|
13-Jun-04 | Our efforts to restore Cheng Hoon Teng Temple were recognised when the temple won the Unesco Merit Award for Restoration in the Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Awards 2002. The ceremony was to have been held in April 2003 but due to unavoidable circumstances, the event was postponed to this year.
Cheng Hoon Teng was one of five recipients of the Merit Award, which recognises the best efforts of individuals and organisations in their achievements and contributions to the conservation and restoration of a structure or a series of structures, which are more than 50 years old.
Restoration of the main temple building began in late 1999 and was completed in early 2001. Founded in the 1600s, Cheng Hoon Teng is Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temple. The phase one restoration saw it competing against 46 projects from 15 countries and administrative areas in the Asia-Pacific region.
The selection process was conducted by a panel of international conservation experts in architecture, urban planning, landscape design and heritage conservation.
Judges' Citation:
The restoration of the 17th- century temple, the oldest edifice of formal worship for the Chinese immigrant community of Malaysia and Singapore, demonstrates high standards of technical execution and sets a worthy precedent for other conservation work in Malaysia and the region. The detailed documentation of the historic building and the restoration process is commendable, resulting in a clear understanding of the project's sound methodology and best conservation practices. The project successfully illustrates faithful use of original materials and integrity of artisan techniques, and has revived the historic building for the community as a centre of worship.
|
