The Launching Ceremony of KHDC

Laman Wau Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur – 6th July 2023

YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC)

Press Conference with Juita Jalil, Azmi Mustapha, Dato' Asfarena and Wanna Ali

The highly anticipated Launching Ceremony of the Kebaya Heritage Design Competition (KHDC) took place on 6th July 2023 at the prestigious Laman Wau, Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), YM Tunku Prof Dato’ Sr Dr Fauzi Ibni Almarhum YTM Tunku Seri Indera Setia Tunku Dato’ Abdul Malek Al Haj, Juita Jalil, Chief Purveyor Of All Things Fun, Fine & Fabulous and Dato Asfarena, the owner and founder of AfSM Group – Asfarena Samion Mon, Ms Wanna Ali as KHDC Ambassador 2023. The presence of His Excellencies and High Commissioners from numerous countries added an air of international importance to the occasion along with wellknown local fashion designers such as Hatta Dolmat.

The event garnered a distinguished audience from the cultural sector and prominent figures in the fashion and design industries, emphasizing the strong support for promoting and preserving the Kebaya heritage. Contestants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei united to advocate for the Kebaya’s inclusion in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. This initiative aims to showcase diverse Kebaya styles, promote cultural tourism, and safeguard this traditional attire for future generations. The gathering stood as a

testament to the collective commitment of individuals, organizations, and government bodies in fostering cultural exchange, appreciation, and sustainability, underlining the significance of the Kebaya.

During his speech, Mr. Azmi Mustapha, President of ICWC, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the creation of KHDC and emphasized the team’s commitment to preserving and protecting Malaysian heritage for the younger generation. He highlighted KHDC’s role as a platform to showcase unique kebaya styles from various cultures. As a Malaysian, Mr. Azmi expressed pride in collaborating with partners sharing the vision of creating a richer cultural environment for the future. YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), as the host countryof KHDC, felt honored to unite for the goal of recognizing and safeguarding the nation’s culture. He appreciated the widespread participation in KHDC, which enhances Malaysia’s potential in tourism, arts, and culture. The Malaysian government is fully committed to making the kebaya an intangible tourism asset for UNESCO.

With the commencement of KHDC, the organizers aimed to portray the Kebaya as a symbol of resilience, showcasing its diverse designs and textures as a modern-day fashion statement, opening doors for the fashion industry in all participating countries.

Attendees had the privilege of witnessing captivating performances by dancers dressed in Kebaya, along with Malaysian models confidently strutting the traditional attire. YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, in return, was honored to receive a certificate from Mr. Azmi, underscoring the event’s sense of appreciation and celebration. The official certificates were also bestowed upon Dato’ Asfarena, the coordinator and manager of KHDC, the esteemed KHDC juries, including Juita Jalil, Salikin Sidek, and Zulina Kamarulzaman and the talented performers, further recognizing their invaluable contributions to the occasion.

The event successfully created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and anticipation for the forthcoming ICWC, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among participants. It served as a powerful reminder of the value and importance of cultural diversity and the need for collective efforts to protect and promote our shared heritage.

As the Launching Ceremony of KHDC concluded, attendees expressed their excitement for the upcoming ICWC and their commitment to actively participate in its activities and discussions. The event set the stage for a successful and impactful conference and exhibition, with the potential to shape the future of cultural exchange and preservation on a global scale.

In conclusion, the Launching Ceremony of KHDC was a resounding success, bringing together key stakeholders, cultural enthusiasts, and industry leaders in the fashion design field to celebrate and champion the rich tapestry of Kebaya cultures. The event served as a compelling prelude to the kebaya heritage design competition, generating anticipation from the five participating countries and setting a positive tone for the days to come.