Kebaya Inscribed In UNESCO’s Representative List Of Intangible Cultural Heritage
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- ‘Kebaya’ has been inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity category by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), through a multinational nomination.
In a statement Wednesday, Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) said Malaysia, together with Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, successfully secured UNESCO recognition.
The matter was announced during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (IGC ICH) taking place in Asuncion, Paraguay, from Dec 2 to 7.
According to the statement, the recognition of ‘Kebaya: Knowledge, Skills, Traditions, and Practices' on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was the result of a joint nomination by Malaysia and the four other countries.
“The prestigious listing was decided by the IGC ICH, which comprises 24 member states of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
“This recognition is even more meaningful given that the evaluation body of UNESCO has recognised the kebaya nomination dossier as an exemplary and prestigious submission for a joint or multinational nomination,” read the statement.
According to the ministry, this listing marks Malaysia’s third successful joint or multinational nomination, after the joint nomination of ‘Pantun’ with Indonesia (2020) and the ‘Wangkang Ceremony’ with China (2020).
This recognition also enhanced Malaysia’s global visibility as a country with intangible cultural heritage treasures, which had the potential to become tourism products and contribute to the economy, it said.
MOTAC described the success as the result of collective efforts, including close cooperation with ASEAN member countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, who had worked together to promote the kebaya as a symbol of regional heritage.
It is also a shared responsibility to ensure that this cultural heritage would continues to be preserved for future generations.
“This success is the result of strategic cooperation within the MOTAC family, involving the Department of National Heritage, the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO, the Office of the Permanent Delegate of Malaysia to UNESCO, and the Foreign Ministry.
“This also showcases Malaysia's leadership on the world stage as part of our effort to secure a seat on the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term,” said the statement.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong said the success is a milestone to be celebrated, adding that Kebaya’s inscription highlights its cultural significance and promotes cross-cultural unity in Singapore and the region.
“It marks Singapore’s first multinational nomination and is the largest for Southeast Asia to date, in terms of the number of nominating countries, involving a collaborative effort between Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand,” Tong, who also serves as Chairman of the Singapore National Commission for UNESCO said.
In Thailand, Thai Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol welcomed Kebaya’s inscription, also expressed her delight that Kebaya, often celebrated as the elegant attire of Southeast Asia, has joined Thailand’s rich roster of UNESCO-inscribed heritage in the same year as Tom Yum Kung.
Explaining the significance of Kebaya, Sudawan described it as a traditional blouse with a front slit, typically adorned with intricate embroidery and lace.
"Kebaya is part of everyday attire for general occasions, as well as official events and festivals. It reflects the shared history and traditions of the region, highlights its cultural diversity, and supports sustainable development goals such as quality education, gender equality, inclusive economic growth, and fostering peace and harmony in society," she said.
-- BERNAMA
