Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery sets to become Penang's new landmark

GEORGE TOWN, July 2 (Bernama) -- Penang is set to have a new landmark when the construction of the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, a seven-storey building resembling a turtle coming ashore, to be completed in 2022.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project was expected to progress according to the plan to serve as a link to foster more collaborations of arts communities from around the world.

“Once completed, it will also attract a different segment of tourists which consist of art enthusiasts from around the world, thus further strengthening Penang’s position as a hub for arts and culture,” he told reporters here tonight.

He added this project would serve as the catalyst to put Penang firmly on the world map especially among the art enthusiasts.

Earlier, Chow together with Space Arts and Culture (M) Sdn Bhd president Professor Lin Xiang Xiong, IJM Corporation Bhd chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Soam Heng Choon, UNESCO Works of Arts Collection curator Dr Tania Fernandez de Toledo and Global Chinese Arts and Culture Society honorary president Dr Liu Thai Kher attended the ground breaking ceremony near the Light Waterfront Penang in Gelugor here.

It was previously reported that the 8,176 square metre gallery, built on a 0.36 hectare of land, to include a UNESCO Education Centre on the ground floor as well as providing space for artworks from around the world.

The project is a collaboration between renowned artist Lin Xiang Xiong and IJM’s Jelutong Development Sdn Bhd.

Meanwhile, Chow who is also Padang Kota assemblyman said the state expected larger influx of domestic tourists with the launch of the Melaka-Penang inaugural flight by AirAsia.

He said the direct flights between the two states would shorten the travelling time that indirectly offered more time for tourists to explore the two UNESCO-listed cities.

“I strongly believe the direct flight will bring positive news for tourism sector in both states as domestically, Penang and Melaka share a lot of similarities as both were jointly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites back in 2008,” he said.

Yesterday, the world leading low-cost carrier, AirAsia has launched it Melaka-Penang inaugural flight connecting the Penang International Airport to the Melaka International Airport.

-- BERNAMA