WHAT started out as a club for Peranakan communities to connect and enjoy leisure activities in Penang, has now turned into an important place for members to showcase their cultural heritage.
The Penang State Chinese Association, which was founded in 1920 for the Straits-born Chinese, is probably one of the few places that encapsulates the history of Peranakan culture in Penang.
The association’s premises at Perak Road in George Town houses more than 300 items that date back to the 1800s.
The artefacts include Peranakan furniture, jewellery and antiques.
The association’s committee member, Michael Cheah, 70, said it was planning to open a gallery to display all the exhibits.
“We have been preparing for years to set up the gallery so we can share the significance of our culture and heritage.
“Many of the items here were given or loaned by members.”
Cheah also loaned a number of his family possessions to the association.
Among them are the photo of his paternal grandmother Teng Bin Siew taken in 1932 and a pair of her glasses, both on display.
Another exhibit is a photo of Teng’s grandmother in Bugis silk clothing fastened with a Nyonya kerongsang-thoe set.
“My grandmother was a prominent figure as she was the daughter of Teng Ee Boon, a pioneer settler and the founder of Ghee Hiang, the mung bean biscuit bakery chain and teelseed oil manufacturer.
“These personal belongings represent a window to the past,” he said.
Cheah said some of the other antiques displayed included Peranakan bed frame, tables, chairs, cooking utensils, items used for hobbies and leisure activities as well as clothing with Peranakan embroidery.
“This association has evolved since it was started in 1920.
“In the past, the premises was a place for our members to socialise.
“Members could meet each other, relax and enjoy leisure activities together,” he said.
Over the years, he said the association started carrying out activities to strengthen and preserve Peranakan culture and heritage in Penang.
“Back then, our premises was behind the Federal cinema in Jalan Bukom but in the 1980s, we relocated to Perak Road.
“We are planning to turn it into a ‘Baba and Nyonya Galleria’ to showcase our historical roots and as a form of cultural preservation,” he said.
The association’s vice-president Lillian Tong said it was crucial for the Peranakan community to maintain, preserve and conserve their cultural heritage.
“We need to be actively involved in championing this and ensure our descendants value our culture and heritage,” she explained.
The association’s president Datuk Tan Gin Soon said members were working very hard to get more youths to participate.
“We encourage the Peranakan youth community especially, to join activities to promote the culture.
“We realise that many elements of the culture revolve around traditional practices and this may not appeal to younger members of the community,” he said.
Tan added that they wanted young people to become involved, especially since they are well-versed in digital media and technology which could help share the culture with the outside world.
“If we do not preserve it, our culture may soon be lost.
“Oral histories need to be preserved before the older generation passes on,” he added.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
Penang State Chinese Association member Susan Tan and Cheah adjusting the kebaya costumes being exhibited in George Town. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Cheah showing his grandmother’s photo taken in 1932, and her glasses.
The betel nut set, which holds areca nuts, lime paste, gambier (a rock-like gum) and fresh betel leaves, was once an integral part of Peranakan social life.
A set of Cherki, a game played by Peranakan families, can be found at the Penang State Chinese Association in George Town.
Headdress and jewellery used by Peranakan brides as well as prayer items on display.
Prayer items on display.
