Media
From 1885 to Today: Eastern & Oriental Hotel Celebrates 140 Years of Grandeur
11 October 2025
Penang, 11 October 2025 – Tonight, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) proudly marks a historic
milestone with the celebration of its 140th Anniversary Gala Ball at the hotel’s iconic Grand
Ballroom, attended by approximately 250 distinguished guests.
The black-tie affair, graced by Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Executive Chairman
of Eastern & Oriental Berhad Dato’ Seri Tee Eng Ho, members of the Penang State EXCO, and
other senior board members of Eastern & Oriental Berhad, was a glittering tribute to the hotel’s
legacy of timeless elegance, heritage, and hospitality.
The celebratory mood was unmistakable as guests, dressed to their nines in tuxedos and evening
gowns, filled the ballroom with sophistication and grandeur.
The evening echoed the vision of one of the hotel’s founding brothers, Arshak Sarkies, famed for
his love of lavish soirées, reviving the golden era when the E&O stood as the stage for Penang’s
most prestigious gatherings.
Hotel General Manager Alison Fraser said that tonight’s celebration reflects the E&O Hotel’s
enduring legacy, one that has stood the test of time for 140 years.
“As we celebrate 140 remarkable years, we also look ahead with great optimism.”
“The E&O Hotel will continue to evolve while staying true to the heritage that defines us, ensuring
that future generations experience the same timeless charm and warm hospitality that have made
the E&O what it is today,” she said.
Entertainment for the night included live performances by the Totally Telemann Quartet, Musica
Sinfonietta, and the Big Band of Penang, which brought an air of nostalgia and festivity to the
occasion.
Guests took to the dancefloor, waltzing and twirling in classic ballroom style, a joyous highlight
that brought the night’s theme of heritage and celebration to life.
The celebration reached its peak with a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the Penang sky
at the end of the night.
A dazzling tribute to the E&O’s 140-year journey since 1885, and a symbol of its continuing legacy
as a timeless icon of hospitality.