Martial arts grandmaster among Living Heritage Treasures in Penang

THREE senior citizens were honoured with the Penang Heritage Trust’s Living Heritage Treasures Award for their contributions to the state.

Leading the list was evergreen Eurasian crooner Kathleen M. Rodrigues, 77, who is regarded by local residents here as an epitome of Penang’s music heritage.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow bestowed the award on Rodrigues, who began singing when she was a child and grew up in an Eurasian family of musicians.

With a career spanning five decades, Rodrigues has been the cornerstone of Eurasian musical heritage in Malaysia, performing since the age of seven. 

Her extraordinary talent and dedication made her a beloved figure in the local music scene and until today, she performs occasionally upon special invites.

After receiving the award, she paid tribute to her parents and her musical soulmate, her husband James Rozells who died in 2021.

Both had performed in gigs throughout the country and had brought country music to new levels in Penang when they managed a country and western outlet in Tanjung Bungah.

Rodrigues was among two others honoured by the state at a ceremony in Bangunan UAB.

Another recipient was a teacher and the grandmaster of Silambam Nillaikalakki, Asan Anbanathan Ramasamy.

Silambam Nillaikalakki is a sub-sector of Silambam, one of India’s oldest weapon-based martial arts.

Master Mariapakkiam of Tamil Nadu brought the tradition to Malaya, where Asan Anbananthan persuaded Master Mariapakkiam to teach him at age 14. 

After 15 years of rigorous training, Asan Anbananthan founded the Silambam Nillaikalakki Penang Association in 1975.

The 77-year-old remains committed to teaching, holding four classes weekly, often free or at a minimal cost.

The other recipient was watercolour arts educationalist Datuk Tan Chiang Kiong, 92. 

A versatile and accomplished artist, Tan has not only mastered watercolours, acrylics, and oils but also dedicated his life to teaching, inspiring generations of outstanding artists and elevating Penang’s art standards.

Tan was given a special award for his role in sharing the skills of water-colouring. 

Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) vice-president Loh - -Lim Lin Lee said the Living Heritage Treasure of Penang Award programme began as an idea in 2004.

“We are all familiar with tangible cultural heritage, such as historical buildings, enclaves, and monuments, and we understand the importance of preserving these for future generations. 

“Equally important, however, is the protection of intangible cultural heritage, which includes diverse skills and techniques vital for its continuity and survival," she said. - January 10, 2025.