George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI)

Established by the Penang State Government on 21 April 2010, George Town World Heritage Incorporated is the site manager spearheading efforts in safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the George Town World Heritage Site.

A diverse group of professionals with different areas of expertise, the team at GTWHI is dedicated to managing, safeguarding and promoting George Town as a sustainable heritage city for all. They are committed to conserving and safeguarding Penang’s tangible and intangible heritage. 

GTWHI works on cultural heritage promotion in schools, youth participation in programmes, disaster risk management, regeneration of residency within George Town, paper and object conservation, as well as first aid for cultural heritage in emergencies. To promote cultural heritage education and boost capacity building, GTWHI collaborates with a wide range of partners to conduct workshops, conferences, exhibitions and heritage celebrations. Their work also involves encouraging public participation in World Heritage Site conservation efforts.

GTWHI’s tasks are conducted through some 50 programmes and projects annually with sponsorship from the Penang State Government, in collaboration with UNESCO and its Category 2 Centres. They also provide complimentary consultations to owners of heritage buildings, architects and builders on the appropriate restoration methods, conduct skills development workshops, and provide resources on George Town and its heritage. Apart from outreach efforts, the team facilitates and conducts inventory, documentation and research projects.