Nicole, The Perfect 'Roving Ambassador' For Traditional Malay Attire

SEREMBAN, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- Glimpsing a graceful figure dressed in a kebaya from behind, many would not guess that the person donning the traditional attire is of Chinese descent.

Frequently dressed in kebaya and baju kurung in classic colours and patterns, especially when attending official events, this 53-year-old lady often steals the show and could very well be considered a ‘roving ambassador’ for traditional Malay attire, especially for garments of Negeri Sembilan heritage. 

What’s more intriguing is that Nicole Tan Lee Koon, the chairman of the State Tourism, Arts, and Culture Committee, said she is a huge fan of traditional Malay attire, adding that it has become an integral part of her identity.

Videos of Nicole wearing Kebaya Setengah Tiang at official state government events have often gone viral on social media, drawing the attention of netizens, with some expressing their interest in the garments worn. 

“Even among family, I rarely wear cheongsam, even though it is the traditional Chinese attire. I often say that the Kebaya Setengah Tiang (a traditional outfit of Negeri Sembilan) is a Malaysian garment that can be worn by people of all races.

“I have many baju kurung and kebaya in my wardrobe at home, and I feel more comfortable in those outfits. I even have three personal tailors who know my measurements and preferences,” she told Bernama.

A native of Seremban, Nicole said she does incorporate elements of other cultures into her outfits to represent the characteristics of Malaysia’s multicultural society.

“For example, my Kebaya Setengah Tiang or baju kurung may be tailored with sari fabric or use red or yellow colours to reflect my Chinese heritage, along with cheongsam buttons,” she said, adding that she owns dozens of traditional garments.

Tan, who is the assemblywoman for Kepayang said that wearing Malay traditional attire, especially those of Negeri Sembilan heritage, is also part of promoting the cultural identity of the Adat Perpatih state.

She believes that leaders have a responsibility to set an example in upholding the state’s identity and heritage, which also helps promote Malaysia’s identity on the global stage.

“I want to cultivate this identity. It is not enough to just talk about its importance; it has to be worn and displayed. Let people ask what we are wearing and we can tell them, ‘This is kebaya setengah tiang, this is bunga lado, Negeri Sembilan’s attire,” she said.

Meanwhile, tailor Nancy Chew See Khon, 60, said she has been tailoring outfits for Nicole, especially baju kurung and kebaya, for eight years, even before she became a representative.

“I’ve known Nicole for a long time, so I know exactly what she likes, her designs and measurements. If she says she needs something quickly, I do my best to finish it. Other Chinese clients ask me to make baju kurung for them too. I don’t refer to any specific designs, I make them based on experience.

“The Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, has also placed orders with me before, as well as other representatives,” said the veteran tailor of over 40 years. 

Negeri Sembilan Traditional Attire Enthusiasts Association chairman Alias Zakaria said that Nicole is one of the representatives who frequently showcases garments that reflect Malaysia’s identity, thereby encouraging others to wear them as well.

“YB has even consulted me regarding the Kebaya Setengah Tiang she wanted made. She always wears kebaya, whether modern or berpesak (traditional), at official events and she has a large collection. Even her staff follow suit by wearing baju kurung.

“It is wonderful when the staff emulate her dressing as it creates a positive influence. This, in turn, impacts the wider community. The public, especially the younger generation, will grow to love traditional attire, and at the same time, we can preserve these outfits,” he said.

-- BERNAMA