By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 21: A remarkable assembly of 500 elegant ladies adorned in beautiful cheongsams have set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records by breaking the previous year’s record of 316 participants.
This feat unfolded at the 2nd Cheongsam Cultural Festival, themed ‘Love of Cheongsam, Beauty of the East’, which featured an enchanting cheongsam parade held at the Malaysia-China Friendship Park in Jalan Song today.
The certificate recognising this national record was officially presented to the event organisers, the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Women Association and the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), represented by mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
The participants, spanning different age groups, showcased a delightful array of both traditional and contemporary cheongsam designs. They also carried Chinese paper umbrellas adorned with delicate flowers, combining the elegance of tradition with a touch of modern allure.
In his speech, Wee highlighted the profound significance of such events in preserving and nurturing the rich Chinese cultural heritage in Sarawak while instilling a sense of pride within the community and foster a celebration of cultural diversity.
“These efforts must be actively upheld, as they serve as a reflection of a heritage that shapes the identity, beliefs, aspirations, and values of a society.
“Without deliberate efforts to preserve cultural practices, there is a potential risk of losing the essence of art, customs, culinary traditions, attire, language, music, historical sites, architecture, and other elements of cultural importance,” he said.
Recognising the importance of preserving this cultural heritage to future generations, Wee stressed the need to transfer knowledge from one generation to the next.
As each ethnic group in Sarawak contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the region’s collective identity, he added that today’s event is a testament to Sarawak’s distinctiveness and unity.
“I want to encourage everyone in the community to seize every opportunity to partake in cultural events, and even initiate activities that facilitate the sharing of their culture with a broader audience beyond own community.
“Every culture possesses its distinct clothing, music, art, religious beliefs, and other defining attributes that contribute to its unique identity. Showcase and share them with others,” he urged.
In addition to the cheongsam parade, the festival featured a variety of activities at the park, including a life sketch workshop and a Chinese diabolo showcase.
The day’s festivities culminated in the cheongsam competitions and a fashion show held at the MBKS Community Hall.
Wee also expressed thanks and gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts for its support and funding under Dana Mudah Cara for the second edition of the event. — DayakDaily
