By UOW Malaysia 

On 25 July 2026, the Department of Built Environment (DOBE) at UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College (UOWMKDU Penang) was honoured to be invited by Think City to take part in the reopening of Fort Cornwallis, one of George Town’s most iconic heritage landmarks. The historic occasion was officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, underscoring the national significance of the event.

A group of 10 students and 3 lecturers from UOWMKDU Penang joined the celebratory program, which featured exhibitions, guided experiences, workshops, and interactive activities designed to reconnect visitors with the Fort’s history, conservation, and cultural significance.

Students explored interactive exhibitions within the conserved barracks, gaining insights into the Fort’s development and preservation journey. Displays included archaeological finds, conservation materials, and Augmented Reality (AR) applications — digital overlays that bring heritage streets to life.

A highlight was the Heritage Building Materials Workshop, led by Mr Giovanni Santo, Technical Expert from Think City. Participants experimented with traditional techniques such as fresco (painting on wet plaster), sgraffito (scratching designs into plaster), and mosaic (art made from small pieces of stone or glass), using lime putty, gypsum, and earth pigments to create miniature artworks.

The visit concluded with a group photograph at the Fort’s entrance, with students proudly holding their handmade pieces. DOBE extends heartfelt thanks to Dr Aufa Abd Rahman from Think City for the kind invitation and for providing this valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with real‑world heritage conservation.

For more details on the reopening of Fort Cornwallis, please visit the Think City website here.