The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre recently marked its 20th anniversary after two decades of unwavering excellence since its establishment in 2004. The centre stands proudly as a beacon of Malaysia’s rich artistic heritage and craftsmanship, showcasing the storied history of pewter through engaging exhibits and interactive displays.
The ceremony commenced with a speech by Dato’ Yong Yoon Li, Managing Director of Royal Selangor, whose words resonated with pride as he reflected on the journey leading up to this significant milestone. “For two decades, the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre has been instrumental in telling our story to the world. Over this period, we have welcomed more than 4.1 million international visitors,” he said. “Beyond being a showcase for our brand, the visitor centre stands as a platform, where we highlight Malaysian arts, crafts and culture. The exhibits continue to resonate just as strongly today as they did 20 years ago.”
The celebrations were augmented by the esteemed presence of H.R.H. Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, who had inaugurated the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre on 2 March 2004. Twenty years later, H.R.H. Sultan of Selangor graced the occasion once again to unveil a momentous publication entitled The Royal Selangor Story, authored by Chen May Yee, the fourth-generation descendant of Royal Selangor founder Yong Koon. This third edition book beautifully encapsulates 139 years of the Royal Selangor brand and the founding family’s history, preserving its heritage for generations to come.
H.R.H. Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin was subsequently invited to unveil the pewter palm prints of their royal highnesses. These palm prints serve as a poignant symbol of respect and dedication to those who have long contributed to the success and legacy of Royal Selangor. In reciprocation, Dato’ Yong Yoon Li presented a pewter Viking Galley figurine, a symbol of strength and resilience, as a token of appreciation to H.R.H. Sultan of Selangor, honouring the continued support of the royal family. Following this gracious exchange, guests were invited to join their royal highnesses on a nostalgic stroll down memory lane as they embarked on a tour of the 20th anniversary exhibition.
The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, and welcomes all to participate in the year-long celebrations. These include a series of special events and initiatives commemorating its 20th anniversary. Visitors may also sign up for pewter smithing workshops online.
