KUCHING, Oct 18 – The much-anticipated 3rd Cheongsam Cultural Festival is set to grace the heart of Kuching this Sunday, October 20, with a vibrant showcase of traditional Chinese cheongsams infused with the unique Sarawak batik. Held at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Community Hall and MBKS Park, the event promises to be a celebration of cultural fusion, fashion, and the rich heritage of Sarawak.
Organised by the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Women Associations in collaboration with MBKS and supported by the Ministry of Tourism Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), this year’s festival will go beyond the typical cheongsam celebration by embracing Sarawak’s local batik heritage, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese and Sarawakian styles.
Celebrating Tradition with a Modern Twist
During a press conference held earlier today, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng highlighted the significance of this year’s festival, particularly its efforts to embrace local culture through fashion.
“This year’s festival is truly special as it will feature an exciting fusion of cheongsam and Sarawak batik, a symbol of Sarawak’s cultural diversity and unity,” said Dato Wee. “Participants will have the opportunity to blend traditional Chinese cheongsams with local ethnic batik materials, creating a stunning representation of our state’s multicultural identity.”
Mayor Wee expressed hopes that this cultural fusion will not only highlight the cheongsam’s timeless beauty but also bring greater visibility to Sarawak’s batik industry, thus fostering pride in local craftsmanship.
A Showcase of Talent and Culture
The festival will kick off at 7am with a Garden Parade and Cultural Exchange, expected to draw hundreds of participants dressed in their finest traditional or modern cheongsams. According to Wee, over 500 to 600 people have already registered for the event, with organisers hoping to attract even more participants to showcase their beauty and pride in Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
Attendees can look forward to a day filled with various engaging activities, including the Chinese Round Fan Scenery Painting, an Instant Photo Booth, captivating performances by Zhi Wei and My Destiny, and a Children’s Colouring Contest.
The main highlight of the event will be the Cheongsam Contest, where 12 female finalists will compete in the Individual category, while five groups will battle it out in the Group category. In a true celebration of unity, the Group category participants will wear a mix of cheongsams and various ethnic costumes, symbolising the harmonious blending of different cultures in Sarawak.
Attractive Prizes Await Winners
To further encourage participation, the festival offers attractive prizes for both categories of the Cheongsam Contest. In the Individual category, the champion will walk away with a cash prize of RM1,800, while the first runner-up will receive RM1,500, and the second runner-up RM1,200. Winners will also receive a sash and flower bouquet, with consolation prizes awarded to other finalists.
In the Group category, the best-dressed group will similarly win RM1,800, RM1,500, and RM1,200 for the top three spots, respectively, along with other rewards.
Cultural Fusion at Its Best
The 3rd Cheongsam Cultural Festival offers more than just a celebration of fashion—it provides a platform for people of different backgrounds to come together in a shared cultural experience. As Mayor Wee aptly put it, “This is more than just a cultural event—it is a celebration of the creative spirit of our people, uniting different traditions to create something uniquely Sarawakian.”
The incorporation of Sarawak batik into the cheongsam designs is a testament to the state’s harmonious coexistence of diverse ethnicities and traditions. This initiative is set to attract more attention to Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, promoting local talent, arts, and the creative industry as a whole.
For those eager to experience the magic of cultural fusion, Kuching Park and MBKS Community Hall will be the place to be this Sunday, October 20. Don’t miss out on this chance to witness the beauty of traditional Chinese fashion intertwined with the distinctive artistry of Sarawak batik. Bring your family, dress up in your favourite cheongsam, and celebrate the rich, colourful heritage of Sarawak!