THE SPECTACULAR “WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL 2008 - PENANG” IS BACK WITH NEW BATCH OF WORLD-RENOWNED MUSICIANS

PENANG, 17 January 2008 –  Penang is once again making preparations to host its “World Music Festival 2008” and this time it will be  held from 2nd May till 4th May at the Botanic Gardens.

The atmosphere of these beautifully landscaped Gardens will again be filled with enchanting melodies originating from various parts of the world when world-renowned musicians converge in harmonic fusion at this spectacular music festival held for the second time here.

This time it is expected to attract a bigger crowd as traditional music enthusiasts – international, regional and local – throng the Botanic Gardens to enjoy enthralling shows from different performing bands from cultural or community-inspired roots. The music festival was successfully held in July last year and attracted over 5,000 fans.

The 11 international and 4 local bands, while worlds apart in many ways all remain true to their roots when performing. Prominent ethnic undertones and unique musical thumbprints are enhanced where traditional instruments become focal points. The international bands hail from France, Reunion Island, Mexico, Iran, India, Denmark, Kenya, Tibet, Canada, USA and Croatia.

The “World Music Festival 2008 – Penang”, one of the events under the Visit Malaysia Year banner, is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia and the Penang Tourism Action Council. This festival is supported by The E&O Group as its Platinum Sponsor as well as MBF Cards (M’sia) Sdn Bhd as its Official Credit Card Partner.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed here today between the Ministry and The E&O Group for the Platinum Sponsorship of the World Music Festival 2008 · Penang for a total value of RM1 million. The signing of the MoU was witnessed by Chief Minister of Penang YAB Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon.

Also present were the State Exco for Tourism and Environment YB Mr. Teng Chang Yeow, who is also the Chairman of Penang Tourism Action Council; the Ministry’s Secretary-General Y.Bhg. Datuk Dr. Victor Wee, who signed on behalf of the Ministry; and Chairman, The E&O Group Y.Bhg. Datuk Azizan Abd Rahman, who signed on behalf of the company.

The very generous monetary contribution, owing to YB Mr. Teng Chang Yeow’s commendable effort, initiative and forethought, is indeed a boon for this second run of the World Music Festival 2008 · Penang which illustrates how a private sector has faith in homegrown truly Malaysian products. It should also set as a role model for other private organisations to ensue.

Speaking at the media conference following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism and The E&O Group for the Sponsorship, Y.Bhg. Datuk Azizan bin Abd Rahman, Chairman of The E&O Group said, “Led by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Penang Tourism Action Council, the E&O Group is honoured to support the World Music Festival 2008 • Penang as the main platinum sponsor. This exciting global music complements the E&O’s hospitality and property development divisions in drawing both local and international audiences to the many attractions of culturally vibrant Penang.”

Besides engaging in cultural exchange, the music festival can bring people around the globe to come here and this will help brand Malaysia as a premiere destination for music and entertainment-based tourism. In addition, it will put Malaysia on the world map as the world-class centre of arts, music and culture with international groups performing to large audiences in a controlled and organised manner.

It is a total festive concept as there will be no chairs set up in rigid formality, amidst the lush trees and tropical foliage surrounding the whole area, benevolently by the old quarry cliffs of Penang Hill. The whole area will be like a friendly picnic ground where people can sit or recline on the grass, walk about or join the party crowd on their feet, right in front of the stage.

Food stalls are also set up to cater for the crowd in the evening as well as ample public washrooms situated at the site and mobile ones for the convenience of the audience.

For further information, kindly call the Penang Tourism Action Council at +604-226 9727 or log-in to www.penangworldmusicfestival.com