THE National Heritage Department (NHD) will submit an official nomination to Unesco to include the 24 Festive Drums Competition in the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, said Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
According to Wong, under the established procedures, the nomination document must be submitted to the Unesco secretariat no later than March 31 this year.
“This is not merely a cultural nomination effort, but also an important opportunity to introduce to the world the uniqueness of Malaysia’s cultural creativity and the harmony of its diverse civilisation.
“On this occasion, I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to the NHD, as well as to all artists, educators and drum team members who have contributed tirelessly over the years to elevate the art of the 24 Festive Drums.
“Thanks to their dedication and relentless efforts, this cultural heritage that originated in Malaysia continues to flourish and gain recognition on the international stage.
“I sincerely hope that the nomination of the 24 Festive Drums as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage will proceed smoothly and successfully.
“Hopefully, in the near future, this cultural heritage born in Malaysia will be officially inscribed on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, allowing the powerful rhythms of the drums to resonate across the world,” he said.
Wong made the remarks in his speech during the Northern Region 24 Festive Drums Competition opening ceremony held at the Chang Hua Kor Moral Uplifting Society banquet hall in Bukit Mertajam yesterday (March 14).
Also present at the event was the founder of the 24 Festive Drums, Tan Chai Puan.
Wong added that the 24 Festive Drums was founded in Malaysia in 1988 and is now widely recognised as a unique drumming performance art that originated in the country and has gained international recognition.
“This art form creatively combines elements inspired by the 24 seasonal festivals in traditional Chinese culture, the energetic rhythms of Guangdong lion dance drumming, and the expressive movements of calligraphy.
“At the same time, it integrates elements of dance, theatre and stage aesthetics, producing performances rich in rhythmic beauty, expressive body movements and deep cultural meaning.
“As such, the 24 Festive Drums can be regarded as an innovative art form rooted in Malaysia, blending diverse cultural influences while reflecting the harmony of the country’s multicultural society,” he said.
Wong also noted that to date, there are nearly 400 24 Festive Drums teams across Malaysia, involving Chinese primary schools, secondary schools, higher education institutions and non-governmental organisations.
“More encouragingly, this art form has expanded beyond Malaysia. China now has more than 100 teams, Taiwan has over 50 teams, and Singapore has more than 20 teams.
“In total, there are now more than 600 24 Festive Drums teams worldwide, demonstrating how this cultural heritage that originated in Malaysia continues to grow and gain recognition internationally,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of YB Wong’s office