While some countries or cities battle more pressing matters such as poverty, corruption and climate change, restoring and conserving buildings or parts of a neighbourhood may seem unnecessary as millions of dollars have to be spent. But the reality of it is far more complex as the benefits of restoring historic sites ripple far beyond the work itself. This was the key message discussed at the Lessons from Historic Sites: Culture-Based Economic Development Seminar & Exhibition. Jointly organised by Think City Sdn Bhd and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), the seminar and week-long exhibition were carried out under the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme. This is not the first time Think City and AKTC have partnered together. In 2013, they signed a memorandum of understanding for the George Town World Heritage Site plan. The MoU, which led to a decade-long partnership, sees them working with the support of local planning agencies to provide technical assistance for the protection, development and enhancement of Penang’s historic George Town, including developing strategic planning frameworks for the city.