WCO’s Cultural Preservation Efforts Earn ASEAN Records' Recognition

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) – The World Culture Organisation (WCO) Culture Gallery has been recognised by ASEAN Records as ASEAN’s First Cultural Gallery Showcasing 3,388 Handcrafted Dioramas and Unique Art Pieces to Preserve Heritage and Promote Cultural Harmony.

ASEAN Records managing director, Gillian Ooi, said the recognition acknowledges WCO’s efforts in preserving and promoting ASEAN’s cultural heritage through its exceptional collection of handmade miniatures.

“This recognition reinforces WCO’s role as a hub for cultural preservation and a platform for fostering harmony in Malaysia and the ASEAN region,” Ooi said after presenting the certificate to WCO today.

To further strengthen collaboration, ASEAN Records and WCO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand regional arts and cultural heritage preservation initiatives.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) pro-chancellor, Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz and the Malay Rulers Chair at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Senator Prof Datuk Seri Dr Awang Sariyan.

According to Ooi, as part of this collaboration, ASEAN Records and WCO will establish the ASEAN Cultural Miniature Gallery, which will showcase a collection of dioramas and cultural artefacts representing ASEAN’s architectural, artistic, and historical heritage.

“Through this partnership, we will develop the ASEAN Cultural Miniature Gallery to highlight a diverse collection of dioramas and cultural artefacts that embody ASEAN’s architecture, fine arts, and historical legacy. However, further details will be announced in March,” Ooi said.

Meanwhile, WCO founder Foo Loke Kee described the recognition as a major milestone in promoting regional arts and culture.

“Since 2011, we have seen growing appreciation for handmade cultural arts and crafts. This achievement will drive more initiatives to preserve ASEAN’s heritage,” he said.

Located in Batu 9, Cheras, Hulu Langat, the WCO Culture Gallery showcases ASEAN’s ethnic heritage through meticulously crafted dioramas.

The gallery has earned several accolades, including the Malaysia Good Design Award (2018) and recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (2021) as the country’s first cross-cultural handmade diorama centre for its Malaysian and Chinese Diorama Collection.

-- BERNAMA