Step back in time into the world of young Anne, longing for her brother’s return.
As the Rising Sun Sets transports you to a period when Japanese soldiers patrolled the streets of George Town, captures were a constant threat, and everyday resources were scarce.
Guided by the Ceritalah app, you walk, listen, and watch as Anne’s world unfolds around you in the very streets where it happened. This self-guided immersive audio drama weaves lived experiences into a semi-fictional narrative set during one of the most testing chapters in George Town’s history. Through the eyes of a brave young girl, you encounter the resilience of the few remaining silent warriors who carry memories of a time vastly different from modern-day George Town.
The Japanese Occupation of Penang in WWII
The Japanese occupation of Penang is a compelling story of resilience, cultural shifts, and strategic importance. Located near the vital Malacca Strait, Penang was one of the first targets of Japan’s invasion in Southeast Asia. The Penang Island was struck on December 8, 1941, just a day after Pearl Harbor.
The British evacuated in secret, leaving the island defenceless and its people to face food shortages, strict controls, and the uncertainty of life under occupation. Yet amid these hardships, Penangites showed remarkable resilience, adapting to survive one of the most turbulent chapters in the island’s history.
Don’t just take our word for it
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The Research & Story
The stories interwoven into As the Rising Sun Sets are deeply rooted in the human-centered approach of acknowledging oral history as a valuable source of information.
The team went to great lengths to self-reflect on personal family history as young Malaysians while consulting and interviewing WWII survivors in the intimate setting of their homes. The oral history accounts were supported by further research through documentary accounts, historical text, and online community forums.
The decision to follow the story through the lens of a child was informed by the collective memory of the interviewees who would have been 5-8 years old at the time. Each narrative has been thoughtfully crafted, finding the balance between creating an engaging narrative that best represents the history and honoring local accounts.
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What to Expect
Walk the streets of George Town
Wander through streets, alleys, and hidden corners as you follow the story across 13 stops. Each stop unveils a new part of the story, guiding you through George Town’s streets, alleys, and historic landmarks as the tale unfolds.
Augmented Reality installations
At select stops, expect interactive visual experiences powered by Augmented reality technology offering an added layer of immersion and artistry.
Timing & Duration
Available Daily (Mon - Sun)
Sessions begin every 30 minutes. We recommend starting by 9:30 am for the best experience.
Duration
Location
The journey begins at the Pitt Street Complex along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and concludes at Chowrasta Market, guiding you through 13 carefully curated stops.
The stops are within comfortable walking distance from each other, ensuring an engaging and seamless experience as you uncover the layers of George Town’s history.
What do you need
This experience is entirely self-guided, featuring integrated map and navigations within the app. Please come prepared for the tropical heat or rain so you can fully enjoy your journey through George Town’s history!
Headphones
(non-noise-canceling for safety while walking)
Water to stay hydrated
A charged mobile phone with an active internet connection
Umbrella
(for rain or shade)
Sun protection
(hat and/or sunscreen)
PRICE
Join our public testing phase to experience the journey for free (for a limited time only). Each ticket provides full access for one person. After your journey, share your thoughts in a short survey to receive a RM10 Grab voucher as a thank you.
A ticket includes
- Full access to all 12 stops equipped with audio narration to guide you from point to point.
- Access to 4 interactive AR installations.
- Carefully crafted sound design and storytelling that brings hidden histories into the present.
- A sweet local treat that you will receive on the journey.
HOW TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?
Download the Ceritalah app to get a ticket and select your preferred start time.
On the day of your booking, head to the starting location indicated on the map in the app. As a site-specific immersive experience, the story only comes to life once you reach the designated spot in George Town.
WW2 Survivor Interviewees
N. Sarvaesvaran
Polly Dawson
Ranee Rudra
Oon Siew Eng
Producing Team
- Quin Ooi
Luvenia Kalia
Miriam Devaprasana
Peta Khan
Sofea Lee
Augmented Reality Design and Development
- Justin Khaw
Ray Ng
Steven Voon
Peta Khan
White Room
Story Devising
and Script Development
- Lian Sutton
Quin Ooi
Miriam Devaprasana
Peta Khan
Alyson Evans (Dramaturgy)
Sound Design
Voice Cast
Quin Ooi, Rachel Khoo, Roger Shak Yi
