Students and faculty from SEGi College Penang recently explored the historical Penang Peranakan Mansion on 4th November 2024. The group, comprising students from Cultural Studies, Introduction to Tourism, and Marketing Management courses, along with lecturers, experienced the unique blend of Chinese and Malay traditions that define Peranakan culture. This educational visit aimed to deepen students’ understanding of cultural preservation and its relevance to the tourism and hospitality industries.
The Penang Peranakan Mansion, a celebrated heritage site showcasing late 19th-century artifacts and architecture, provided a rich learning platform. The visit emphasised the importance of heritage conservation in line with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, particularly Target 11.4, which highlights the safeguarding of cultural heritage. By preserving its history, the mansion contributes to sustainable development while offering insights into the opulent lifestyle of the Peranakan community.
Students also explored the economic impact of heritage tourism, directly linked to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Heritage sites such as the Penang Peranakan Mansion stimulate local economies by creating employment, driving tourism revenues, and promoting cultural skills development. This visit highlighted how heritage preservation not only protects culture but also serves as a key economic driver.
This initiative aligned with SEGi’s commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education by integrating cultural and economic aspects of sustainability into practical learning experiences. By connecting classroom theories to real-world examples, SEGi equips students with a deeper understanding of how heritage conservation plays a crucial role in sustainable tourism and community development.
The educational visit reinforced the connection between cultural preservation and sustainable development, leaving a lasting impact on students and inspiring them to adopt sustainable practices in their future careers. It also showcased SEGi’s dedication to fostering global perspectives and empowering students to contribute to meaningful societal change.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:
● SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
● SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
● SDG 4: Quality Education