reportedly hosted to tea at Pritchard’s.)
(“Pritchard’s of Penang – Enterprise, Secession, and Murder” will be launched during the George Town Literary Festival 2025 this November 28-30)
About the Author
Marcus Langdon has spent several decades researching the myriad fascinating stories in Penang’s developed history. Based in Penang, he also advises on historical projects and was a founding director of Entrepot Publishing Sdn Bhd.
Other titles by Marcus include:
• Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India 1805–1830
o Volume 1, ‘Ships, Men and Mansions’. Areca Books, 2013.
o Volume 2, ‘Fire, Spice and Edifice’. George Town World Heritage Incorporated, 2015.
o Volume 3, ‘Water, Wigs and Wisdom’. Entrepot Publishing, 2021.
• Biographical Dictionary of Mercantile Personalities of Penang, (contributing editor). Think City/MBRAS, 2014.
• George Town’s Historic Commercial and Civic Precincts(researcher/writer). George Town World Heritage Incorporated, 2015.
• Epitaph: The Northam Road Protestant Cemetery, George Town, Penang. George Town World Heritage Incorporated, 2017.
• The Habitat Penang Hill: a pocket history, Marcus Langdon & Keith Hockton. Entrepot Publishing, 2018.
• Penang Then & Now: A Century of Change in Pictures.Marcus Langdon & Keith Hockton, Entrepot Publishing, 2019.
• Pastoral Port: An Agrarian History of Penang. Penang Institute, 2023.
• George Town & Adelaide: Sister Cities 50th Anniversary 1973–2023, Marcus Langdon & Rachel Yeoh, MBPP, 2024.
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