Sayang Sayang Group spreading awareness of the rich culture and heritage of the community.
DRESSED to the nines in beautiful Nyonya kebaya attire, the women of the Sayang Sayang Group have been making waves in Sarawak, especially in Kuching.
With around 40 members, they are the centre of attention at every function they attend, thanks to their eye-catching outfits.
As member Jennifer Lau put it, “We became busy Nyonya models, posing away as though we were on the runway for photojournalists and shutterbugs. Even tourists’ cameras and mobile phones were busy clicking away at one particular event, which was a bonus for our Sayang Sayang Group members.”
Lau was referring to the National Unity Ministry’s programme to gather the most participants wearing ethnic attire at the Kuching Waterfront on May 19, which was attended by 20 of her fellow members.
She said their participation gave the Sayang Sayang Group a sense of pride and satisfaction, especially as the event set a new mark in the Malaysia Book of Records.
A former radio DJ, Lau said the group not only attended events in Sarawak but also various functions in Melaka, Penang, Singapore, and Thailand.
“Last year, some of us attended the 34th International Baba Nyonya Convention in Melaka, the epicentre of Baba Nyonya culture. It was an enriching experience for us to attend such a well-organised annual convention for the Peranakan community in this part of the Asian region,” she added.
Although members of the Sayang Sayang Group may not be Peranakan Chinese, they are big fans of the community.
“We are a small group in Kuching who simply love Nyonya culture,” said Lau, adding that she owns several Nyonya kebaya outfits.
Lau, 69, commended group leader Lorna Hui as a true Nyonya kebaya enthusiast with an impressive collection of Nyonya wear in her wardrobe. Hui has influenced many of her peers to dress up in this classic attire for dinners, parties, and social gatherings.
“Hats off to Lorna for her persistence and patience in sharing the legacy of Nyonya kebaya with Kuching women like me,” Lau said.
Hui, who owns a business in Kuching, noted that the Nyonya kebaya had grown in popularity since the group’s formation 19 years ago. Their presence at functions also spreads awareness of the rich culture and heritage of the community.
The Baba Nyonya are early immigrants from China, mostly found in Melaka, Penang, and Singapore.
“When we donned Nyonya attire, everybody followed. It’s a trend in Kuching now,” Hui said. “Even during a recent Gawai celebration at a longhouse, I saw Dayak women wearing the Nyonya kebaya. They told me that everyone likes wearing the kebaya, especially during the festive season. They have also made the kebaya the official wear for their women’s association.”
Hui, who is nearly in her 70s, has a wide collection of old and new Nyonya kebaya, some passed down from her late grandmother. She also bought a pair of Peranakan beaded slippers, known as “kasut manek”, during the Baba Nyonya convention in Melaka last year.
According to Hui, members of the Sayang Sayang Group are mostly “oldies” between 60 and 85 years old.
“We named ourselves Sayang Sayang to make it easier for people to remember us,” she said, adding that the club provides members with opportunities to engage in activities. The members meet twice a week and also hold parties throughout the year.
