The Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta held in honour of George Town UNESCO World Heritage Day, shines a spotlight on the city’s rich cultural heritage, captured through the lenses of skilful photography enthusiasts. This fiesta promises something special for everyone – a seasoned photographer, an enthusiastic hobbyist or someone who just loves culture and history.

Jointly organised by PPB Group Berhad, PPB Properties and led by professionals from SONY Malaysia, the Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta aims to empower youths with photography and videography skills, nurture appreciation of Penang’s local arts, culture and heritage as a whole, and support the next generation of local talents.

The fiesta comprises a series of events that run over a three-month period in the middle of the year. This allows sufficient time for participants to learn skills and techniques through workshops, capture photos and videos for the competition, and once selected as finalists, enjoy the provided platform to showcase their work.

A melting pot of cultures

Penang, a vibrant gem in the heart of Malaysia, presents an mosaic of cultural heritage that fascinates everyone who sets foot on the island. The “Pearl of the Orient” offers a unique blend of Eastern traditions and Western influences, showcased through its historical landmarks, diverse cuisines and rich traditions.

The Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta isn’t just about snapping photos; it serves up a melting pot of diverse cultures and history, unveiling the essence of Penang’s cultural heritage. George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides the perfect setting, with stories and scenes waiting around every corner. It invites participants to explore alleyways, architectural wonders and the faces of the community, each with its own story to tell.

Community engagement and learning opportunities

The Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta is a platform for dialogue and learning. It also fosters a sense of community as participants go on a walking tour of the city, exchange thoughts or share photography tips and tricks.

What sets the Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta apart is its ability to freeze moments of heritage and tradition in time. Photography enthusiasts, amateurs or pros, have a unique chance to capture the essence of Penang’s cultural heritage in a single frame. It’s a powerful reminder of how photography can help preserve heritage, offering future generations a window into the past.

From the intricately designed Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, the busy streets of Little India to the elegance of the Penang Peranakan Mansion, there’s no shortage of breath-taking scenes to capture.

Exploring Penang’s heritage through photography

The Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta debuted in 2022, highlighting the theme of Heritage buildings and traditional costumes/culture. Following its success, the 2023 edition, focused on celebrating Heritage buildings & traditional craftsmanship. This year’s campaign, slated for May to July, will cast a spotlight on Penang’s traditional food & flavours, undoubtedly a favourite topic in Malaysia.

All themes have been designed to highlight Penang’s rich history and its evolution through the ages. Participants and visitors alike would be able to appreciate these at different angles as the layers are peeled back through the lenses.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we invite you to see Penang through a different lens – one that magnifies its beauty, resilience and heritage.

This campaign is the second edition after the success of last year’s inaugural Photography Fiesta, which saw over 450 participants.

Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta 3.0

Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta returns for its highly anticipated 3.0 edition, celebrating the rich tapestry of Penang’s cultural heritage with the theme “Taste of Penang Tradition: Capturing Penang’s Traditional Flavours” from 9 May – 28 July 2024.

This year’s theme invites photographers and videographers from all backgrounds and skill levels to explore and document not just the culinary heritage of Penang, but the dynamic relationship of the community with their food. Participants are encouraged to delve into the sights, smells, and stories behind Penang’s traditional cuisine.

The competition will select fifteen (15) winners across three categories to win prizes worth over RM35,000, including a SONY camera, PS5 and many more.

For more information about Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta 3.0, please visit our website www.penangheritagephotofiesta.com.my