George Town, Penang – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 – is caught in a battle between preservation and progress. 🎭 Known for its colorful shophouses and Peranakan culture, this Malaysian gem now faces an existential question: Can it protect its traditional trades while navigating skyrocketing rents and gentrification?
The Double-Edged Sword of UNESCO Fame 🏅⚔️
While UNESCO status saved heritage buildings from bulldozers, it also turned the city into a hotspot for cafes and Airbnbs. Artisans crafting wood carvings, hand-painted signs, and Potehi puppets – once the city’s heartbeat – now struggle as workshops get priced out. 🪓🎨 \"Young people see these skills as ‘old-fashioned,’\" says third-generation lantern maker Ah Chen.
Tradition vs. Gentrification 🛠️🏗️
Local initiatives like Penang’s \"Living Heritage\" grants aim to help. But with rents doubling in some areas, even stipends can’t offset costs. Meanwhile, digital nomads and bubble tea shops dominate George Town’s iconic streets – a trend locals call \"Disneyfication.\" 🧋💻
Passing the Torch to Gen Z 🧓👩🎨
Some hope comes from hybrids like 26-year-old Jia Ling, who merges seal engraving with streetwear designs. 📿👟 Workshops teaching puppet-making through TikTok tutorials and pop-up markets targeting travelers also bridge the gap. \"We’re not relics,\" says Potehi performer Rajesh. \"We’re storytellers – we just need new audiences.\"
