Two of Penang’s most celebrated landmarks, Fort Cornwallis and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, have been officially recognised under the ASEAN Tourism Records and ASIA Tourism Records at the 9th ASEAN Records Gather of Achievers and the 3rd ASIA Records Gather of Achievers held in the state capital today.
ASEAN Records and ASIA Records director Gillian Ooi confirmed that Fort Cornwallis earned the distinction of being the oldest intact star bastion fort built by the British East India Company on the Malay Peninsula. Construction of the fort began in 1786 and spans approximately 38,800 square metres.
The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, meanwhile, carved its own place in history as the oldest colonial hill station within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, securing dual certification at both ASEAN and Asia levels. Established in 1788, the site was later designated under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2021, marking a 233-year span between its founding and international recognition.
“Recognition is only the beginning, connection is the real impact,” said Ooi. “Every Gather of Achievers is built with intention, not just to present certificates, but to bring achievers together to inspire one another and grow beyond individual recognition.”
The event was officiated by Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and attended by several state leaders, as well as ASEAN Records and ASIA Records co-chief adjudicator Eldrick Koh.
Ooi noted that ASEAN Records and ASIA Records have been systematically recognising Malaysia’s most significant tourism and food destinations through verified and measurable record certifications. The framework enables both platforms to document, verify and promote destinations across the region, highlighting not just popularity but measurable and documented significance.
“These certifications give destinations and brands a powerful, internationally acknowledged credential to tell their story to visitors, the media and the world,” she added.
The initiative was previously held in Melaka, where the Jonker Walk Heritage Zone was certified as the “Oldest and Densest Pre-War Row Shophouse Complex in Continuous Use Since c.1700”, based on more than 1,000 pre-war shophouses spanning 332,310.32 square metres.
Since its establishment in November 2024, Ooi pointed out that ASEAN Records has organised nine Gather of Achievers events within 17 months, including celebrations tied to Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, a durian festival, and a public activation at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur.
At the same ceremony, seven other achievements across culinary arts, manufacturing, technology and digital marketing were also recognised. Recipients included Prof Master Chef Michael Ooi Beng Hock, Creative Bliss, Elexer Holding Bhd, H&H Health Care Group (LE AURA), Kota Dine & Coffee, Newpages and Sintak Kee Foods.
The event also marked the debut appearance of Wira and Manja, the official mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026 in Penang, symbolising the state’s role in supporting the national tourism campaign. The ASEAN Records and ASIA Records initiative to expand tourism and food recognitions is expected to continue nationwide throughout the year in support of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Wong described the recognition as a proud moment for the state, highlighting Penang as a global example of the harmonious integration of ecological conservation and cultural heritage.
“These two recognitions complement each other in reflecting the richness and diversity of Penang’s identity while representing invaluable cultural and natural assets that continue to define Penang’s place on the regional and global stage,” he said.
Source: Bernama
