THE inaugural Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC) conference will convene in Penang from September 3 to 7, bringing together scientists, architects and policymakers to explore new frontiers in intercultural collaboration, technological innovation and global Chinese diaspora engagement.
The event, which will be officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at Jen Hotel, George Town, builds on the growing legacy of CWC as a platform for transnational dialogue.
Its founder Winfred Khoo said the event aims to unlock opportunities through the convergence of heritage, high-tech industries, and the creative arts.
“In a post-colonial, globalised world, Chinatowns are uniquely positioned to lead in intercultural and multilingual exchange. We are creating a network that spans science, languages, arts and ecological renewal,” said Khoo, who also founded the New Asia Currents media platform to document the initiative’s work.
The CWC recognises the strength of over 85 formal Chinatown enclaves worldwide—from London to New York, Berlin to Sydney—and taps into their socio-economic potential in the age of digital transformation.
Prominent figures expected at this year’s summit include leading Malaysian astrophysicist Tan Sri Mazlan Othman and Singapore's award-winning architect Professor Tay Kheng Soon.
Tay has counted Penang's foremost architect Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat, who designed the skyscraper Komtar, as among his inspiration.
Among the major proposals to be unveiled is the development of a man - made mangrove park within the Penang Arts District, a bold ecological landmark paired with the launch of a proposed “CWC Enterprise Campus”—a hub for future-driven learning in science and the arts.
Also on the agenda is a demonstration of an electric-powered aerial mobility vehicle—a “flying taxi” developed in Singapore and acquired by a Chinese e - Hang firm, with a prototype scheduled to be displayed at the Penang Tech Dome.
eHang is a world's leading autonomous aerial vehicle technology provider.
The low flying vehicle, which promises to ease urban congestion, will be demonstrated during the summit.
Other notable speakers include world renowned Dr Gerald Pollack, whose groundbreaking research into the fourth phase of water has implications for sustainable conservation, and Dr Wang Sheng - Wei, who will discuss ancient Chinese maritime exploration, alongside Ian Hudson of the 1421 Foundation, highlighting Zheng He’s historic voyages.
Indonesia’s Professor Danny Natawidjaja from the National Research and Innovation Agency will present findings on ancient Southeast Asian civilisations, particularly the Sundaland pyramids and their megalithic links.
Timofey Egorov, a veteran Russian cosmonaut trainer, will speak on youth training for space exploration in collaboration with Mazlan.
Together, they aim to launch a regional youth space academy to nurture future Asian astronauts.
In light of global tensions, there are also plans to reactivate the Asian Dialogue Society—an initiative once associated with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim—to promote conflict mediation and interethnic dialogue in a world increasingly marked by division.
Khoo, who was born in Penang, said residents are welcome to participate in the conference, noting that the summit is particularly timely as Southeast Asia grapples with geopolitical shifts, US trade tariffs, and the evolving roles of China, India and the West.
“The CWC is not only about Chinatowns. It is about transforming historical identities into bridges for the future—across languages, across cultures, across disciplines,” Khoo said. - August 24, 2025.
