Let’s Chakap Chakap with the President (June 2026)

Dear Nyonyas and Babas,

In this month’s video, I’m joined by Baba Nicholas Chee and Baba Raymond Wong as we share highlights from recent events, as well as exciting upcoming happenings within the Peranakan community.

Baba Nicholas and Baba Raymond were selected by the National Heritage Board (NHB) to represent Singapore at London Craft Week 2026, held from 11–18 May 2026. It marked the first time Singapore sent a delegation of 14 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) practitioners to present the Future Craft Exhibition on an international platform.

During the exhibition, Baba Nicholas took on two key roles. Firstly, he conducted Peranakan beadwork workshops, teaching visitors how to create traditional beaded keychain charms. Secondly, he presented an evening gown designed by textile print designers Joanna Lim and Joanne Quak. Baba Nicholas worked closely with the designers to incorporate embroidery cutwork inspired by the traditional Nyonya kebaya and hand-sewed Swarovski crystals onto the printed textile, demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship can be thoughtfully integrated into contemporary fashion.

As a young heritage practitioner, Baba Nicholas, 24, is a Year 2 student in Art History and Curatorial Practices at LASALLE University of the Arts. He had the opportunity to showcase Singapore’s intangible cultural heritage on an international platform—an experience that was both exciting and challenging. It marked a pivotal moment in his journey as he represented his grandfather’s traditional birdcage-making craft beyond Singapore’s heartlands, sharing this unique heritage with audiences halfway across the world. Prior to this, he collaborated with Baba Raymond to create a series of collectible Peranakan-inspired 3D-printed dolls, blending traditional cultural motifs with contemporary design and technology.

Finally, a reminder that the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival is taking place on 25 and 26 July 2026, so don’t forget to grab your tickets! https://babanyonyaliteraryfestival.peatix.com/ We also look forward to welcoming you to Tok Panjang Grandeur this 5 September 2026 www.tinyurl.com/tokpanjang2026

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