Participants came dressed in stunning baju kebaya, adding colour and elegance to the event. Photos: The Star/Azlina Abdullah

Decked out in their finest traditional attire, the women arrived in exquisite baju kebaya in vibrant hues, adorned with glittering kerongsang (linked brooch sets).

Strutting confidently in their intricate kasut manik (beaded slippers), the pride in their heritage was unmistakable.

The occasion was the 36th International Baba Nyonya Convention, held Nov 21–23 at a hotel in Subang Jaya, Selangor. The event – organised by Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (PPBNKLS) – drew nearly 500 Peranakans, turning the venue into a vibrant celebration of tradition, colour and community.

Performers fine-tuning their act during rehearsals at the conference.

Bearing the theme "Bridging Generations, Preserving Legacy," the convention brought together 15 Peranakan associations to celebrate achievements and chart a path for cultural sustainability.

"As Babas and Nyonyas, we are custodians of a unique and colourful culture that continues to inspire and unite across borders," said PPBNKLS president Vivienne Lee in a press statement. PPBNKLS has about 400 members.

It was the second time the convention was held in the Klang Valley, and participants came from across the country, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia.

'Events like these truly unite our community,' says Ong.Among the highlights was Achar Ah-Cheh, an interactive musical created with Yayasan Hasanah.

There was also a panel discussion featuring content creator Chin Shane Wei and his grandmother Tan Saw Sin, known for her popular cooking videos on social media, Aswara rector Prof Dr Tan Awang Besar and journalist Andrew Sia.

Other highlights included a script reading of Ayer Di-Tetak Tak-Leh Putus (Blood Is Thicker Than Water) in Baba Malay, storytelling sessions across generations, a beadwork workshop and a cooking demonstration.

Penang-born, Sydney-based Ong Poh Lee, 68, had nothing but praise for the event — her first Peranakan convention.

"It has been an enjoyable gathering. It's so nice to see so many Peranakans here, both young and old," says Ong, vice-president of Peranakan New South Wales Australia (PNSWA).

Living in Australia for 38 years, she believes such gatherings are vital for uniting the community."A year ago, we only had 30 members in PNSWA, and were open only to those of Peranakan descent. Membership dwindled, and we almost closed down the association. Then we decided to welcome anyone interested in our food, culture and heritage. Now, we have 200 members," she says.

She admits the biggest challenge remains attracting younger members to the association.

"Most of the younger ones are busy with their own lives and don't feel compelled to join. Hopefully, with more gatherings and conventions, we can draw them in," she adds.

Hands-on beadwork sessions gave participants a chance to experience this unique Peranakan craft.

Passing down the heritage

The Baba and Nyonya (Peranakan Chinese) community is one of South-East Asia's most distinctive cultural groups, blending Malay, Chinese and colonial influences for centuries.

Yet, modernisation has dimmed the appreciation for the culture among younger generations.

One of the convention's key aims was to bring the community together and emphasise the importance of passing Peranakan traditions on to the next generation.

(From left) Kong, Ashton, Siow, Aaron and Jamie, a three-generation family who proudly supports the convention.

Retired planter Siow Heng Kin, 76, attended the convention with his daughter Jamie Siow, 41, her husband, consultant Adrian Kong, 41, and their children Ashton Kong, 11, and Aaron Kong, nine.

"We are a small community, and to grow, we need exposure. Conventions like these show people we exist. I will support anything that promotes our culture," says Siow.

"This gathering also gives us a chance to reconnect with fellow Peranakan members.”

Jamie, passionate about preserving her heritage, underwent the full Baba Nyonya wedding rites when she got married — from the hair-combing cheo thau ceremony, sohjah tiga hari (where the couple pays respects to ancestors and elders) to tuang teh (tea ceremony) — even though her husband is Hokkien.

Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor secretary Madeleine Teh admiring the kebaya showcased at the event.

"Looking back, I am glad Dad insisted on his children having a traditional Baba Nyonya wedding. It's a privilege to have had the ceremony," she says. The homemaker has attended previous Baba Nyonya conventions in Indonesia, Thailand and Melaka with her family.

At home, she ensures her children are connected to their roots.

"We speak Peranakan at home, and I cook traditional Peranakan food like cili garam and achar during festive occasions. These are small steps, but they matter," she says.

During the convention, Jamie, Ashton and Siow participated in the storytelling segment, sharing what it means to grow up Peranakan across three generations.

Beyond festivals, she ensures her family maintains traditions through sembahyang arwah (ritual to honour deceased ancestors), tok panjang (Peranakan-style feast), and traditional Peranakan attire such as kebaya and baju lok chuan (Mandarin-style shirt).

"When my kids attend celebrations, they learn by seeing, feeling and tasting. This way, the younger generation gains a deeper understanding of Peranakan culture and heritage," she says.

Bridging generations