Initiating an Oral History Project in a Multicultural UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, Penang, Malaysia: Challenges and Outcomes
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Abstract
The recognition accorded to George Town as UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7 July 2008 has opened a new challenge for the state government in terms of heritage management and town planning. As the listing was conducted on the basis of a "living" cultural site, the government has since initiated several moves to safeguard the city's intangible cultural heritage. One such initiative comes from the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) which initiated a pilot oral history documentation project in 2013. Using the project as a case study, this paper seeks to illustrate the role of an oral history project in creating public awareness and appreciation for heritage as well as in encouraging community engagement in the heritage discourse.
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INTERVIEW
Interview with Mr. Ong Liang Ching, interviewed by Ong Ke Shin, Cherita: Living on Chulia Street, 1945–1970, GTWHI, catalogue accession number 1309.
Interview with Waras bin Mohammad, interviewed by Muhammad Izuan Abdul Rahman, Cherita: Living on Chulia Street, 1945–1970, GTWHI, catalogue accession number 1302.
Interview with Tan Chin Wah, interviewed by Kuah Li Feng, Cherita: Living on Chulia Street, 1945–1970, GTWHI, catalogue accession number 1306.
Interview with Abdul Aleem Siddiqui bin Sata, interviewed by Dr. Mahani Musa, Cherita: Living on Chulia Street, 1945–1970, GTWHI, catalogue accession number 1301.
Interview with Yip Wai Kong, interviewed by Ooi Yee Hui, Cherita: Living on Chulia Street, 1945–1970, GTWHI, catalogue accession number 1304.
Interview with Madam Gan Gaik Ying, interviewed by Kuah Li Feng, Cherita: Living on Chulia Street, 1945–1970, GTWHI, catalogue accession number 1303.
Interview with Madam Soh Fung Jie (alias Soo Fung Sin), interviewed by Ling Chang, Cherita: Living on Chulia Street, 1945–1970, GTWHI, catalogue accession number 1305a.