The Disappearing Trade of Penang's Shop Signs

Mention George Town, Penang, and most of us probably think of the food, the street art, or even the rich history of this trading hub. But as we wander around this vibrant city, most likely taking snapshots to be posted on social media later, how often do we stop to look at the old shop signs that can still be found along the streets? What stories do these signs tell us about this disappearing trade? We speak to Joel Lim Du Bois, project director of Ban Ban Kia, a project involving walking tours around Penang to highlight these unique shop signs.

Image credit: George Town Festival 2024 / Sherwynd Rylan Kessler