Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to jointly nominate the Chingay Parade, an iconic cultural event with roots in both countries, for inclusion on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
According to Singapore’s National Heritage Board (NHB), the bid will be submitted in March 2025, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Chingay nomination aims to symbolise the shared heritage and cultural bonds between Singapore and Malaysia, which both hold annual Chingay celebrations featuring vibrant displays of multicultural identity and artistry.
NHB highlighted that Chingay “reflects the shared heritage of both countries, celebrates our connected cultures, and continues to be actively practised in both countries today.”
The nomination process will be managed by NHB and Singapore’s People’s Association (PA), in collaboration with Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Department of National Heritage.
The Chingay Parade, a prominent feature of Singapore’s annual Chinese New Year festivities, originated from religious processions dedicated to Taoist deities such as Tua Pek Kong and Mazu.
According to NHB’s heritage resource portal Roots.gov.sg, these traditions were introduced to Penang, Malaysia, and later Singapore by migrants from southern China in the early 19th century.
The term “Chingay” is derived from the Hokkien word zhuangyi, meaning “the art of costume and masquerade,” reflecting the parade’s elaborate displays.
In Singapore, Chingay evolved into a multicultural event in 1973, after late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew suggested it as a substitute for Chinese New Year firecrackers, which had been banned in 1972.
Since then, the PA has organised the parade to reflect Singapore’s multiracial society, involving performances by communities from various ethnic backgrounds.
The 2025 Chingay Parade, scheduled for 7 and 8 February, will feature food-themed floats, costumes, and installations and will showcase over 4,000 performers from 150 organisations. Tickets are available from 6 November via the official website.
The parade’s joint UNESCO nomination has deepened interest in the cross-border collaboration and potential benefits for both communities.
Malaysian Chinese groups initially proposed a collaborative UNESCO nomination in early 2023, recognising Chingay’s significance in both countries.
The joint nomination aligns with Singapore’s broader efforts to promote intangible cultural heritage on an international level. If successful, this would be Singapore’s third cultural element on UNESCO’s list, following the successful nominations of hawker culture in 2020 and the kebaya in 2023.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong highlighted the importance of Chingay in Singapore’s evolving multicultural identity, noting how its celebration of diversity instils pride and a sense of belonging in younger generations.
“It reflects Singapore’s multicultural, diverse identities, our different backgrounds coming together, and our multiracial society,” he said, speaking at a float-making event for the 2025 parade.
The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity aims to showcase practices and expressions inherited across generations, from rituals to festive events.
As of 2023, the list includes 611 entries worldwide, with 80 representing multinational elements. Past multinational entries include Swiss-French watchmaking and UAE-Oman camel racing.
If the Chingay nomination succeeds, it will further elevate the status of Singapore and Malaysia’s cultural assets on the international stage.
Chingay’s recognition as a UNESCO intangible heritage element is expected to boost appreciation for Southeast Asian heritage, aligning with broader regional trends.
The 2023 joint nomination of the kebaya by five Southeast Asian nations is pending, with results expected in December. Should the Chingay bid succeed, the decision is likely to be announced by UNESCO at the end of 2026.
