‘Kebaya UNESCO’ Showcases ASEAN Unity Through Shared Heritage

By Siti Baaqiah Mamat

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Last year marked a historic moment for ASEAN when five member states -- Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand -- joined hands to secure the inscription of kebaya as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The recognition not only cemented kebaya’s place as a shared cultural legacy of the region, but also reflected the collective spirit of ASEAN countries in preserving and celebrating their traditional attire for future generations.

For local kebaya Nyonya designer, Lim Yu Lin, 55, the spirit of unity among the five countries became a source of inspiration for her special collection, “Kebaya UNESCO”.

Lim, who was directly involved in the nomination process, spent about six months completing the exclusive six-piece collection -- five kebayas representing each nation and one signature creation combining elements from all five.

“When the National Heritage Department approached me to design kebayas for the joint nomination, I realised that the kebaya transcends race and borders. It is not the heritage of one people or country alone, it is our shared cultural fabric. That’s the message I wanted to express through my designs,” she told Bernama.

Lim was met during an embroidery demonstration and briefing session on the “Kebaya UNESCO” collection for spouses of ASEAN leaders, held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at Carcosa Seri Negara on Monday.

She explained that each kebaya in the collection featured distinctive motifs inspired by national flowers, symbolic colours and cultural elements while remaining faithful to the kebaya Nyonya style -- a heritage passed down through her family’s Ang Eng brand for over seven decades.

“I have always stayed true to the kebaya Nyonya because it represents the roots of my family business and the tradition I wish to continue,” said Lim, the third-generation artisan of Ang Eng, founded in 1955.

Malaysia’s kebaya features lush green tones representing tropical rainforests, embroidered with hibiscus flowers and the Malayan tiger motifs.

Brunei’s design combines black and white with motifs of the Simpoh flower, the royal palace, and floating boats, while Indonesia’s kebaya radiates golden hues with Rafflesia embroidery and the majestic Garuda.

Singapore’s kebaya highlights the orchid and Merlion icons, while Thailand’s design features pink tones adorned with elephant and tuk-tuk motifs, both of which are synonymous with the country’s charm and culture.

Lim said the collection received international praise when it was showcased in Asuncion, Paraguay, in December 2024 as part of the UNESCO nomination campaign, with delegates commending its message of unity through craftsmanship.

To her, the kebaya is more than attire. It is a living expression of cultural connection and identity.

“The kebaya is for everyone, Malay, Chinese, Indian, Nyonya, and it symbolises unity. I’m proud to present this collection at the ASEAN stage to show that the kebaya is not just clothing, but a heritage that unites us,” she said.

“I’m also touched to see more young people embracing the kebaya today, not just for festive or national occasions but even in their daily lives. It’s proof that our heritage continues to thrive,” she added.

Malaysia, through the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the National Heritage Department, led the joint nomination of “Kebaya: Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices” to UNESCO on March 28, 2023.

Following a series of promotional efforts by all five countries, the kebaya was officially inscribed on Dec 4, 2024, during the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay.

-- BERNAMA