Source: The Star

The Penang State Museum and Art Gallery will reopen its doors on Thursday, unveiling a refreshed visitor experience that combines the state’s rich heritage with modern digital technology following an extensive RM18 million restoration.

Closed since 2017 for conservation works, the museum now features interactive and artificial intelligence-powered elements designed to make history more engaging and accessible for visitors.

Museum director Haryany Mohamad said the revamped museum embraces changing visitor expectations by allowing photography throughout the galleries, encouraging guests to share their experiences on social media.

“Visitors today naturally want to document and share their experiences. We see this as a positive way to introduce the museum to a wider audience,” she said, noting that many of the technologies now being introduced were unavailable when the museum first closed.

Among the new features are augmented reality experiences, self-service kiosks, cashless payment systems and upgraded visitor amenities. Artefacts previously kept in storage have also been restored and placed on public display.

To enhance educational programmes, the museum now includes a dedicated multi-purpose hall that can accommodate 30 to 40 people for guided tours, lectures and school activities, reducing congestion within exhibition spaces.

Accessibility has also been significantly improved, with persons with disabilities now able to access the museum’s upper floors.

A highlight of the reopening is an on-site archaeological excavation within the museum compound, believed to be the only exhibit of its kind housed inside a museum building in Malaysia. Conducted in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Global Archaeological Research, the excavation reveals the original foundations of the historic school building that once occupied the site before parts were destroyed during World War II.

Built in 1896 and expanded in 1906, the building originally housed Penang Free School before later serving as Hutchings School. It was officially converted into the Penang State Museum in 1965 following a proposal supported by Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The reopening ceremony will be officiated by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib on Thursday evening, with the museum welcoming the public from Friday onwards.

Marriott International Inc. and Iconic Group today announced the signing of an agreement to introduce Courtyard by Marriott to Penang Mainland with Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City. This signing further strengthens Marriott’s strategic relationship with Iconic Group and reinforces the global hospitality company’s continued expansion across Malaysia.

Located within the four-hectare Icon City integrated commercial development in Bukit Mertajam, Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City will be strategically positioned to serve business and leisure travelers visiting Penang Mainland. The hotel enjoys convenient connectivity via the North-South Expressway and is within easy reach of Penang International Airport, while providing direct access to major economic drivers including the Prai Free Industrial Zone, Penang Science Park, Batu Kawan Industrial Park and Kulim Hi-Tech Park. Together, these established industrial corridors continue to support year-round corporate travel while contributing to the region’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

“Malaysia continues to represent an important growth market for Marriott International, and this signing reflects our commitment to expanding in destinations where strong economic fundamentals and evolving travel demand create long-term opportunities for our owners and our brands,” said Andree Susilo, Vice President, Hotel Development – Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Our continued collaboration with Iconic Group demonstrates the strength of the relationships we seek to build with owners who share our long-term vision for growth. We are delighted to expand our relationship further through the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City, bringing one of our globally recognized brands to this fast-growing commercial destination.”

The signing reflects Marriott’s strategy of thoughtfully aligning its diverse portfolio of brands with evolving traveller demand across Malaysia. A part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of brands, Courtyard by Marriott is designed for today’s modern travellers, offering contemporary guestrooms, flexible workspaces, meeting facilities and welcoming dining experiences that support both productivity and relaxation. The brand is well positioned to meet the needs of destinations where business and leisure travel increasingly intersect, making it a natural fit for Penang Mainland’s rapidly expanding commercial landscape.

Anticipated to open in December 2026 following the rebranding of the existing Iconic Hotel Penang, Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City is expected to offer 196 guestrooms designed for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel’s phased transformation will begin with enhancements to its public spaces, restaurants, recreational facilities and guestrooms, alongside expanded fitness and wellness amenities.

Following the transformation, guests can look forward to a range of facilities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a café and a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center with sauna and steam rooms. For meetings and events, the hotel is expected to feature a 640-square-meter divisible ballroom and two additional meeting rooms, providing flexible spaces for corporate functions and social gatherings.

“The signing of Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City marks another important milestone in our relationship with Marriott International and reflects our confidence in the continued growth of Penang Mainland,” said Dato’ Seri Tan Kean Tet, Chairman of Iconic Group. “Building on the success of our previous collaboration with Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, we look forward to introducing the Courtyard by Marriott brand to Icon City and delivering a hospitality experience backed by Marriott’s globally recognized standards while meeting the evolving needs of both business and leisure travellers.”

A newly proposed high-rise residential development on a 2-acre site along Jalan Scotland, next to Scots Pavilion. The site is located within an established neighbourhood, just a short distance from Han Chiang University College of Communication and Penang Free School, with George Town approximately a 10-minute drive away.

The development will comprise a single 35-storey condominium tower, featuring 298 condominium units, a 10-level parking podium, and two levels of facilities located on Levels 11 and 12.

The project is currently pending approval. Further details, including unit sizes, pricing, and the project timeline, have yet to be announced.

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : George Town
Property Type : Condominium
Land Area: 2 acres (approximate)
Total Units : 298
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data at the time of publication. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider or party in question.

