Penang honours its living heritage treasures


Chow (third right) with (from left) Loh-Lim, Rodrigues, Tan, Asan Anbananthan and PHT president Clement Liang after the award presentation ceremony. —Courtesy photo

WITH a career spanning decades, Kathleen M. Rodrigues has become a cornerstone of Malaysia’s Eurasian music tradition.

Performing since the age of seven, the 77-year-old has captivated audiences with her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, earning her a revered place in the country’s music scene.

She continues to inspire and preserve Penang’s musical legacy, ensuring it thrives for future generations.

She was one of two individuals honoured with the “Living Heritage Treasure of Penang 2024/2025” title at a ceremony in Bangunan UAB on China Street Ghaut, George Town.

The other recipient was Asan Anbananthan Ramasamy, 77, master practitioner, teacher and promoter of the art of Silambam Nillaikalakki.

It is a subsector of silambam, one of India’s oldest weapon- based martial arts.

Asan Anbananthan, who founded Persatuan Silambam Nillaikalakki Pulau Pinang in 1975, still conducts four classes weekly, often free or at a minimal cost.

State publisher Buletin Mutiara reported that acclaimed artist and art educationalist Datuk Tan Chiang Kiong, 92, was also awarded the Special 2025 Award at the ceremony.

A versatile and accomplished artist, Tan has not only mastered watercolours, acrylics and oils, but also dedicated his life to inspiring generations of outstanding artists and elevating Penang’s art standards.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who presented the awards, said he was honoured to be present among the “Penang Living Heritage Treasures”.

“I am pleased that Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) has dedicated the past 20 years to tirelessly ensuring recognition, acknowledgement, documentation and the cultivation of apprenticeships in the field of heritage,” he said in his speech.

PHT vice-president Loh-Lim Lin Lee said the Living Heritage Treasure of Penang Award programme began as an idea in 2004.

“We are all familiar with tangible cultural heritage, such as historical buildings, enclaves and monuments, and we understand the importance of preserving these for future generations.

“Equally important, however, is the protection of intangible cultural heritage, which includes diverse skills and techniques vital for its continuity and survival,” she said.

“PHT recognises that Penang is exceptionally rich in diverse forms and genres of intangible cultural heritage that urgently require protection and preservation.

“Considering this, it is timely for Penang to continue the programme initiated in 2004.

“This initiative aims to identify Penangites who still possess exceptional skills that deserve recognition, documentation, preservation and transmission.

“By doing so, we can ensure that these invaluable aspects of our heritage are safeguarded, preventing the irreparable loss of cultural identity for future generations,” she said.

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