The kebaya, a symbol of Southeast Asia’s shared cultural identity, has been inscribed onto UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking a historic multinational nomination.
Asunción, Paraguay, 4 December 2024 – The kebaya, a traditional attire cherished across Southeast Asia, has been officially recognised as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The announcement was made during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Representatives from over 130 States Parties and non-governmental organisations celebrated as the kebaya was inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List on 4 December 2024.
A collaborative nomination effort by Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, this marks the largest multinational submission from Southeast Asia. The kebaya, which embodies shared cultural practices and values, remains a vibrant element of daily life and celebrations in the region.
The IGC commended the nomination for its inclusivity and strong community participation. It also lauded the kebaya as a unifying symbol that transcends borders, reflecting Southeast Asia’s rich cultural diversity. The inscription was declared by H.E. Ms Nancy Ovelar de Gorostiaga, Chair of the IGC and Paraguay’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
Minister Edwin Tong, Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, expressed pride in the collaborative effort, stating:
“This milestone demonstrates our shared cultural identity and regional unity. It is an opportunity to promote cross-cultural understanding and the safeguarding of living heritage.”
Community-driven initiatives, including exhibitions, fashion showcases, and educational outreach, have supported the kebaya nomination. Singapore’s National Heritage Board (NHB) has played a pivotal role, with campaigns like #WeHeartKebaya generating over 250 stories and attracting more than 400,000 visitors to kebaya exhibitions across the island.
The successful nomination has sparked new initiatives, including kebaya-themed merchandise and educational resources for youth, to ensure this heritage endures for generations.
