MELAKA, 3 November 2026 (The Capital Post) – Six countries came together in Melaka for the Cross-Cultural Exchange Festival 2026, highlighting shared cultural traditions and strengthening international cooperation in preserving intangible cultural heritage.
The festival, held on 31 October at the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum grounds, was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through the National Heritage Department (JWN), in strategic collaboration with the Melaka State Government and CRIHAP, the event brought together representatives from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.
The festival showcased cultural traditions recognised by UNESCO through joint nominations, including the Wangkang Ceremony, Pantun and Kebaya.
Other cultural practices, including Chingay and Lion Dance, which are undergoing evaluation for UNESCO inscription, were also highlighted.
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Visitors participated in a range of activities, including a heritage parade, cultural exchange exhibitions, kebaya demonstrations and showcases, traditional performances and an international workshop on intangible cultural heritage.
The programme provided a platform for participating countries to exchange knowledge and experiences while strengthening cooperation in safeguarding and promoting cultural traditions.
Also present were Melaka State Secretary Datuk Wira Salhah Salleh and MOTAC Deputy Secretary-General (Culture) Dato’ Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia, the festival reflected Malaysia’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, promoting cross-cultural understanding and ensuring traditional practices are passed down to future generations – The Capital Post
