Latest news with #WongHonWai
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Exco: Boon Siew Villa not under Unesco, state, or national protection list
Boon Siew Villa in Batu Ferringhi, which was recently demolished to make way for a luxury condominium project, is outside the George Town United Nationas Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site, a state executive councillor said. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the property, once the residence of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, known as 'Mr Honda', was not listed under national or state heritage protection. "The private property is outside George Town's World Heritage Area," he told the New Straits Times. The demolition of the villa has sparked strong reactions from heritage advocates and Penangites, who see the loss as another blow to the island's cultural identity. The villa, regarded as a symbol of Penang's colonial-era architecture, was listed in the Penang Built Heritage Inventory in 2012. On whether the property should have been protected, Wong said there were other landmarks, such as Wisma Boon Siew and Jalan Loh Boon Siew, that still existed in the state capital here. "There are many properties and land banks under the family of Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew. There is even one Boon Siew Building in neighbouring Singapore." Earlier this week, the state government confirmed that all technical and safety requirements had been met for the luxury condominium project, despite public concern over traffic congestion and safety in the area. Last October, it was reported that Singaporean real estate and lodging company The Ascott Ltd was partnering with Malaysian developer Instant Icon Sdn Bhd to develop Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi, which is set to welcome residents from January 2028. Ascott country general manager for Malaysia, Mondi Mecja, had said that the greenfield development would feature 99 residences for sale and the project was expected to break new ground in Penang's luxury living market, with a strong focus on owner occupation. The development would feature a diverse selection of spacious living options, ranging from 185sq m to 370sq m, along with a penthouse exceeding 740sq m. The NST has contacted both The Ascott Ltd and Instant Icon for comment.
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Dragon-riding Penangites to row it out
Roaring energy: A file photo of rowers taking part in the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024 at Straits Quay Retail Marina, on Nov 24, 2024. Though the festival is this Saturday, most dragon boat races in other parts of the world tend to be held later in the year. GEORGE TOWN: Eighty Penangites with highly tuned upper bodies will be churning up the waters on dragon boats this Saturday. Spectators can watch them power through the waves with unflagging speed during the global Dragon Boat Festival from 3pm to 8pm at the Penang Chinese Swimming Club in Tanjung Tokong. Although the actual date of the Dragon Boat Festival falls this Saturday, or the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, most dragon boat races in other parts of the world tend to be held later in the year. This is to take advantage of more favourable weather conditions, said Penang tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, adding that the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta takes place in November. In this regard, this Saturday's race is billed as 'one for Penangites'. 'Penang has so much sea and we should encourage water sports including rowing and ones with cultural significance,' he said, adding that races like this can attract young rowers. The festival will also offer more than just racing. 'The public can enjoy cultural activities such as rice dumpling-making, traditional performances and a variety of food,' he said. Penang Chinese Swimming Club president and event organising chairman Victor Tan said this was the first time they were organising the festival. 'The competition will feature a 300m sprint and a 3km race around Pulau Tikus island,' he said. 'While we welcome teams from other states, so far only Penang teams are racing this weekend,' he said of the competitive activities done in collaboration with the Penang Dragon Boat Association and Penang Rowing Association.
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Airport Handles Nearly Two Million Passengers In Q1 2025, 69.5 Per Cent Surge
GEORGE TOWN, May 24 (Bernama) -- Penang is strengthening its position as a growing regional travel hub, with Penang International Airport (LTAPP) recording nearly two million passenger movements in the first quarter of this year, marking a 69.55 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said during the same period, the international passengers rose by over 80 per cent, while domestic numbers grew by more than 57 per cent. 'Flight frequencies are also rising 20.53 per cent for international flights and 30.28 per cent for domestic routes. Visitor arrivals from international markets have shown strong growth, with China recording a 102.47 per cent increase. 'Meanwhile, arrivals from India recorded a 108.73 per cent rise, while arrivals from Japan increased by 24.7 per cent, followed by the United States at 17.35 per cent and the United Kingdom at 15.82 per cent,' he said at the opening of the Matta Fair Penang 2025 at Setia SPICE Arena, Bayan Lepas here today. He pointed out that over the past 18 months, Penang has made real progress in strengthening the international air connectivity with 14 new direct international flight routes. 'Direct flights reduce travel time, lower costs, and attract more international visitors. Our hotels are seeing higher occupancy, our food and retail industries are busier, and the overall energy in the city reflects this growth. These are signs of a healthy, active tourism economy,' he said. Touching on Matta Fair Penang 2025, Wong said an important new feature at this year's fair is the Domestic Tourism Zone, which is being introduced for the first time in Penang's edition of Matta Fair. He noted that it is a great initiative to help more Malaysians explore the beauty of the country and highlighted that local tourism has great potential and this zone gives it the space and attention it deserves. The two-day Matta Fair Penang 2025, which kicked off today, features 258 booths representing 90 organisations from various segments of the travel and tourism industry.
