Fwd: This month in Penang Monthly - October 2012

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Having trouble viewing this email?     Latest Issue Join us on :   This month in Penang Monthly... October 2012 | Issue 10.12 Available now at all good bookstores and newsagents Cover Story Deepening George Town's Heritage George Town's intangibles are gaining appreciation. There is no doubt that Penangites are becoming more conscious of how wonderful their city is. But since it is its living heritage that makes George Town unique, its intangibles must be promoted as much as its tangibles. Preserve the architecture by all means, but let's not forget the concrete history found behind doors that open easily on request. The George Town community, in particular families who have lived there for generations, as well as traders who have plied their trade in the inner city for just as long, has been crucial in sustaining the city's extraordinary history and diverse culture. Unlike many heritage cities in the world where most artefacts are statically displayed in museums, or with overly organised historical sites bordering on artificiality, George Town has remained a true living heritage city.   Feature Betting on BIDS George Town starts Asia's first ever Business Improvement District Scheme. The rejuvenation of an urban area cannot really be left only to the authorities. This has become clear to businesses and residents living around the Komtar area. Taking the lead from other cities that have succeeded in reviving degenerated areas, they are now working with the state government to turn their district into Penang's next attraction. Komtar, or Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, remains one of the most recognisable symbols of Penang. Although an unmistakable landmark, it is also ironically a "forgotten" building, only a shadow of its former self. Back in the 1990s, Komtar was bustling with traders, shoppers, workers and students. This was no surprise as it was the only "mall" of its kind and size in Penang.   Profile Cheah Cheng Hye – Penang's own Warren Buffett Cheah Cheng Hye, alumnus of Penang Free School, has been called the Warren Buffett of the East. Although he claims that gives him way too much credit, the reasons why he is one of Asia's most respected fund managers are many. For one thing, Value Partners Group Limited, the asset management company he co-founded in 1993 and in which he is the largest shareholder, is the biggest of its kind in Hong Kong. It is also the first and only one listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This took place in 2007, and the turbulent times since then have been a great challenge to him personally, since he sets the Group's overall strategy.   States of Reform Malaysia Education Blueprint Weighing unity against diversity. Nation-building strategies all over the world have education as a central element. Malaysia is no different. However, the multicultural nature of the population means that education has always been a hugely controversial and highly sensitive subject. The latest blueprint must also consider the question: is diversity a benefit or a dilemma? The Deputy Prime Minister recently launched the draft version of the Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013-2025) with great fanfare. With that, the Education Ministry seeks feedback prior to launching its final version in December this year. I had the privilege of attending a focus group session at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Isis) earlier this week to discuss how the education system can better cater to the objectives of national unity and multiculturalism, in light of the blueprint. This article explores only issues insofar as these twin objectives are concerned – what the blueprint contains on the matter, and the role of the Penang and Selangor state governments in this matter.   Also in this issue…   Feature Planting seeds of the future in Balik Pulau Rasa Sayang goes another shade greener Tantalising Taiwan Major changes await the Botanic Gardens Real democracy requires democracy in planning Photo Essay The living museum of George Town Talk-talk Only The unknown and the all too familiar Penang Palette Art auctions are the new stock market Window into History System of government in the Straits Settlements, 1942 Restaurant Review Dining in the clouds Statistics – October 2012 Become a Penang Monthly subscriber today Penang Monthly is a monthly magazine dedicated to covering social, industrial and cultural issues that are relevant to today's generation of Malaysians. You are receiving this e-mail because you have been placed in our subscription list. We apologise if this is not of interest to you. Please click here to unsubscribe. If this was forwarded to you and you'd like more, please subscribe here.

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