Malaysia, Singapore to jointly nominate Chingay for Unesco list

 

Chingay is a traditional Chinese street parade and cultural festival that typically features vibrant, colourful processions with a variety of cultural performances. (Bernama pic)

SINGAPORE: 

Malaysia and Singapore will jointly nominate the Chingay street parade for inclusion in the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity next March.

Chingay is a traditional Chinese street parade and cultural festival that typically features vibrant, colourful processions with a variety of cultural performances.

Singapore’s National Heritage Board (NHB) said the joint nomination was decided by both countries as there were Chingay-practising communities in Singapore as well as in Penang and Johor Bahru.

“This joint nomination commemorates the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia in 2025 and provides an opportunity for both countries to promote cross-cultural exchanges and collaborations,” NHB said in a statement.

Singapore’s culture, community and youth minister Edwin Tong said it is meaningful that the joint nomination be made as part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.

“The Chingay parade, as practised in Singapore, reflects our multicultural and diverse society,” he said.

According to NHB’s website, Chingay processions in Singapore were initially organised for religious festivals dedicated to Taoist deities.

The first modern Chingay Parade in Singapore was held in 1973 with the participation of around 2,000 performers. Since then, it has evolved into a multicultural event that includes participants from across the world.

In Johor Bahru, Chingay is organised by the Johor Bahru Tionghua Association and has been held annually at the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple since 1870.

The event features creative floats and traditional performances from both Chinese and non-Chinese groups.

In Penang, the parade is organised as a multicultural and secular performance by the Penang Chingay Association in George Town, involving both local and overseas performers and communities.

The result of the nomination is expected to be announced at the end of 2026 at the earliest.

In June, Malaysia and China signed an agreement to jointly nominate the lion dance for the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. - FMT