On 22 November 2024, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, President of the ASEAN Ladies' Circle (ALC) in Kuala Lumpur (KL) for the term 2024 - 2025 and Patron of ALC Thailand, together with ALC Patrons, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, organized the ALC Fashion Gala: “Threading ASEAN Unity through Kebaya & Sarong” at Dewan Dr. Siti Hasmah, PUSPANITA. The event was well attended by 250 participants, including dignitaries from Malaysia's government and private sectors, diplomatic missions from ASEAN and other countries in KL along with their spouses, representatives of international organizations, and members of the media.

 

In her Welcoming Remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the objectives of the event in fostering cultural exchange among ASEAN members and relevant sectors in Malaysia, as well as showing support for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and its appointment as the Chair of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) for the 2024–2026 term, while pointing out the opportune moment to promote public awareness of the nomination of Kebaya to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. The results of which will soon be announced at the upcoming 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay.

 

On this occasion, YM Raja Datin Seri Dato’ Hajah Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin, spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, officiated the launch of the event by delivering the Opening Remarks, commending Thailand’s role in organizing the event to promote ASEAN unity through the shared cultural heritage. YBhg. Dato’ Mohd Yusri bin Mohd Yusoff, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) of Malaysia, gave a Special Remarks, highlighting MOTAC's instrumental role in fostering regional cooperation to preserve ASEAN's cultural heritage, and in the nomination of Kebaya to be listed as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

 

The event featured a fashion show to showcase Kebaya, Sarong, and/or national costumes from ASEAN member countries, as well as cultural performances by the Embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Additional highlights included raffle prizes, painting auction, and ASEAN cuisine reception with variety of savouries and sweets. For ALC Thailand, the fashion show presented both traditional and contemporary Kebaya which were sponsored by the Peranakan Association of Thailand from Phuket, and the brand YAYEE respectively. Thai traditional dances, Rum Klong Yaw and Rum Wong Loy Kratong, were preformed as the closure of the event where distinguished guests joined in to celebrate the Loy Krathong Festival in November 2024. Thai food menu, including Khao Soi Chicken, Sticky Rice with Grilled Chicken and Tamarind Sauce, and Miang Kham, were also served during the event.

 

The success of the event was widely commended by the participants. It also reflected the role of the Royal Thai Embassy in supporting Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, and provided an opportunity to showcase Thailand's unique cultural heritage, and services related to the promotion of soft power and tourism in Thailand.