German ties flourish in Penang

Birgitt (right) holding a microphone to the tip of the 5.3m-long alphorn as revellers take turns blowing a tune out of it as part of a game.

For German expatriates who have settled in Penang, life in the tropics has brought new experiences, friendships and a different pace of living.

Yet cultural celebrations like Oktoberfest offer an opportunity to reconnect with familiar traditions and maintain a link to their roots, as they are joyously shared with their adopted community.

This spirit was evident at the Malaysian-German Society’s (MGS) 52nd Oktoberfest celebration, which attracted close to 3,000 attendees over two nights.

MGS board member Birgitt Mark, who hails from Bavaria – the south-eastern region of Germany where Oktoberfest originated – said the annual festivities rekindle fond memories of home.

Tables covered with blue-and-white chequered cloths referen­cing the Bavarian flag were filled with hearty offerings, ranging from grilled meats to bratwurst, sauerkraut and pretzels.

Revellers at the Malaysian-German Society’s Oktoberfest forming a conga line.

The Frankenrauber band, a fixture for many years, returned to electrify the atmosphere with their signature oompah music.

In between, cheers of Ein Prosit der Gemutlichkeit (A toast to cosiness and good cheer) echo­ed loudly as Germans and Malay­sians alike raised toasts with their steins.

This sense of camaraderie was what made it easy for expatriates like Birgitt and her husband Dr Wolfang Mark – who also served as MGS president from 2021 to 2024 – to transition to life here.

The couple relocated 18 years ago following their retirement.

They considered several countries but found Malaysia the most appealing.

“Penang stood out as the people are welcoming. Everyone has a smile on their face. We love the food and can even take the spicier ones,” shared Birgitt, who was clad in a traditional dirndl.

Many of the men sported traditional lederhosen, including Datuk Hans Peter Brenner, who has called the island home for the past 28 years.

Kitzerow says Penang’s Oktober­fest is one of the best outside Germany.

He initially arrived to take up a chief executive role with medical ­technology corporation B. Braun, before becoming a director of various Malaysian-based companies and a venture partner for a Singapore-based private equity firm.

In 2016, he was also appointed as Germany’s Honorary Consul in Penang.

From a business perspective, Brenner believes Malaysia offers a conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurship due to its stable governance and robust ecosystem.

He said the unique combination of natural attractions and modern conveniences was what made Penang feel like home.

“In most cities around the world, there are either beaches, mountains or urban sprawl.

“Penang combines everything in one complete environment,” said the Stuttgart native.

Beyond the revelry, Brenner sees occasions such as Oktoberfest as opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties.

“It is a good way to celebrate the friendship between Malay­sians and Germans, allowing our communities to come together and appreciate each other’s cultures.”

The Frankenrauber band pumping up the crowd with upbeat oompah music.

Current MGS president Ken Kitzerow cited this sense of community as one of the main reasons he enjoys living here.

He first visited in 2009 and returned regularly before making a permanent switch six years ago. Since then, he has even persuaded two friends to relocate to the island.

“There aren’t many places in the world with quite the same diversity, where everybody lives in harmony.

“The cost of living is relatively low, with good education and healthcare facilities. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family.”

Though originally from Ham­burg, Kitzerow also lived in the Bavarian capital Munich for some time and is well acquainted with Oktoberfest.

Although Penang’s version is much smaller in scale, he said he considered it one of the best celebrations outside Germany.

The annual event is one of the longest-running of its kind in the country, having been held every year since the organisation was established in 1973, except during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

As is customary, there were best-dressed awards and stage games such as arm wrestling and blowing a 5.3m-long alphorn.

The merriment grew as the night wore on, with many venturing onto the dance floor and then forming a long conga line.

MGS committee member Clement Liang said such scenes highlighted Penang’s cosmopolitan spirit, where all cultures were welcomed and celebrated.

“The German community was one of the earliest to settle on the island, having been here for over 200 years.”

State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said, “Germany is among the top three investors in Penang, and the largest from Europe.

“Besides creating thousands of high-paying jobs, Germany’s presence here adds to our vibrant culture.”