PENANG will welcome the international Peranakan community as it hosts the 37th International Baba Nyonya Convention 2026 from Nov 20 to 22 at G Hotel, bringing together delegates from Malaysia and several countries to celebrate the community’s rich cultural heritage.
Organised by the State Chinese (Penang) Association (SCPA), also known as Persatuan Peranakan Cina Pulau Pinang, the three-day convention carries the theme “Unveiling the Peranakan Within”.
The convention is expected to attract participants from Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia and other countries, providing a platform for cultural exchange, networking and strengthening ties among the global Peranakan community.
Organising chairman and SCPA president Datuk Seri Tan Gin Soon said the convention was a special occasion for Penang and the Peranakan community worldwide.
“We are honoured to welcome our fellow Babas and Nyonyas from different countries to our shores.
“Our theme, ‘Unveiling the Peranakan Within’, is a reminder that our heritage is not simply something we inherit from our forefathers, but something we must continue to nurture, preserve and pass on to future generations,” he said.
Tan said the convention also aimed to strengthen international friendships, create greater awareness of Peranakan identity and showcase Penang as a leading destination for heritage and cultural tourism.
He added that it was important for the younger generation to understand their roots and take pride in their cultural identity.
“Most importantly, we want our younger generation to understand their roots, take pride in their identity and become the future custodians of our precious Peranakan heritage,” he said.
Among the highlights of the convention will be its official opening ceremony on Nov 20, cultural and heritage programmes, international fellowship activities, a Peranakan fashion showcase and a Makan Malam Soiree.
A charity and heritage auction will also be held during lunch on Nov 21 at the G Hotel Ballroom, giving delegates an opportunity to bid for special items.
One of the main attractions will be the making of the Longest Nyonya Kueh during the closing ceremony on Nov 22, bringing participants together to celebrate traditional Nyonya culinary heritage through a fun and interactive activity.
Beyond cultural preservation, the convention is also expected to generate positive spillover effects for Penang’s tourism and hospitality sectors, including hotels, food and beverage businesses, transportation and retail.
Penang’s multicultural history, traditional craftsmanship, architecture and culinary heritage have long established the state as an important centre of Peranakan culture in Southeast Asia.
SCPA has previously hosted the International Baba Nyonya Convention in 1988, 2011 and 2017. The 2026 edition marks another milestone in the association’s efforts to preserve and promote Peranakan traditions while strengthening international relationships.
The convention is not only a celebration of shared ancestry and traditions but also an opportunity to ensure that the distinctive Baba Nyonya identity continues to thrive for generations to come.