Kebaya Earns Global Recognition as UNESCO Inscribes Southeast Asian Tradition
In a momentous celebration of Southeast Asian heritage, the kebaya has been inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement came late Wednesday evening, sending waves of excitement and pride across the region.
A Symbol of Shared Identity
This momentous recognition is the culmination of a historic joint nomination by five Southeast Asian nations: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This collaborative effort marks the largest nomination from Southeast Asia to date, underscoring the kebaya’s deep significance for the region.
“The five countries collaborated on this nomination for the first time because the kebaya celebrates our shared cultural identity, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and continues to be actively produced and worn by many communities across Southeast Asia,” said the National Heritage Board.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
The kebaya’s inscription was unanimously approved by the 24-member UNESCO intergovernmental committee, meeting in Asuncion, Paraguay. The nomination garnered praise for its comprehensive community engagement at both national and regional levels. UNESCO commended the nominating countries for recognizing the kebaya as a unifying element that transcends geographical boundaries, connecting diverse cultures and communities.
“This is a milestone to be celebrated,” declared Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong, who is also the Chairman of the Singapore National Commission for UNESCO. “For the first time, these five nations have joined forces to recognize the kebaya as a symbol of our shared history and cultural identity. Besides recognizing its cultural significance, its inscription on the UNESCO list is also a chance to promote cross-cultural understanding and unity in Singapore and across the region.”
International Acclaim for Southeast Asian Fashion
Sufiyanto Amat Sopingi, founder of Kebaya Societe, emphasized the global implications of the UNESCO inscription. “With this recognition, the kebaya is further recognized on a global scale as a garment that’s synonymous with our region,” he stated.
Established in 2008, the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity aims to raise awareness of the importance of such practices and expressions, encourage dialogue that respects cultural diversity, and give due recognition to the practices and expressions of communities worldwide. This prestigious list now includes the kebaya, solidifying its place as a treasured symbol of Southeast Asian heritage for generations to come.
*What are the cultural significances of the kebaya for the five countries that nominated it to UNESCO?*
## Kebaya Earns Global Recognition
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**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re kicking things off tonight with exciting news from the world of fashion and culture. The kebaya, a beloved traditional garment worn by women across Southeast Asia, has just been inscribed onto UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Joining us to discuss this significant achievement is [Guest Name], a renowned expert on Southeast Asian textiles and fashion. Welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** This is truly a momentous occasion. Can you tell us a bit about why this recognition is so important for the region?
**Guest:** Absolutely. The kebaya is much more than just clothing. It’s a powerful symbol of shared identity and cultural heritage for millions of people across Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. These five nations collaborated on the nomination to UNESCO, which is itself historical — the largest nomination of its kind from Southeast Asia. [[1](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kebaya-inscribed-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list-4786996)]This inscription acknowledges the kebaya’s enduring significance and its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding.
**Host:** And what does it mean for the future of the kebaya?
**Guest:** I believe this UNESCO recognition will bring renewed attention and appreciation for the kebaya. Hopefully, it will inspire younger generations to learn about its history and craftsmanship, and ensure its continued presence in our cultures for generations to come.
**Host:** Wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, [Guest Name].
**Guest:** My pleasure.
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