In 2023, George Town and Adelaide come together to commemorate the golden jubilee of their sister city relationship, known as the George Town-Adelaide Sister City Pact, which was forged half a century ago.
This milestone holds immense significance for both cities, reaffirming the enduring bond they have shared over the years.
This meaningful partnership traces back to their shared historical roots.
In 1786, Captain Francis Light established George Town, Penang’s capital, while his eldest son, Colonel William Light, laid the foundation for Adelaide on December 28, 1836.
Given their familial connection and parallel foundation stories, it was a natural progression for these cities to form a sister-city relationship.
Fifty years ago, on December 8, 1973, Penang signed a sister city pact with Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia.
(From third left) The Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran, the Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson AC, and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the reception at Suffolk House on 29 August 2023. Image: Buletin Mutiara
Adelaide and George Town offer various events and activities to commemorate the 50th Anniversary.
Look for enjoyable activities like food festivals, cultural events, orchestra presentations, culinary showcases, educational programs, tree-planting ceremonies, and heritage trails.
50th Anniversary Of George Town-Adelaide Sister City Pact
The celebration in Penang commenced with an elegant gala at the historic Suffolk House, marking the George Town – Adelaide Sister City 50th Anniversary.
The Australian High Commission Malaysia hosted a reception at the Suffolk House, attended by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson AC.
The evening evoked nostalgia through treasured memories and historical connections, amplified by the venue’s significance – the original Suffolk House, once home to Captain Francis Light.
Distinguished figures from both cities graced this momentous event.
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Penang’s Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow warmly welcomed Her Excellency Madam Frances Adamson AG, the Governor of South Australia. Image: Buletin Mutiara
Penang’s Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow warmly welcomed Her Excellency Madam Frances Adamson AG, the Governor of South Australia.
Also present at the reception were Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II, YB Jagdeep Singh Deo; Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Ms. Clare Gatehouse, Counsellor Australian High Commission; Consul Generals, Australia MasterChef winner, Adam Liaw, Malaysia Airlines northern region commercial and sales area manager Lisa Wong Wen Ling, South Australia state representative (Malaysia) for Trade and Investment Adil Akbar, and AEON CO (M) Bhd Perishable and Daily & Dairy Trade Procurement head Thomas Tan.
In his speech, Chow highlighted how George Town and Adelaide have witnessed cultural evolution, culinary influences, heritage, and diversity.
“Both cities’ UNESCO recognition – George Town as a World Heritage Site and Adelaide as a City of Music – brings shared delight,” he said.
He further emphasized, “If we’re amazed by this father-son tale, credit must also go to two other foresighted figures: the late Premier of South Australia, Don Dunstan, and the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu.
Together, they made the George Town-Adelaide sister city connection on December 8, 1973, for which we’re profoundly grateful, celebrating 50 years of this foundational bond.”
Meanwhile, as the 36th Governor of South Australia, Adamson expressed her intrigue and excitement about her first visit to Penang in this role.
She conveyed hope for the ongoing prosperity of the George Town-Adelaide relationship in the years ahead.
Image: Suffolk House Penang
Image: Suffolk House Penang
The sister-city relationship, driven by friendship and history, acts as a catalyst for tourism and meaningful collaborations across domains.
Visitors admired the Adelaide-George Town 50th sister city anniversary logo designed by Penangite Lim Soon Tatt.
The design beautifully captured the event’s essence, highlighting Penang’s UNESCO heritage status and Adelaide’s musical heritage while emphasizing the latter’s deep ties to native Aboriginal heritage.
Adelaide-George Town 50th sister city anniversary logo designed by Penangite Lim Soon Tatt
Throughout the jubilee year, the enduring bond between George Town and Adelaide, cultivated over five decades, will be celebrated joyfully through diverse events honoring their shared history and vibrant cultural connection.
Cheers to this remarkable journey uniting two cities!
CM YAB Chow Kon Yeow and HE Madam Frances Adamson AG chatting with MasterChef winner and celebrity chef Adam Liaw.
The Government of South Australia will commemorate the occasion with a month-long Adelaide food fair at Queensbay Mall from September 1 to 30.
This event will provide a platform for cultural exchange and gastronomic delight, symbolizing the strong and enduring bond between George Town and Adelaide.
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George Town-Adelaide celebrates five decades of sister city relationship
