PHT ‘Living Heritage Treasures of Penang’ Awards
We are all familiar with the tangible cultural heritage around us – the historical buildings, enclaves, monuments– and of the need to protect these for future generations. However, intangible cultural diversity encompassing skills and techniques, are viewed also as essential and critical for the continuation of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Many countries such as France, Japan, Vietnam, Korea have instituted National Living Treasures.

The Penang Heritage Trust feels that the State of Penang is particularly rich in various types and genres of intangible cultural heritage that require protection and preservation. Therefore it is considered timely that Penang continues this programme started in 2004, which seeks to identify Penangites who are still with us and who carry with them, to the highest degree, skills that need to be acknowledged, documented, preserved and transmitted, in order that we may not be left in bereavement for the loss of our heritage.