By UOW Malaysia 

On 25 September 2026, a group of 26 students from UOW Malaysia’s Diploma in Interior Design and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture programs stepped beyond the classroom and into a living piece of Penang’s history during an industrial visit to 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang. Accompanied by academic staff and industry representatives, the visit offered an invaluable opportunity to explore the intersection of heritage conservation, architecture, interior design and hospitality management.

As one of Penang’s notable heritage properties, the hotel provided an ideal learning environment for students to observe how historic buildings can be preserved while remaining relevant in a modern hospitality setting. Throughout the visit, participants gained first-hand exposure to heritage architecture, building conservation practices and the adaptive reuse of a century-old property.

A highlight of the program was an insightful sharing session by Datuk Frank Koay, owner of 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang, and Angelina Lazuardi, General Manager. They shared the hotel’s remarkable heritage journey, restoration initiatives and the significance of its recent 100th anniversary celebration. Their experiences provided students with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in preserving cultural heritage while ensuring commercial sustainability.

Students were also taken on a guided tour of the hotel, where they explored architectural features, room layouts and interior design concepts up close. The experience enabled them to connect classroom theories with real-world applications, enhancing their appreciation of how heritage principles influence contemporary design and hospitality practices.

Beyond the educational insights gained, the visit reinforced the importance of industry-academia collaboration in preparing students for their future careers. By engaging directly with industry professionals, students developed a deeper appreciation for the role designers and architects play in safeguarding cultural identity while creating functional and meaningful spaces.

The visit exemplifies UOW Malaysia’s commitment to experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to learn from real environments, real challenges and real industry leaders. As future design professionals, the students left inspired by the responsibility and potential of preserving heritage for generations to come.