An exhibition on the kebaya began yesterday at Gallery 4, Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja in Bandar Seri Begawan to promote its identity as a national cultural heritage.
The ‘Kebaya Exhibition: Knowledge, Skills, Tradition and Practices’, showcasing kebaya outfits and collections from various organisations, is open until September 21.
It includes kebaya uniforms previously worn by Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam staff, as well as those currently used by Royal Brunei Airlines.
Other collections include selections from Fashion Designers Alliance members Naforrer and a number of traditional kebayas contributed by Lamin Warisan, a Tutong District Cultural House.
The exhibition aims to provide a deeper understanding of intangible cultural heritage to the public and the importance of its preservation.
The exhibition is also part of the effort to promote the kebaya’s nomination to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The nomination, jointly presented by Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand to the list, was agreed among the five nations that it is a common heritage practised among them.
The exhibition was also held in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This year’s anniversary theme is ‘#LivingHeritage’, referring to the knowledge, resilience and practices passed down from generation to generation.
Yesterday, the opening ceremony for the exhibition was attended by Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh as Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
The minister is also the Chair of UNESCO National Commission of Brunei Darussalam. – Rokiah Mahmud
