KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin officiated the Secrets of Kebaya Exhibition at the National Textile Museum today.
The exhibition, organised by the National Unity Ministry in collaboration with the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM), opened its doors to the public on October 19 and will continue until December 31.
The showcase highlights the kebaya's uniqueness, elegance, and diversity, representing a significant aspect of Malaysia's national heritage.
Her Royal Highness also graciously loaned a set of her long kebaya made from the Royal Pahang Weave (Tenun Pahang Diraja), gifted to her by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
The Selangor kebaya is adorned with golden embroidery featuring the bunga tanjung (Spanish cherry) motif breaking into nine sections intricately crafted on both the blouse and sarong.
This design represents the state's nine districts and is complemented by a yellow shawl adorned with gemstones.
The kebaya was created by renowned fashion designer Datuk Radzuan Radziwill. Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin donned this attire to mark the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafudin Idris Shah Alhaj’s 75th birthday celebration at Istana Alam Shah on November 27, 2021.
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Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin (seated) and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Aro Dagang (right) at the Secrets of Kebaya Exhibition in the National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur, on October 25, 2023. — Picture via FACEBOOK/KEMENTERIAN PERPADUAN NEGARA[/caption]
Her Royal Highness spent an hour visiting the Saindera Gallery to admire 60 exquisite kebayas owned by JMM and borrowed items from exhibition collaborators before signing the guestbook.
Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Aro Dagang said the exhibition aims to support the government's role and efforts in elevating and promoting kebaya under the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage of Humanity lists.
Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand are involved in a joint kebaya nomination bid for inclusion in the Unesco lists.
"The nomination began in January 2022 and was meticulously finalised before being submitted to Unesco in March.
"The decision will be finalised during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage next year," he said to the press after the opening ceremony of the exhibition, which aims to draw 10,000 visitors.
Aaron hopes the joint nomination will succeed in gaining recognition, thereby promoting and celebrating the richness of historical heritage and fostering cross-cultural understanding among the five countries.
— Bernama
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Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin (right) interacts with visitors at the Secrets of Kebaya Exhibition in the National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur, on October 25, 2023. — Picture via FACEBOOK/KEMENTERIAN PERPADUAN NEGARA[/caption]
