Reliving the Good Ol’ Days of Ipoh Within Wisma Chye Hin

One of the early days office complex known as Wisma Chye Hin in Ipoh Old Town is undergoing a major transformation to relive the good ol’ days of Ipoh during the 1960s through the 1980s.

The five-storey building, including ground floor and rooftop, is given a new lease of life by its owners, who would also like to see a solid revival of Ipoh Old Town. According to its project manager, Gary Au Yong, business activity is expected from July onwards.

Well known local mural artist, Chin Choon Yau, has been engaged to paint murals on all five floors of the building. Each floor has a particular theme, beginning with Ipoh’s dying trades on the ground floor, followed by scenes in a dim sum restaurant on the first floor, paying tribute to the building’s history when it was known as Lucky Building, which housed a dim sum eatery.

The third floor recaptures the old activities of Sun Cinema, which was Wisma Chye Hin’s neighbour, before its demolition. With the likeness of Bruce Lee, John Travolta, Jacky Chan, Karl Maka and Superman, I expect this mural to be a hit among visitors eventually.

Ascending one floor, we will soon be greeted by Ipoh Old Town of the 60s, 70s and 80s, before many of us were born. Senior citizens would particularly enjoy this floor as they reminisce about the days that have come and gone but still treasured in their memory. Last but not least, on the rooftop, visitors will be reintroduced to Chinese culture.

During my visit yesterday, paintings have been completed up till the third floor. Chin clocks 7 to 8 hours a day, about four days a week at Wisma Chye Hin, since the end of March. He expects to finalise his more than twenty panels of artwork, with the assistance of his students, by the end of June.

While the first two floors have been allocated for food and beverage, plans for the other three floors are still open to suggestions by local entrepreneurs.

Yes, anyone who has any idea or would like to rent space at Wisma Chye Hin to conduct a business that matches its theme of Ipoh’s Golden Era, may contact Wisma Chye Hin administrators.

Contact details can be found at the building’s official Facebook Page: Wisma Chye Hin Ipoh Old Town.

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