YMCA
211 Macalister Road, 10450 Penang

YMCA (1 August 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

YMCA Location Map

YMCA Penang is the local branch of the Young Men's Christian Association. It is located along Macalister Road, a short distance from Island Hospital. The objective of YMCA is to promote the spiritual, mental, physical and social development of individuals through various recreational and social programs.

YMCA Penang traces its history to 1905, when a YMCA was established by Reverend G.F. Pykett, who was the headmaster of the Anglo-Chinese School (now known as the Methodist Boys School). It was at the YMCA Penang that the first St John's Ambulance classes in First Aid was held, in 1907, and it was also there, in 1910, that the first Boy Scout troop in Penang was formed. Unfortunately, the YMCA was forced to close down with the outbreak of World War II.

After the war, there were two unsuccessful attempts to revive the organisation in Penang. After a long break, the YMCA was finally resurrected on 22 December 1958, when the first meeting of the YMCA was held at the Wesley Methodist Church. Another eleven months would pass before YMCA Penang reopened, on 29 September 1959. The Club House at 211 Macalister Road was officiated by the Governor of Penang, Raja Tun Uda, on 16 October 1960.

When the owners of the YMCA premises expressed a desire to sell the property, the organisation, with help from private individuals as well as the Cantonese Methodist Church managed to buy up the 20,000 sq ft land. The YMCA has been sited there ever since.

With increased activities, YMCA Penang embarked on an expansion project to erect a 3-storey building. The new YMCA Building, now called the East Wing, was open by the Yang Di-Pertuan Negri, Tan Sri Datuk Haji Sardon Jubir on 28 June, 1975.

After another twelve years, against the YMCA Penang was bursting at its seams and needing to expand its premises. This time, a new 5-storey complex was planned. The building fund campaign was launched on 28 September 1991. The 5-Storey Program & Recreation Complex was finally open on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1994, in conjunction with the 35th Anniversary of YMCA Penang.