Reviews & Press : : Penang Postcards Collection: 1899-1930s

Doctorjob.com.my
http://doctorjob.com.my/localnews/printerfriendly.asp?ID=1887
28 July 2003
By WL Chen

Largest Collection of Penang Pre-War Postcards Launched

The "Penang Postcard Collection 1899-1930s", a book on pre-World War II Penang postcards by Khoo Salma Nasution and Malcolm Wade was launched today by the Director-General of National Library Dato' Zawiyah Baba in Kuala Lumpur. The publication was sponsored by HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad.

"The book Penang Postcard Collection 1899-1930s is a pioneering publication in this field. With over 700 postcards compiled by Wade, this is the largest collection of pre-war Penang, in fact Malaysian, postcards ever published. The historical text provided by Khoo Salma clearly demonstrates the importance of visual records in elucidating Malaysia's past," said Zawiyah.

"The Collection is a reminiscence of the good old days of Penang in the early 20th Century, when it was part of the British Straits Settlements. It was during this period that Penang thrived and positioned itself as a centre for regional trade, laying the foundation for what is today one of Malaysia's most developed and modernised states," said HSBC Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Zarir J Cama. He noted that Penang and HSBC have a very strong relationship as it was in Penang HSBC planted its roots in Malaysia in 1884.

Through the Collection, one can examine the modes of transport, ships and native vessels, architectural heritage, traditional signage, lifestyle, dressing and festivals of the very cosmopolitan population that was found in Penang. The Collection reveals the importance of Penang as a regional port and major gateway to the Peninsula.