Systematic Literature Review: Mapping George Town as a UNESCO Creative City

Abstract

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (hereafter UCCN) was established in 2004. The purpose of UCCN establishment is generally to facilitate the spread of cultural groups around the world; that include to exchange technical knowledge, experience, successful examples and to stimulate local economy and social development with the help of creative industries. UCCN covers seven creative categories that include crafts and folk art, creative fields, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts as well as music. UNESCO George Town Cultural World Heritage Site, Penang, Malaysia (hereafter UNESCO George Town) was successfully listed as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in 2008. Undoubtedly, the prestigious inscription has elevated UNESCO George Town’s status and popularity, both domestically and internationally. Unfortunately, although the concept of UCCN is gaining credence from other region and countries, there is still a dearth of research in Malaysia on the nascent topic of UCCN. Thus, this paper aims to fill this research gap. The objectives of this paper are two-fold: (1) To critically analysing the potentials of UNESCO George Town, if at all, to be part of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN); and (2) To develop knowledge of systematic literature review (SLR) searching process with special reference to UNESCO George Town and UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The findings of this paper revealed that there is a potential of UNESCO George Town to be branded as City of Gastronomy. The findings from this paper will perhaps benefit the key stakeholders and further elevate the status of UNESCO George Town, Penang, Malaysia