With over six decades in traditional performing arts, Toh Ai Hwa remains a vital force in Penang’s Teochew opera scene, bridging generations through her enduring craft. Photo: Teochew Puppet and Opera House
Veteran Teochew opera artiste Toh Ai Hwa received the 2025 Penang Arts Icon Award at the Penang State Arts Awards ceremony in George Town today.
Toh, 74, who has over six decades of involvement in the traditional performing arts, is the third generation in her family and is still active to this day, making her one of the renowned traditional arts masters in Penang.
Her daughter Goh Wee Ling, 45, described the recognition as a mark of appreciation for her mother's dedication and determination in preserving traditional Chinese heritage arts.
"I am very proud of my mother for the achievement she received today, which proves that all her efforts and sacrifices in preserving traditional arts have finally been duly appreciated," she said after receiving her own ‘Pendukung Seni’ Award in the state ceremony today.
According to Goh, her mother began performing Teochew operas when she was 12 and although she could neither read nor write since she never attended school, she was still able to memorise every line of dialogue and musical melodies commendably well.
Goh is now continuing the legacy of the arts heritage with her two other siblings and three nephews who are the fourth and fifth generation heirs of the family.
Toh (right) and her daughter Goh pose for a photo after she received her award in George Town, Penang on Oct 25. Photo: The Star/K.T. Goh
"I also established the Teochew Puppet and Opera House to preserve and defend this art heritage from being lost to time. With this museum, the younger generation can understand and learn the history of the Toechew community's puppetry art and classical opera, which is increasingly being forgotten,” she said.
Earlier, Toh received the award, which was presented by the chairman of the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy committee Wong Hon Wai and was also attended by director of the Policy and Research Division of the National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) Salmiyah Ahmad.
The ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through the Penang JKKN (state culture and arts dept), to recognise and appreciate artistes who have made significant contributions in championing arts and culture from generation to generation.
Wong, in his speech, said the state government is committed to empowering arts and culture through various initiatives and the recognitions given today are among efforts to elevate artistes to a higher level.
Apart from Toh, four recipients received the Arts and Culture Pioneer Award while four other agency representatives were also rewarded according to their categories, namely the State Arts Support Award (Government/Corporate), State Arts Support Award (NGO) and State Arts Support Award (Media). - Bernama