Iconic Marjorie Penang today announced the launch of an official collaboration with Sanrio Southeast Asia, a global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty and beloved characters like Kuromi and Cinnamoroll.

The collaboration will see the launch of Hello Kitty, Kuromi and Cinnamoroll-themed hotel rooms and a Sanrio characters Afternoon Tea Experience at Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, combining Malaysia’s Peranakan heritage and Japanese pop culture to deliver an immersive, unforgettable hospitality experience. Each character will inspire a uniquely designed guestroom with Peranakan elements, contributing to an overall guest journey that extends beyond accommodation to include themed dining and interactive experiences.

Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase official Sanrio characters merchandise available at the hotel, including bathrobes, bath towels, toiletries, stationery, teapot, teacups, saucer and many more.

On Saturday, the official launch of the collaboration was held at Iconic Marjorie Penang, witnessed by YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, the Chief Minister of Penang, YBhrs. Mr Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary-General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, YB Phee Syn Tze, ADUN Sungai Puyu, Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh, former Penang State Executive Councillor, Kohei Imai, Chief Operating Officer of Sanrio Southeast Asia, and Andree Susilo, Vice President of Hotel Development, Asia Pacific, Marriott International.

Katherine Tan, Executive Director, Iconic Marjorie Penang said:

“We are proud to announce Iconic Marjorie Penang’s official collaboration with Sanrio, which represents the first Sanrio characters Peranakan-themed rooms and afternoon tea experience in Southeast Asia.

​This collaboration is the result of a trusted partnership that has grown over the past four years. Our journey with Sanrio characters began with the launch of our medical face masks, followed by festival gift sets, and later our Iconic Babycare diapers and wipes. Through these collaborations, we built a strong relationship based on mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to quality.

​As we developed the vision for Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Modern Peranakan hotel, we saw an opportunity to create something truly unique. The idea for this collaboration was initiated by Iconic and Sanrio together—to blend Penang’s rich Peranakan heritage with Sanrio’s beloved characters in a way that had never been done before.

​The result is the first Sanrio characters Peranakan-themed rooms and afternoon tea experience in Southeast Asia, combining heritage, creativity, and unforgettable guest experiences.

​We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Marriott International for its support and confidence in this collaboration. Their encouragement and partnership have been instrumental in helping bring this unique concept to life.”

​Kohei Imai, Chief Operating Officer of Sanrio Southeast Asia, said:

We are delighted to partner with Iconic Marjorie Penang to introduce the first Sanrio characters Peranakan-themed rooms and afternoon tea experience in Southeast Asia. By bringing together the timeless charm of Sanrio characters and Penang’s rich Peranakan heritage, this collaboration allows guests of all ages to experience our characters in a unique and memorable way.

Guided by our vision of ‘One World, Connecting Smiles,’ we hope this experience creates joyful memories while celebrating the creativity and cultural storytelling that make Penang so special.

We are grateful to Iconic Marjorie Penang for their partnership in bringing this one-of-a-kind experience to life.”

​Pauline Chua, Group General Manager of Iconic Marjorie Penang, said:

“At Iconic Marjorie Penang, our identity is deeply rooted in Penang’s Peranakan heritage, celebrating culture and warm hospitality, while Sanrio characters, from Japan, has inspired generations around the world through themes of friendship, kindness, happiness and imagination.

Hence, we are excited to unveil our collaboration with Sanrio Southeast Asia, bridging two brands that share common values through hospitality.

Together, we have brought together the best of both worlds. Malaysia – represented through Iconic Marjorie Penang’s Peranakan-inspired architecture, interiors, storytelling and guest experiences – and Japan, represented through Sanrio’s iconic characters, timeless design language and joyful spirit.

​With creatively designed guestrooms, curated dining experiences and storytelling, we invite our guests into a world where imagination, culture and meaningful memories come together. We look forward to welcoming families and guests of all ages to join us at Iconic Marjorie for this one-of-a-kind experience.”

​Hello Kitty celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 and is one of the world’s best-known cartoon characters. A Hello Kitty movie is set for global release in 2028, marking the character’s Hollywood debut. In recent years, newer Sanrio characters like Cinnamoroll – a gentle, dreamy and comforting blue-eyed white puppy with pink cheeks, big ears and a curly tail – and Kuromi  – a girly, mischievous rabbit known for her black hood and the pink motif on her forehead, have also achieved global superstardom, bringing happiness and friendship to people of all ages.

About Nyaman Mutiara Utama Light Industrial Park

A light industrial park by Nyaman Mutiara Sdn. Bhd. in the vicinity of Nyaman Mutiara Light Industrial Park in Bayan Lepas. Situated along Jalan Sungai Tiram 1, this project is located just across the road from SMJK Heng Ee and less than 2km away from Penang International Airport. It shares its neighborhood with several ongoing high-rise housing developments by Ideal Property, including Havana Beach Residences, Maldives Residences, and Lucerne Residences.

Find out more about Nyaman Mutiara Utama Light Industrial Park