Kebaya Honoured on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

In a historic milestone for Southeast Asia, Kebaya has officially been inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This achievement was announced on 4 December 2024 at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) in Asunción, Paraguay. The kebaya – a traditional garment with deep cultural significance – has been recognised for its knowledge, skills, traditions, and practices that are shared across five Southeast Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

A Shared Cultural Legacy

The multinational nomination is the largest from Southeast Asia to date, highlighting the shared heritage and cross-cultural understanding among the five countries. The kebaya is not just a garment but a living tradition that has been actively worn and produced by communities across the region for generations. This inscription is a testament to the deep-rooted significance of kebaya in fostering unity and identity, while connecting diverse cultures across geographical boundaries.

Community Efforts Behind the Nomination

The successful nomination of the kebaya was made possible through strong community involvement at both the national and regional levels. In Singapore, a grassroots initiative, Kawan Kebaya (Friends of Kebaya), brought together over 50 kebaya practitioners, who played a key role in raising awareness about the garment’s cultural significance. Workshops, talks, and fashion shows organised by various local groups, such as the Peranakan Association Singapore and the Eurasian Association, have kept the tradition alive, educating the public on the rich history and craftsmanship behind kebaya.

Additionally, Ratianah Tahir, a kebaya entrepreneur, will launch a series of “Kebaya by Ratianah” dolls, designed to engage children and youth in learning about the garment. Supported by the National Heritage Board’s (NHB) Organisation Transformation Grant, this project is an exciting step in educating the next generation.

Raising Awareness Across Singapore

To celebrate this UNESCO recognition, the National Heritage Board (NHB) has organised a wide range of outreach initiatives. The “Love, Kebaya” exhibition, which has traveled to 10 public locations across Singapore, has attracted over 400,000 visitors since April 2023. The exhibition is just one of many efforts that aim to make kebaya more accessible and to engage the public in its cultural significance.

In addition, the NHB launched the #WeHeartKebaya digital campaign, encouraging the public to share personal stories and experiences with their kebayas. With over 250 entries so far, the campaign continues to engage people in celebrating the garment’s enduring legacy.

Engaging the Youth

The NHB is also focusing on youth engagement through various initiatives. In partnership with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media, NHB will release kebaya-themed merchandise in March 2025, designed to appeal to younger audiences. These keychains, featuring cats clad in kebayas, will be available for free at vending machines across Singapore, offering a fun and creative way to learn more about this cultural treasure.

Moreover, NHB will launch two educational resources for schools in 2025: a digital game for upper primary students and a resource kit for lower primary students, designed to foster a deeper understanding of kebaya among the youth.

Looking Ahead

This UNESCO inscription not only brings pride to the participating countries but also reinforces the shared responsibility of preserving and transmitting kebaya for future generations. As Southeast Asia celebrates this monumental recognition, the continued efforts to promote and safeguard kebaya will inspire future collaborations and intercultural dialogues.

Join in the celebration and continue sharing your love for this iconic garment using the #WeHeartKebaya hashtag, and stay tuned for more exciting initiatives, including the Singapore HeritageFest in May 2025.