Celebrating Cultural Heritage: ADMM Retreat Promotes Penang's Nyonya Kebaya, Pottery

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- In an effort to promote the cultural and artistic heritage of Penang, the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat, which began yesterday in Batu Feringghi, is showcasing exhibition booths and selling handcrafted products.

These exhibition and sales booths are managed by entrepreneurs offering products such as nyonya kebayas, various types of pottery, and batik-based items, all aimed at elevating local culture to the international stage, especially among ASEAN member countries.

Renowned nyonya kebaya designer Dr Kenny Loh said that he took the opportunity to set up a booth at the retreat, not only to boost sales but also to introduce the culture and beauty of the nyonya kebaya to the world.

Hailing from George Town, he noted that this also provided an opportunity to promote the nyonya kebaya to the ASEAN delegates attending the retreat.

"I brought along and showcased the nyonya kebaya that won us the 'Malaysia Good Design Award' recently, and in fact, this traditional attire is loved by people from all walks of life, making it a versatile symbol of unity.

"This is an opportunity for us to promote the nation's art heritage, specifically the nyonya kebaya, to the delegates, and it has received a positive response from them. In fact, some even expressed interest in learning more about the nyonya kebaya due to its uniqueness, with various designs made from lace or embroidery, to its cut," he said.

Kenny added that his team also brought a range of products such as purses and small bags with batik motifs, which serve as works of art reflecting the cultural richness of the country.

He noted that each bag not only offers visual beauty but also tells a story and carries cultural values embedded in every pattern, made even more special by the fact that the products are handmade.

Meanwhile, pottery entrepreneur Shah Daniel Shamsu, 26, said that they brought handcrafted pottery made by him and his father, Shamsu Mohammad, at their workshop in Sungai Rusa, Balik Pulau, near here.

Shah Daniel, a graduate of the National Craft Institute, said that although the purchasing power for pottery among the delegates was not strong, they were attracted to the uniqueness and various forms of pottery on display.

"They (the delegates) stopped by our booth and asked about the pottery and how it is made. I am honoured and happy to share this with them all. This is also a way for us to help promote the country's craft to people from abroad," he said.

The ADMM Retreat began with the ASEAN Senior Officials' Defence Ministers’ Working Group (ADSOM WG) meeting yesterday.

Over 150 delegates from ASEAN member countries, including Timor-Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat, are attending the retreat, which is being held in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability."

Malaysia will host more than 300 meetings, programmes, and summits related to ASEAN throughout the year, making it one of the most active chairmanships since the country previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

-- BERNAMA