GEORGE TOWN: Penang, through the State Executive Councillor’s Office for Tourism and Creative Economy, has issued a letter of support for the nomination of the Chingay parade and Lion Dance for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai announced this initiative, highlighting the region’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a series of workshops had been organized by the Department of National Heritage, involving stakeholders to prepare the nomination documents for the Chingay parade and Lion Dance. These nominations are joint efforts, with Malaysia collaborating with Singapore for the Chingay parade and with China for the Lion Dance. The workshops aimed to guide stakeholders through the intricate process and requirements of preparing these crucial documents for UNESCO’s consideration.

Wong Hon Wai mentioned that the Penang Commissi
oner of Heritage’s Office, in collaboration with the Department of National Heritage, played a significant role in facilitating these workshops. This initiative was in response to a query from Wong Yuee Harng (PH-Pengkalan Kota) about the state government’s actions to ensure the inclusion of Lion Dance and Chinese performances on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The discussion took place during the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting.

Additionally, Wong revealed that Penang is actively working with the National Heritage Department to nominate the Nyonya Kebaya for UNESCO’s Representative List. In 2023, Malaysia, along with Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, jointly submitted a multi-national nomination for ‘Kebaya: Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices’ to be recognized on the UN’s intangible cultural heritage list. This nomination is currently under evaluation by UNESCO.

Wong further emphasized the state government’s support for cultural events and exhibitions. This includes backing the
Baju Kebaya Exhibition and organizing the International High Pole Lion Dance Competition annually in Kepala Batas, alongside the yearly Chingay Parade in George Town and Butterworth. These efforts underscore Penang’s dedication to celebrating and sustaining its diverse cultural expressions.