Asean Ladies Circle (ALC) Fashion Gala : Unity through Kebaya & Sarong

 ALC Fashion Gala: Threading ASEAN Unity through Kebaya & Sarong

Assalamualaikum & hi!

Last Friday, I managed to attend a very exciting event, which involved, culture, food & definitely fashion!

ALC Fashion Gala hosted by The ASEAN Ladies’ Circle (ALC) happened on Friday, 22 November 2024, at Dewan Siti Hasmah, PUSPANITA, Kuala Lumpur

With the aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of ASEAN and promote regional unity through fashion, culture, and cuisine, the event also celebrate the multi-national nomination of the iconic Kebaya for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The event was also an expression of ALC’s and ASEAN Embassies in Kuala Lumpur’s solidarity in support of Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

The Fashion Gala was initiated by ALC Thailand as ALC’s annual fundraising event under the leadership of H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, who is the current President of ALC for the term 2024-2025. 

The event was jointly organised by the 10 ALC member countries in Kuala Lumpur, with the Royal Thai Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, ALC Malaysia, and Perwakilan, as the co-sponsored and main supporters. 

In her Welcoming Remarks, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, President of ALC, highlighted the objectives and the significance of the event, themed Threading ASEAN Unity through Kebaya & Sarong, to reflect the unity and richness of the region’s cultural heritage through the traditional attires which symbolizing grace, resilience, and local respect. 

The Opening Remarks was addressed by YM Raja Datin Seri Dato’ Hajah Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin, Patron of ALC Kuala Lumpur (Spouse of the Foreign Minister) whereby ALC’s collaborative spirits and their initiative on the ALC Fashion Gala project were lauded. 

On this occasion, YBhg. Dato’ Mohd Yusri bin Mohd Yusoff, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry our Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), was invited to give a Remarks on the Government of Malaysia’s commitment to foster cooperation in preserving and promoting ASEAN cultural heritage, as well as MOTAC instrumental role in the multinational nomination (by 5 ASEAN Member States i.e. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore) of Kebaya in the UNESCO, the result of which will be announced by 6th December 2024 in Paraguay.

The event was well-attended by over 250 guests, including dignitaries from Malaysian Government agencies, particularly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the National Security Council (NSC) and the spouses, Lady Ambassadors and High Commissioners, the Representative of the UNHCR, diplomatic corps in Malaysia, as well as many invited guests of ALC member countries, plus Timor Leste. Among the distinguished guests, Ybhg. Datin Dr. Rohamini Sibin, Spouse of the Deputy of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, Director-General of NAC and YM Tengku Sofia Dora Tengku Mohamad were also present.

The highlights of the event

♥ Fashion Show 

featuring traditional and modern designs of Kebaya & Sarong and national dress which reflect the rich cultural tapestry of ASEAN as well as the uniqueness of each garment;

Fashion show, showcasing Kebayas all around Asean.

♥ Cultural Performances 

featuring a series of vibrant showcase of rich artistic traditions from Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore;

Angklung Performance by Indonesians ALCs.

♥ Culinary Experience 

whereby each ASEAN Embassy proudly presents their authentic dishes for the special reception.

My first time with Miang Kham, and I'm loving it!

Vietnamese Roll

Some Indonesian's kuihs.

♥ Live Auction 

featured an exquisite collection of 3 artworks, offering not only visual splendour but also profound narratives of inspiration, culture, and empowerment.

♥ Exciting raffle draws 

featured an array of exclusive prizes generously sponsored by ALC member countries and private sectors such as Air Tickets from Thai Airways, Air Asia Thailand, Air Asia Malaysia, Vouchers for hotel stays, spas and massage, handicrafts. 

Won myself air tickets to Utapao. Alhamdulillah.

In line with the theme ‘Threading ASEAN Unity through Kebaya & Sarong’, MOTAC kindly provided information boards to give insights on the evolvement and significance of Kebaya and its road to UNESCO. 

The proceeds from the Gala, be it through ticket sales, raffles, auction items, would go to ALC Fund for its future charitable initiatives which would benefit Malaysia’s communities.

Overall Event

In conclusion, I was amazed with the whole event & programmes. Congratulations Asean Ladies Circle (ALC) for such fruitful event & may ALC continue to uphold Asean cultures and take it to the next level!