Malaysia joins Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore to seek UNESCO status for zapin

Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry confirmed that it will team up with Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore to nominate the traditional zapin dance for UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The joint dossier is slated for submission by March 31, 2027, aiming for consideration in the 2028/2029 cycle. The ministry emphasized that zapin embodies the identity and continuity of Malay and Muslim communities throughout the region and that a multinational nomination will raise its global profile while safeguarding it from appropriation.

Stakeholder consultations with practitioners are already underway to secure ongoing support. Planned activities include cross-border performances, workshops, youth exchanges and regional festivals to keep the living tradition vibrant. The initiative is framed as a demonstration of cultural cooperation and shared prosperity among the participating nations.