Barnama
20-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang To Welcome New Direct Flights From Phnom Penh Starting June 26
GENERAL GEORGE TOWN, May 20 (Bernama) -- Penang is set to welcome new direct flights from Phnom Penh starting June 26 via Cambodia Airways, marking another significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and underscoring Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Cambodia Airways has officially confirmed the new route and this latest development follows the successful launch of the Chengdu-Penang direct flight on April 30. 'This marks the first direct air link between Phnom Penh and Penang, signalling a new era in the exchange between the two cities. 'The launch of the direct flight service between Phnom Penh and Penang will open up more opportunities for tourism, trade and bilateral collaboration between Malaysia and Cambodia, offering more convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers,' he said in a statement today. Wong said the flight will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Flight KR785 will depart from the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) at 8.05 am and arrive at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 10.55 am while the return flight KR786 will depart Penang at 11.55 am and land in Phnom Penh at 12.40 pm. He emphasised that this direct connection highlights Penang's unique appeal and growth potential on the regional aviation map, further solidifying its position as an international hub for business events and tourism. With the inclusion of Cambodia, he said Penang now has direct air links with six ASEAN member states, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. 'This achievement not only enhances Penang's position as a key international air hub in Southeast Asia but also strengthens regional air connectivity, further solidifying Penang's strategic role in the regional aviation landscape,' he said. With the inclusion of Phnom Penh, PIA now has direct flights to 22 international cities, further boosting Penang's global reach.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Penang to welcome direct flights from Phnom Penh from June 26
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is set to welcome new direct flights from Phnom Penh starting June 26 via Cambodia Airways, marking another significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and underscoring Malaysia's role as Asean chair. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Cambodia Airways has officially confirmed the new route and this latest development follows the successful launch of the Chengdu-Penang direct flight on April 30. "This marks the first direct air link between Phnom Penh and Penang, signalling a new era in the exchange between the two cities. "The launch of the direct flight service between Phnom Penh and Penang will open up more opportunities for tourism, trade and bilateral collaboration between Malaysia and Cambodia, offering more convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers," he said in a statement today. Wong said the flight will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Flight KR785 will depart from the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) at 8.05am and arrive at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 10.55am while the return flight KR786 will depart Penang at 11.55am and land in Phnom Penh at 12.40pm. He emphasised that this direct connection highlights Penang's unique appeal and growth potential on the regional aviation map, further solidifying its position as an international hub for business events and tourism. With the inclusion of Cambodia, he said Penang now has direct air links with six Asean member states, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. "This achievement not only enhances Penang's position as a key international air hub in Southeast Asia but also strengthens regional air connectivity, further solidifying Penang's strategic role in the regional aviation landscape," he said. With the inclusion of Phnom Penh, PIA now has direct flights to 22 international cities, further boosting Penang's global reach. Wong also highlighted Malaysia's Asean chairmanship, which began on Jan 1 this year, focusing on promoting regional integration and connectivity and the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity 2025, which identifies air transport as a key pillar for fostering integration. He noted that the launch of the direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang is a concrete reflection of a regional vision, advancing seamless air connectivity between Penang and Asean countries while further strengthening the foundation for the goal of an Asean Single Aviation Market (ASAM). "It will contribute to further enhancing Penang's position as a strategic hub within the regional aviation and trade networks, expanding its role as a key connectivity node in Asean and attracting more business, tourism and investment opportunities," Wong said. - Bernama
