MELAKA, 1 November 2026 (The Capital Post) – Six countries gathered in Melaka for the Cultural Exchange Festival 2026, aimed at strengthening international cooperation and preserving shared cultural heritage.
The two-day festival, held from 31 October to 1 November at the grounds of the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, brought together representatives from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.
Organised by the Department of National Heritage (JWN) under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the event was held in collaboration with the Melaka State Government and the International Training Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (CRIHAP).
The festival featured heritage parades, cultural exhibitions, traditional performances and kebaya demonstrations, highlighting the region’s diverse cultural traditions.
Among the intangible cultural heritage elements showcased were the Wangkang Ceremony, Pantun, Kebaya, Chingay and Lion Dance.
The event was attended by Melaka State Secretary Datuk Wira Salhah Salleh, representing the Chief Minister, and Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man, representing the Minister.
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Also present were MOTAC Deputy Secretary-General (Culture) Dato’ Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff, JWN Director-General Mohamad Muda Bahadin and CRIHAP Director-General Zhang Jing.
The ceremony included the presentation of souvenirs to participating delegations in recognition of their international cooperation.
Salhah and Chiew also presented the WTK Outstanding Youth Awards to recognise the contributions and achievements of young people.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Jabatan Warisan Negara, the festival serves as a platform to strengthen cross-cultural understanding, promote international partnerships and preserve cultural traditions for future generations – The Capital Post
