Malaysia, China submit joint lion dance nomination for Unesco heritage list

 

GEORGE TOWN: The nomination dossiers for the lion dance and Chingay parade have been submitted to Unesco for inclusion in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. 

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai confirmed that the lion dance nomination is a joint effort between Malaysia and China, while the Chingay parade is a collaborative nomination between Malaysia and Singapore. 

"Unesco will announce the results of these nominations by the end of 2026," Wong said in a statement today. 

"These nominations will elevate the global recognition of these iconic traditional performances."

Wong explained that the state government worked with Malaysia's National Heritage Department and China's Department of National Heritage to compile the necessary documentation for the lion dance nomination. 

Regarding the Chingay parade, Wong highlighted its role as a vibrant cultural event featuring lion and dragon dances, floats, and other performances.

Held annually in Penang, Johor, and Singapore, it celebrates community spirit. Historical records from The Straits Times dating back to 1883 reflect Penang's longstanding Chingay tradition. 

Originally a religious celebration by the local Chinese community, the event has evolved into a state-supported tourism attraction, drawing both locals and tourists to the streets of Penang each year. 

"The Penang government, through my office, has sent representatives to workshops to prepare the nomination dossiers for both the lion dance and Chingay parade," Wong added. 

"We take pride in this collaboration and are committed to preserving these invaluable elements of our intangible cultural heritage." 

In June last year, Malaysia and China signed an agreement to jointly nominate the lion dance for Unescos' Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Similarly, in November, Malaysia and Singapore announced plans to jointly nominate the Chingay street parade for inclusion in the list by March 2025. 

Singapore's National Heritage Board (NHB) noted that the decision was made jointly, given the presence of Chingay-practicing communities in both countries, including in Penang and Johor Baru.

-nst online.