KUCHING: The Cheongsam Cultural Festival is back with its second edition, aimed to promote the beauty and heritage of Chinese women’s traditional costumes.
Scheduled to be held on Oct 21, the theme for the festival is “Love Of Cheongsam, Beauty of the East,” and it will take place at two locations – the Malaysia-China Friendship Park and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Community Hall.
Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng added that one of the main objectives is to nurture a sense of pride within the community, celebrating their diverse culture.
“Additionally, it seeks to strengthen relationships and bonds within the community, among public and private organisations as well as between staff and volunteers who make the event possible.”
He said this during a press conference for the upcoming festival at the MBKS building here on Wednesday (Oct 11).
“The day’s programme is packed with exciting activities such as the Walk in The Garden, Chess in the Garden, Fun Life Sketch Workshop and the enthralling showcase of Chinese Diabolo, scheduled from 8am to 12pm at the Malaysia-China Friendship Park.
“Meanwhile, the MBKS Community Hall will be bustling with various activities from 10am to 12pm, including the Sarawak Asian Cheongsam competition.
“The competition will be divided into three age categories: Group A (ages 18 to 45), Group B (ages 45 and above) and Group C (ages 5 to 12).
“Winners for Group A and B will take home RM1,800 (champion) RM1,500 (runner-up) and RM1,200 (third place). Winners of Group C will take home RM300 (champion), RM200 (runner-up) and RM100 (third place). Six consolation winners take home RM50,” he added.
Wee also expects more than 300 participants for the festival, hoping to break the record of last year’s event.
Organised by the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Women Associations, in collaboration with MBKS and supported and funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak, the festival is expected to surpass all expectations, building upon the successes of its predecessor, celebrating the region’s rich heritage and creating lasting memories.
For the record, the first edition in October 2022 set a record for the largest gathering of ladies in cheongsam attire by the Malaysia Book of Records, with a total of 316 participants.
