TWO towering flags from Penang captured the attention of spectators at the recent Singapore Chingay Parade, carrying powerful cultural messages that highlighted regional heritage cooperation and aspirations for global recognition.
The Penang delegation, comprising nearly 30 elite flag bearers, performed during the 2026 edition of the parade at the F1 Pit Building on Feb 27 and 28, drawing strong audience response with the commanding presence of the two triangular Chingay flags.
The parade was officiated by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Feb 27 and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Feb 28.
Penang state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai, who also chairs the Penang Chingay Parade organising committee, said the flags were specially designed to convey Penang’s cultural aspirations while aligning with the parade’s theme of “Wish”.
“One of the flags bears the words ‘Road to UNESCO’, symbolising the collective effort by Penang, Johor and Singapore to pursue the joint nomination of Chingay for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under UNESCO,” Wong said.
He noted that the journey towards international recognition is a long-term undertaking, but the three parties remain committed to advancing the nomination through close collaboration.
“The message on the flag reflects our shared determination to move steadily along the road towards UNESCO recognition,” he added.
The second flag introduced a newly unveiled theme centred on the kebaya, featuring elegant motifs inspired by the traditional attire rendered across the triangular banner.
Wong explained that the design was meant to celebrate the cultural elegance and refinement of the kebaya while showcasing the region’s rich heritage traditions to an international audience.
Printed on the flag were the words “Kebaya – Tradisi Bersama”, which translates to “Kebaya – A Shared Tradition”.
The phrase underscores the cross-border cultural identity shared by Malaysia and Singapore, reflecting a tradition that transcends national boundaries.
Wong pointed out that in December 2024, kebaya was successfully inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity through a joint multinational nomination involving Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei.
By integrating kebaya imagery — a cultural element that has already achieved UNESCO recognition — with the Chingay flag performance that is currently pursuing inscription, the Penang troupe symbolically linked two heritage icons.
“This reflects our hope that the success of kebaya’s inscription will inspire and encourage the ongoing efforts to bring Chingay onto the world heritage stage,” Wong said.
The Penang contingent was carefully assembled through collaboration between the Office of Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, the Penang Chingay Association, the Persatuan Chingay Seberang Perai Pulau Pinang and Persatuan Chingay Malaysia Utara.
“Penang’s distinctive Chingay flag performance is renowned for its dynamism and dramatic flair — a powerful fusion of strength and artistry. It is an important cultural treasure nurtured on Penang’s rich cultural soil,” Wong said.
“By bringing this heritage art form overseas once again, we showcased the grandeur and elegance of Penang’s Chingay to Singaporeans and visitors from around the world.”
Wong said Penang’s participation in the Singapore Chingay Parade continues to strengthen cultural ties between Malaysia and Singapore while promoting Penang’s distinctive Chingay heritage on the international stage.
He added that the Penang state government will continue working closely with partners in Singapore and Johor to advance the Chingay UNESCO nomination and ensure that the tradition continues to flourish for future generations.
Also present were Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, George Town World Heritage Incorporated general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, Wong’s special officer Ong Zhan Hao and officials from the three chingay associations.
Pix courtesy of Penang Tourism and Creative Economy office (PETACE)