Initiating an Oral History Project in a Multicultural UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, Penang, Malaysia: Challenges and Outcomes

A pilot oral history project in George Town, Penang, Malaysiademonstrated significant potential for fostering public awareness and community engagement with intangible cultural heritage. Launched by the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) in 2013, this initiative highlighted how structured oral history documentation can bridge gaps between heritage preservation efforts and local communities, particularly in multicultural urban settings. The study underscored the role of such projects in shaping heritage discourse while addressing practical challenges in implementation. By focusing on lived experiences, the project not only preserved historical narratives but also encouraged active participation from diverse groups, offering a model for similar initiatives in other living cultural sites.

Musa, M., Li Feng, K.,. (2016). Initiating an Oral History Project in a Multicultural UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, Penang, Malaysia: Challenges and Outcomes. Kajian Malaysia, 34(2), 123–143. https://doi.org/10.21315/km2016.34.2.6