Wahh, so proud!
The Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple in Penang received the Award of Merit at the 2021 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation on Wednesday (December 1st).
The temple was one of the nine projects from six countries and the only one in Malaysia to be given the award this year.
Photo via Malay Mail
According to Malay Mail, the UNESCO jury of heritage experts picked the nine projects from Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia out of 39 entries from 12 countries across the Asia Pacific.
Penang chief minister, Chow Kon Yeow who announced the award said the temple’s Fu De Ci Restoration Project was recognised for its excellence in three main areas, namely full understanding of its history, its technical accomplishments in the project and its sustainability and impact.
The last time Penang received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation was back in 2008 for restoration works on Suffolk House.
“The temple was built in 1810 but a few renovations were done over the years that were no in compliance with strict heritage conservation guidelines so this restoration project was to ensure that everything was done in full compliance,” he added.
Photo via Malay Mail
The roof, which was cemented in one of the renovations done about 15 years ago, was torn out and changed to reflect the original architecture from 100 years ago, and the total cost of the restoration was about RM3 million.
This is amazing. Congratulations, Penang!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
