The Kebaya Heritage Design Competition, hosted by the International Conference on World Cultures, was launched at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex , Kuala Lumpour. The event was inaugurated by Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and witnessed the attendance of numerous dignitaries, including designers, celebrities, diplomats, and government officials.
Highlights of the launch included a traditional Malay dance by students from the Sekolah Seni Malaysia and a kebaya fashion show by reigning beauty queens Miss Globe Malaysia Manvin Khera, Miss Global Malaysia Taanusiya Chetty, Miss Star Malaysia Kash Bhullar, Miss Eco Malaysia Tisya Ong and Carolyn Wee, finalist of Ratu Wanita Malaya 2023.
The Kebaya Heritage Design Competition which began its run on June 15 has so far seen about 100 participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines submit their sketches and drawings.
The last day of submission is July 30, after which judges will narrow it down to 50 semi-finalists who have to produce a prototype kebaya before the deadline on August 30.
The 50 semi-finalists will also have to do a presentation on the details and cultural significance of their design.
