Malaysia in joint bid to nominate Kebaya as Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage

Malaysia is part of a four-nation bid to nominate the kebaya, seen here being worn by participants in a local beauty pagaent, as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage. – Photo: THE STAR/Filepic Phan (in pink and green) strutting down the catwalk with other finalists in the kebaya round.

Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and Thailand have agreed to nominate the Kebaya as a four-nation representation to the Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for the year 2023.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) said in a statement today that all the countries have discussed and agreed to cooperate since kebaya is a common heritage practised in the countries of the Southeast Asian region.