KUALA LUMPUR, 31 MAY 2023 – UDS Media Sdn Bhd, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and YBhg. Datuk Hajah Saraya binti Arbi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), today announced that Malaysia will play host to the first International Conference and Exhibition on World Cultures 2023 (ICWC ‘23) in September as an initiative to unite the unique cultures of the world under one roof to elevate the economic, social, environmental, and gastronomic growth of the global tourism industry. 

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that tourism was one of the largest industries in the world, accounting for 10.3% or 333 million of all jobs and 10.3% or USD 9.6 trillion of the global GDP before COVID-19 came about. Prior to that, the cultural and heritage tourism sector observed many obstacles, and even more so after the pandemic. Hence why UDS Media Sdn. Bhd. has organized ICWC ‘23 – to address the challenges faced globally in sustainably conserving and marketing cultural tourism, which can benefit the country’s economic, social, and environmental growth.

Azmi Mustapha, the President of ICWC said, “Tourism is a key pillar in the economy that creates employment and opportunities for every nation, and culture is one of the main driving forces for the growth of tourism. Having an event such as the ICWC ‘23  is a great opportunity for cultural promotion between nations. Through this event, we are able to aid in increasing cultural awareness as a whole, while at the same time, learning, educating, and exchanging knowledge of different cultures.”

Over the course of four days, ICWC ‘23 will host an International Conference with world-renowned speakers to discuss matters on preserving and promoting cultural heritage – both tangible and intangible, methods to achieve a better state of economic and social well–being for all involved sectors, improvement on the tourist experience by promoting community-based tourism, sustainable tourism development, and more. Apart from this, the conference will also include slots for a special feature presentation where delegates can share their extensive experiences in cultural work & academic research, and showcase their upcoming cultural events and projects to potential sponsors to acquire financial assistance. 

Additionally, ICWC ‘23 is also putting these matters into practice as showcased in its World Class Exhibition. The exhibition is expected to welcome more than 10,000 visitors from all across the globe to enjoy the best distinctive cultural offerings from over 50 countries through 280 exhibits, 6 country pavilions, 20 traditional massage stations, 30 cultural performances, and four cultural and artistic exhibitions. Attendees might also find themselves spoilt for choice as they are able to indulge in the myriad of local and traditional cuisines from all across the globe. In doing so,  ICWC ‘23 is able to not only celebrate diversity and promote healthy cultural exchange but also illustrate effective promotional strategies of cultural tourism through the various carefully designed exhibits. 

The launch event held at Pangsapuri, Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur today saw the participation of numerous countries through its high commissions, consulates, and embassies based in Malaysia; these include – Argentina, Ukraine, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Namibia, Kenya, Brunei, Brazil, Maldives, Tajikistan, Iran, Eswatini, Lao, Romania, Senegal, Ghana, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Russia, Peru, and the European Union. The presence of these respective leaders and representatives coming together as one under the ICWC ‘23 initiative filled the attendees with pride for having Malaysia take the leading role in uniting the world through culture. 

The President of ICWC expressed his gratitude, saying “I am honored to see so many ambassadors, high commissioners, counselors, and other representatives from all across the world as we launch ICWC ‘23 for the first time. As a country well-known for its cultural and traditional values, as well as its harmonious multi-ethnic nature, I believe that it is befitting that Malaysia spearhead events such as this to unite the world for a common goal.”

“Many cultural and heritage sites suffered tremendously during COVID-19, and it is now the opportunity for us to do all within our capabilities to preserve them for generations to come. At ICWC ‘23, we look forward to being a medium for all countries to showcase their unique cultures and better understand how to capitalize on economic development through cultural tourism, without compromising heritage values,” he added. 

Taking place from 16-19 November 2023 at the WTC Kuala Lumpur, ICWC ‘23 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) & Yayasan Hasanah, and partnered with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. Sponsors of ICWC ‘23 include local brands such as Pops Malaya, Life Sauces, Nixo Innovations Sdn. Bhd.,  LWI BLUE, and Richiamo Coffee.

For more information, kindly visit https://www.icwc.global/. 

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KUALA LUMPUR, 6 JULY 2023 – YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), witnessed the official launch of the Kebaya Heritage Design Competition (KHDC), where contestants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei will come together to establish the Kebaya as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) intangible cultural heritage list for the upcoming year. This initiative is intended to showcase the various styles of Kebaya from different countries while also promoting cultural tourism and preserving the traditional outfit for generations to come.

Hosted by the International Conference and Exhibition on World Cultures 2023 (ICWC ‘23), the competition highlights the history of Kebaya from its early developments and political influence from the 1910s up until today. With the commencement of KHDC, the organizers are looking to make Kebaya perceived as an armor of resilience with its various designs and textures – paving the way for it to be worn in modern-day fashion and opening the doors for the fashion industry in all the participating countries.

ICWC has made it their responsibility to preserve the tradition of wearing Kebaya amongst these countries in a fun and attractive way. To make the competition more exhilarating, the organizers will be bringing in celebrities who popularized the Kebaya in the 1960s – 1990s to judge and ultimately influence the decision of the winners. This competition provides a safe space for local and foreign contestants to explore their creative boundaries within their own cultures, history, and background. Having the participation of 500 designers from across Southeast Asia will most definitely bring a massive impact in obtaining global awareness of the Kebaya heritage and maximize the chances of it being featured in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.

As the Kebaya’s reputation speaks for itself, its design is spoken by the artist. This competition sheds light on the creativity and originality that the designer can bring with essentially cloth and thread. The designs will be judged based on cultural significance and authenticity; moreover, points will be given to designs with appealing aesthetics that are able to capture each country’s essence respectively. It is a competition overall, but more than that, it signifies the difference in art and culture. A kebaya resembles elegance, grace, strength, and tradition; this event helped to make people aware of its significance and why we should preserve it.

