In a splendid showcase of cultural heritage and national pride leading up to Merdeka Day, Miss Malaysia Kebaya (MMK), a pageant organization, concluded its annual ‘Karnival Kebaya Malaysia’ with a gala night dinner, officiated by Puan Nurushama Abdul Hanan, Deputy Director of Package Development Division, Tourism Malaysia, on behalf of Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia. The event was a powerful stride towards MMK’s proposal of instituting an official “Hari Kebaya Kebangsaan” in the Malaysian calendar.
This proposal highlights MMK’s commitment to preserving Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage followed by the efforts of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei uniting to establish the Kebaya as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) intangible cultural heritage list.
The Karnival Kebaya Malaysia hosted before the gala night was packed with many activities including a cultural fashion show, an exhibition displaying the traditional kebaya attire through different eras, and a charity fundraiser session. These activities reflected MMK’s initiative in promoting “Hari Kebaya Kebangsaan.”
Puan Nurushama Abdul Hanan on behalf of Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd Ghapar, highlighted in her speech, saying “In an era defined by the global sway of fashion tourism across diverse age groups, the significance of endeavors like these cannot be overstated. The burgeoning transformation of our local fashion enterprises into international standards is a beacon of promise, one that, with the symbiotic alliance forged with MMK, holds the potential to surpass even our loftiest expectations. This confluence is poised to unveil Malaysia’s abundant offerings on the global stage, captivating worldwide curiosity with our unparalleled blend of tourism and fashion.”
As the third quarter of 2023 begins, MMK will continue to carry out its initiatives on promoting “Hari Kebaya Kebangsaan” through several international promotions in the ASEAN region, including Shanghai Fashion Week (SHFW) in Shanghai, China on 8, 12, and 15 October 2023 where a diverse range of Kebaya attires will don the runway and be displayed at the international trade fair throughout the week.
In addition to this, thirty (30) renowned personalities were appointed as ‘‘Malaysia Culture and Tourism’ ambassadors to amplify the promotions of “Hari Kebaya Kebangsaan.” These ambassadors will spearhead various campaigns, utilizing their social media influence for cultural advocacy, such as embarking on heritage site visits and sharing historical narratives and experiences linked to each location. The initiative will also include cultural exchange programs aimed to foster cross-cultural engagement of insights and knowledge with counterparts from other nations, facilitating a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s cultural wealth on a global scale.
Dr. Jason Hee, Founder & Organizing Chairman of MMK said, “Our proposal of a ‘Hari Kebaya Kebangsaan’ comes from our commitment to preserve our traditions and cultural heritage. Having such a significant occasion annually would remind and reinforce the public of our history, especially since the world is constantly evolving and is undergoing modernization in this day and age.
The Karnival Kebaya Gala Night, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC) and Tourism Malaysia featured prominent guests from the culture, tourism, fashion, and entertainment industry who were immersed in several cultural performances and fashion shows that showcased the Kebaya attire. MMK firmly believes that an official “Hari Kebaya Kebangsaan” will enrich Malaysia’s cultural landscape and reflect its commitment to honoring its rich heritage. Through this initiative, the organization aspires to contribute to a more culturally aware and harmonious society while boosting Malaysia’s attraction as a cultural tourism destination.
For more information, kindly visit: https://www.facebook.com/MissMalaysiaKebaya
