PENANG: The many stories of the Kebaya came to life at ParkRoyal Penang Resort through “A Taste of Heritage: Kebaya – Stories Woven in Culture”, an evening inviting guests to discover the garment through personal stories, cultural perspectives and Malaysian flavours.
More than a garment, the Kebaya is part of a living cultural heritage that has evolved across communities, generations and countries in South-East Asia. Its many forms reflect the diverse histories, influences and identities of the people who wear, create and preserve it.
In Malaysia, the Kebaya has taken on distinctive expressions across different communities and regions. In Penang, one familiar expression is the Kebaya Nyonya, closely associated with Peranakan culture and recognised for its intricate embroidery, fitted silhouette and pairing with the batik sarong.
But the story of the Kebaya does not belong to one community alone. Its different styles and interpretations reflect cultural exchanges across the region, with the garment continuing to evolve while remaining connected to craftsmanship, knowledge, and personal identity.
In 2024, “Kebaya: knowledge, skills, traditions and practices” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising the knowledge, skills and practices associated with the Kebaya across Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
During the evening, guests explored the Kebaya through an engaging cultural conversation, sharing personal memories and perspectives while reflecting on what the garment represents today and how its stories and traditions can be passed on to younger generations.
The experience extended beyond the garment itself, with Malaysian flavours forming an important part of the evening. Guests enjoyed a selection of light refreshments including traditional Malaysian snacks, Nyonya-inspired bites and teh tarik.
“At ParkRoyal Penang Resort, being a gateway to vibrant locales means creating opportunities for our guests to discover the people, stories and flavours that give a destination its character,” said Edward Kollmer, General Manager of ParkRoyal Penang Resort.
“The Kebaya is a wonderful example because its story is not limited to one place or one community. It has evolved across the region, and in Malaysia it has many different expressions and personal meanings. We wanted to create a space where our guests could discover these stories, share their own perspectives and experience a little more of Malaysia through food and conversation.”
The event forms part of ParkRoyal Penang Resort’s “Gateway to vibrant locales” positioning, bringing guests closer to the culture and character of Penang through experiences inspired by local stories, flavours and people.
Through “A Taste of Heritage”, the resort continues to create meaningful ways for guests to discover Penang beyond its well-known landmarks, through the living culture, culinary traditions and personal stories that make the destination unique.
For the record, ParkRoyal Penang Resort is a five-star beach resort located along the beautiful shorelines of Penang. The resort, nestled in a lush tropical greenery setting, offers unparalleled experiences, from exquisite gourmet dining and state-of-the-art facilities to a host of family-friendly activities where curated experiences are brought to life. It is operated by Pan Pacific Hotels Group.
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