Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia unite to seek Unesco listing for zapin

Gen Z trio Muhammad Azrai Mohd Shamsol Bahri, Muhammad Hafizman Haqeem Mohammad Ariff and Muhammad Ammar Alexander Mohd Sufiann showcase zapin and joget, proving traditional Malaysian dances remain vibrant among the younger generation. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 7:20 PM MYT

Last Modified: Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 7:20 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Sept 24 — Singapore, together with Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, will jointly nominate zapin, a traditional Malay performing art, for inscription on the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.

Singapore’s National Heritage Board (NHB) said the four participating countries aim to submit the nomination file to Unesco in March 2027.

NHB chief executive officer Chang Hwee Nee said the multinational nomination underscores the cultural significance of zapin for communities in Singapore and across the region. 

“We hope this milestone will inspire a new generation of practitioners to keep this cherished dance form alive as part of our living heritage, while encouraging Singaporeans to explore and embrace its rich traditions,” she said in a statement today. 

NHB said the nomination marks the first time Singapore has jointly nominated a performing art form for inscription on the Unesco Representative List, and it will be its fourth nomination to the list.

Singapore’s first nomination to the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list was hawker culture, followed by kebaya, which was jointly nominated with Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand and successfully inscribed in 2024.

The third nomination, Chingay, is a joint nomination with Malaysia that has been submitted to UNESCO and is awaiting evaluation.

“Across all four countries, thriving zapin-practising communities continue to perform and transmit this culturally significant performing art form from generation to generation. 

“This multinational nomination represents an opportunity for all four countries to strengthen cultural ties and enhance international collaboration in the promotion of zapin and its practitioners,” it added. 

According to NHB, zapin is actively sustained through strong community participation and education in Singapore. 

Traditional Malay performing arts groups play a pivotal role as longstanding community anchors, mentoring the next generation of zapin enthusiasts and regularly showcasing the dance to the wider public.

“Beyond the preparation of the nomination file, NHB will work closely with the community to support and promote upcoming public outreach initiatives. 

“These efforts aim to raise public awareness and participation in zapin among Singaporeans of all backgrounds, and encourage them to be involved in safeguarding and celebrating Singapore’s diverse living heritage,” it said.  — Bernama