The introductory chapter provides an exploration of George Town, Penang, a significant port city of the Indian Ocean established by the British in 1786. The analysis is grounded in two primary fields of theoretical inquiry: Indian Ocean studies and heritage studies. These frameworks facilitate a comprehensive understanding of George Town’s history and its connectedness within the broader context of maritime exchanges that have shaped identities in numerous port cities. It discusses the multifaceted sociocultural heritages of George Town, constituted by diverse migration patterns and the ongoing tension between local identities and national policies in Malaysia. The chapter introduces the concept of ‘connected heritages’, which foregrounds the processes of mixing, adaptation and agency among communities as they navigate their identities and heritage. By focusing on George Town’s connected heritages, the introduction sets the stage for a deeper examination of the interwoven histories, cultural dynamics and heritage practices that characterise this storied port city.