Penang’s Fort Cornwallis, Penang Hill Gain ASEAN, Asia Tourism Records Recognition

GEORGE TOWN, April 27 (Bernama) -- Two of Penang’s iconic landmarks, Fort Cornwallis and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, were recognised under the ASEAN Tourism Records and ASIA Tourism Records at the 9th ASEAN Records Gather of Achievers and the 3rd ASIA Records Gather of Achievers here today.

ASEAN Records and ASIA Records directors Gillian Ooi said Fort Cornwallis received recognition as the oldest intact star bastion fort built by the British East India Company on the Malay Peninsula.

She said construction of the fort began in 1786, spanning approximately 38,800 square metres. Meanwhile, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve made history as the oldest colonial hill station within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, earning dual certification at both ASEAN and Asia levels.

“Established in 1788, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve was later designated under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2021, marking a span of 233 years between its establishment and international recognition.

“Recognition is only the beginning, connection is the real impact. Every Gather of Achievers is built with intention, not just to present certificates, but to bring achievers together to inspire one another and grow beyond individual recognition,” she told Bernama after the event here today.

The event was officiated by Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and attended by several state leaders, as well as ASEAN Records and ASIA Records co-chief adjudicators Eldrick Koh.

Ooi noted that ASEAN Records and ASIA Records have been systematically recognising Malaysia’s most significant tourism and food destinations through verified and measurable record certifications.

She said the framework enables the platforms to document, verify and promote tourism and food destinations across the region, highlighting not only their popularity but also their measurable and documented significance.

“These certifications give destinations and brands a powerful, internationally acknowledged credential to tell their story to visitors, the media and the world,” she said.

The initiative was previously held in Melaka, where Jonker Walk Heritage Zone was officially certified under the title ‘Oldest and Densest Pre-War Row Shophouse Complex in Continuous Use Since c.1700’ and the recognition was based on more than 1,000 pre-war shophouses spanning 332,310.32 square metres.

Since its establishment in November 2024, Ooi pointed out that ASEAN Records has organised nine Gather of Achievers events within 17 months, including celebrations held in conjunction with Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, a durian festival, and a public activation at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

At the same ceremony, seven other achievements across various sectors including culinary arts, manufacturing, technology and digital marketing, were also recognised.

Among the recipients were Prof Master Chef Michael Ooi Beng Hock, Creative Bliss, Elexer Holding Bhd, H&H Health Care Group (LE AURA), Kota Dine & Coffee, Newpages and Sintak Kee Foods.

The event also marked the debut appearance of the Wira and Manja mascots, the official mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026 in Penang, symbolising the state’s role in supporting the national tourism campaign.

The ASEAN Records and ASIA Records initiative to expand tourism and food recognitions is expected to continue nationwide throughout the year in support of Visit Malaysia 2026.

Meanwhile, Wong described the recognition as a proud moment for the state, highlighting Penang as a global example of the harmonious integration of ecological conservation and cultural heritage.

“These two recognitions complement each other in reflecting the richness and diversity of Penang’s identity while represent invaluable cultural and natural assets that continue to define Penang’s place on the regional and global stage,” he said.

-- BERNAMA