THE history of Malays in Penang will soon be showcased in the historical gallery of Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang (Pemenang) in Jalan Pemenang, Pulau Tikus.

Pemenang president Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff said the gallery, to be set up soon, would record the pioneer Malay settlements and depict the community’s evolution and contributions to the state.

To preserve accuracy of the archiving, Pemenang will collaborate with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Mohd Yussof said USM, through its School of Education’s Education Foundation Research Unit, would provide advice on the gallery.

“They will help us with the infrastructure, layout, lighting and the selection of items to exhibit,” he said in his speech during the memorandum of agreement signing with USM in Jalan Pemenang recently.

USM deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal signed for USM while Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff witnessed the ceremony.

Mohd Yussof also said the university would restore and recopy historical images and documents.

“USM will also provide us with professional graphic and linguistic help as well as support services to improve the gallery from time to time,” he said.

In exchange, Pemenang will continue to raise funds for USM to carry out their Advance Guidance Education System (AGES).

“AGES is an academic excellence and leadership programme for underprivileged schoolchildren,” said Mohd Yussof.

“A wide range of subjects are taught under AGES for UPSR, PT3 and SPM students.

“We have contributed about RM150,000 since 2012 for this programme,” he said.