Old ‘Star’ office remodelled into Penang’s arts and culture hub

Sound of music: PPO's associate resident conductor Ng Choong Yen playing a tune on the piano to entertain (from left) PPO's administrator Ramesh Sharma, deputy chairperson Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Gajaraj Dhanarajan, chairperson Datin Seri Irene Yeap and secretary Jason Tan.

GEORGE TOWN: The Star’s former headquarters in Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling, a grand old building with a colourful history, is all set for its new role – the hub of Penang’s arts and culture.

Built in 1906, it was once an office where opium licences were issued. It was then known as Opium and Spirit Farm Office. In the 1970s, it became the first Honda showroom in the country.