Penang: Two of Penang's iconic landmarks, Fort Cornwallis and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, were 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 here today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, ASEAN Records and ASIA Records directors Gillian Ooi stated that Fort Cornwallis received recognition as the oldest intact star bastion fort built by the British East India Company on the Malay Peninsula. Construction of the fort began in 1786, spanning approximately 38,800 square metres. Meanwhile, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve earned dual certification as the oldest colonial hill station within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, marking its establishment in 1788 and later designation under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2021.
Gillian Ooi emphasized that recognition is only the beginning, while connection is the real impact. She highlighted the importance of the Gather of Achievers events in bringing 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 adjudicators Eldrick Koh.
Ooi noted that ASEAN Records and ASIA Records have systematically recognized Malaysia's significant tourism and food destinations through verified and measurable record certifications. This framework enables the documentation, verification, and promotion of tourism and food destinations across the region, highlighting their measurable and documented significance.
The initiative was previously held in Melaka, where Jonker Walk Heritage Zone was officially 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, ASEAN Records has organized nine Gather of Achievers events within 17 months, including celebrations held in conjunction with various cultural and public events.
At the same ceremony, seven other achievements across sectors such as culinary arts, manufacturing, technology, and digital marketing were also recognized. Among the recipients were Prof Master Chef Michael Ooi Beng Hock, Creative Bliss, Elexer Holding Bhd, HandH Health Care Group (LE AURA), Kota Dine and Coffee, Newpages, and Sintak Kee Foods.
The event also marked the debut of the Wira and Manja mascots, the official mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026 in Penang, symbolizing 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. He stated that these recognitions reflect the richness of Penang's identity and represent invaluable cultural and natural assets defining Penang's place on the regional and global stage.