CATCHING THE WIND Penang in a Rising Asia

• Format: Book
• Published: Singapore Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2012; Singapore Institute of Southeast Asian Studies 2012
• Series: Penang studies series
• Subjects: World Heritage areas > Pulau Pinang (State) > Malaysia
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 The book is divided into four sections. The first is a context-setting essay by Hutchinson that considers the economic and policy environment that shapes Penang's opportunities and challenges. Many of the economic and policy concerns noted by Hutchinson have a familiar ring. Returning to the second section, the focus of these three chapters is George Town's heritage precinct. George Town was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2008 and Khoo Salma Nasution provides an overview of the history and challenges of Penang's heritage movement both prior to and after the UNESCO listing. Khoo's long involvement in the heritage movement makes for an informed analysis of the political, planning, and financial hurdles to preserving George Town's outstanding architectural and cultural value. The final section of the book evaluates the economic futures of four distinct industries. Yoon Chon Leong draws on survey data from 600 firms to consider technology trends in the electrical and electronics industry, long the mainstay of Penang's manufacturing sector. Yoon starts with a sobering account of Penang's declining international competitiveness and the inability of small and medium enterprises to be more global in their operations. He ends with a call for a new industrial blueprint that builds on Penang's established technical competencies.