Joint nomination recognises Chingay as a vibrant expression of shared cultural identity across borders.
Singapore and Malaysia have jointly submitted a nomination to inscribe Chingay: a street parade that showcases multiculturalism, traditions, and artistic displays of communities onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. The submission was officially made on 27 March 2025.
This marks Singapore’s third nomination to the UNESCO Representative List, and its second multinational nomination following the successful inscription of kebaya. The Chingay parade, which originated as a Chinese tradition, has evolved over time to reflect the multicultural identities of both countries and is actively celebrated in Singapore, Penang, and Johor Bahru.
The nomination also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Malaysia, and highlights the potential for further cultural collaboration between the two nations. It seeks to recognise Chingay’s enduring role in fostering community participation and promoting traditional arts in a modern, inclusive context.
Ms Chang Hwee Nee, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore’s National Heritage Board (NHB), noted the strong community support behind the nomination and expressed hope that it would continue to inspire pride and engagement with Singapore’s multicultural heritage. Mr Jimmy Toh, Chief Executive Director of the People’s Association (PA), added that Chingay remains a national stage for creative expression and cultural celebration, made possible through the contributions of residents, volunteers, and partners.
Following the submission, both NHB and PA will enhance public awareness of Chingay, particularly among youth, through exhibitions, outreach programmes, and future parade editions. The evaluation outcome will depend on the number of nominations received by UNESCO, with results expected in due course.
