TWO of Penang’s most storied landmarks, Fort Cornwallis and Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, are back in the global limelight.
The former was named the “Oldest Intact Star Bastion Fort Built by the British East India Company on the Malay Peninsula” by Asean Tourism Records.
The latter received dual certification as the “Oldest Colonial Hill Station within a Unesco Biosphere Reserve” from both Asean Tourism Records and Asia Tourism Records.
Penang Hill Corporation corporate management services division senior manager Shahril Nizam Cheah Abdullah described the recognition as a great honour.
“What makes Penang Hill stand out as a destination is its rare convergence of cultural heritage and rich biodiversity.
“We will continue to work closely with the state government, various stakeholders and local community to safeguard its unique charms,” Shahril Nizam said after receiving the award plaques from Asean Records and Asia Records executive director Gillian Ooi at the 9th Asean Records and 3rd Asia Records Gather of Achievers.
The event was held at The Top Penang in George Town and launched by state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Ooi said the aim of Asean Records and Asia Records, established in November 2024 and October 2025 respectively, was to recognise Malaysia’s most significant destinations through a structured, verifiable and measurable framework under food and tourism categories.
“These certifications give destinations and brands a powerful, internationally acknowledged credential to tell their stories to visitors and the world,” she said.
Fort Cornwallis and Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve are the first sites in Penang to be recognised under the initiative.
The fort in George Town dates back to 1786 and spans approximately 38,800sq m.
Penang Hill was first discovered in 1788 and designated under Unesco’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) in 2021.
Wong said the recognitions embodied a historical depth and ecological significance that underscored Penang’s rich, diverse identity.
“These invaluable cultural and natural assets continue to define the state’s place on the regional and global stages.
“When a destination carries a verified record, it becomes a talking point, a reason to visit, a reason to return and a reason to tell others.
“And with Visit Malaysia 2026, it ensures that what we present is authentic, meaningful and world class,” he said.
Other sites previously awarded include Melaka’s Jonker Walk Heritage Zone, which received the title “Oldest and Densest Pre-War Row-Shophouse Complex in Continuous Use Since c.1700”.
With over 1,000 pre-war structures within a 332,310sq m area, it has an average density of 15 shophouses per 100m.
Ooi said Asean Records and Asia Records would continue rolling out tourism and food records across the country in support of Visit Malaysia 2026.
“Gatherings like today are built with intention, not just to present certificates but also to bring achievers together to inspire one another and grow further,” she added.
At the same ceremony, six business entities and one individual across food and beverage, technology, manufacturing, healthcare and digital marketing were also recognised.
There was also a display of 50 figurines of the official Visit Malaysia 2026 mascots, named Wira and Manja.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, as well as Asean Records and Asia Records executive director Eldrick Koh.