The KHDC is expected to have a long-lasting effect on society and positively impact the economy. Seeing creative traditional pieces of Kebaya from each country is beneficial to the economy as it opens doors for fashion designers to incorporate kebayas into modern wear while also promoting cultural awareness. KHDC became a platform for creative designers from these countries to showcase their craft and tell a story through their designs. Aside from the fashion industry, it has also had a positive impact on the tourism market. Not only will this event show an initiative to collaborate with neighboring countries to improve bilateral relationships, but it will also increase cultural awareness, potential business possibilities, and networks across regions.

YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) said “Being the host country of KHDC, I am honored to have us all under one roof united to achieve the goal of recognizing the significance of our culture and protecting it. I appreciate everyone coming together to participate in the KHDC as it casts a wider net for the Malaysian market on tourism, arts, and culture. The Malaysian government looks forward to doing all within our capabilities to take the lead in making the Kebaya an intangible tourism asset for UNESCO.”

Mr. Azmi Mustapha, President of ICWC said during his speech, “We are grateful towards everyone who participated in the creation of KHDC. We are confident that as a team, we are able to signify the importance of preserving and protecting our Malaysian heritage and make a positive impact for the younger generation. KHDC also serves as a platform to showcase the unique styles and designs of the kebaya from different perspectives of other cultures. As a Malaysian, I am proud to be working alongside partners who are aspiring to reach the same goal of creating a better cultural environment for generations to come.”

To join the competition, contestants started registering on 15 June and are required to submit a sketch of their designs by 30 July. The Top 50 finalists will display their Kebaya designs at the ICWC in early September, paired with a presentation of the details, information, and cultural significance leading to the final design. The participating countries, celebrity judges, and attendees will evaluate the designs and share their feedback to decide who the winner will be. For the final round, 25 finalists will then attend the ICWC Gala Dinner on September 9th for the Fashion Show and Award Presentation where the top three winners will be announced.

For more information please visit: https://www.icwc.global/icwc-kebaya-design-competition/ 

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 SEPTEMBER 2023 – The spectacular ‘A Taste of ICWC’ event, officiated by Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia has left an unforgettable mark on the cultural and business landscape, serving as a kickstart to the International Conference and Exhibition on World Cultures 2023 (ICWC ‘23). Organized by UDSMedia Sdn. Bhd., the event provided a compelling sneak peek into the grand November conference, with a strong emphasis on driving business through tourism and cross-cultural collaboration.

‘A Taste of ICWC’ went beyond showcasing cultural diversity; it immersed attendees in a global tapestry of cultures. Representatives from countries such as New Zealand, Fiji, Australia, Cuba, Ukraine, and more, engaged directly with visitors through interactive exhibition booths meticulously designed to convey the essence of their respective cultures, laying the foundation for cross-cultural partnerships.

Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah said, “ICWC ‘23 serves as a dynamic platform for economic and cultural exchange. It provides countries with an invaluable chance to promote their tourism, trade, and investment opportunities. By showcasing their cultural treasures, nations can attract travelers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts who seek to explore and engage with the wonders they have to offer.”

Throughout the event, guests enjoyed a cultural showcase featuring captivating performances, including Indonesia’s Angklung Musical, Cuba’s Flamenco Dance, the Dominican Republic’s Bachata Dance, Malaysia’s Dikir Barat performance, the Istana Budaya Orchestra Musical, and an ‘Azizah’ ballad performed by renowned impersonator P. Radhi, celebrated for his portrayal of the beloved, late Tan Sri P. Ramlee.

In addition to this, ‘A Taste of ICWC’ introduced its first-ever ‘Aziza Cultural Excellence Award’ presented to the honorary P. Ramlee, received by his granddaughter, Najua Nasir, in recognition of his significant contributions to Malaysia’s cultural heritage.

Looking ahead, ICWC ’23 is poised to be a transformative event, featuring innovative strategies that aim to catalyze economic growth and promote global understanding. These strategies include onsite Cultural Immersion programs, such as guided tours and workshops for authentic cultural experiences, B2B matchmaking to connect local businesses with international delegates to expand reach or new markets, and specially crafted Cultural Tourism Packages in collaboration with local travel agencies that will offer curated experiences, including visits to cultural landmarks and culinary adventures, aligning with the conference’s theme of cross-cultural exchange.

Mr. Azmi Mustapha, President of ICWC, said, “These events are an invitation to promote culture as a tourism asset. Culture is not static; it is a living, breathing entity that enriches our lives and holds the potential to drive economic growth. By showcasing our cultural heritage, we attract travelers seeking authentic experiences, leading tourism revenue and sustainable development.”

“ICWC and ‘A Taste of ICWC’ serve as reminders that culture can be a bridge, not a barrier. In an interconnected world, cultural exchange fosters understanding, respect, and collaboration. It builds bridges that connect people and nations, transcending language and politics. It is through culture that we can find common ground and work together to address global challenges,” headded.

Taking place from 16 – 19 November 2023 at the World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), ICWC 23’ is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC), & Yayasan Hasanah, and partnered with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak.

Visitors and delegates at ICWC ‘23 will discover exciting prospects to enhance their country’s visibility, establish valuable connections with new business collaborators, and drive business expansion within the tourism sector, across the world. In this regard, UDSMedia warmly welcomes the participation of more local and international businesses to seize the growth prospects available at ICWC ‘23.

For more information to become an exhibitor or attend ICWC ‘23, visit: https://www.icwc.global/