PENANG, November 2013 - Malaysian peranakan heritage, particularly in Kelantan and Penang, are given recognition and will be continuously researched by the academia to ensure that it is preserved and become well-known in future.

“Peranakan is the result of mixed-race marriages among the Arabs, Indians, and Chinese with our local women,” said Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Deputy Director-General, Professor Dr. Zaharani Ahmad, in his keynote address during the International Seminar on Peranakan Chinese held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently.

Such mixed-race marriages resulted in Peranakan Chinese, Peranakan Jawi and Peranakan Indian.

According to USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, a legacy like this should be preserved and studied in detail for posterity.

“Seminar such as this is important to the society to develop together the strength found and strengthen the unity for the survival of the nation," he added.

The seminar was jointly organised by the Desasiswa Fajar Harapan and DBP with the attendance of over 150 participants. Besides presentations and experience-sharing moments by representatives of Peranakan, there was also joget (a traditional dance) performance by the Kelantan peranakan and Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets show) by the Kelantan Peranakan Chinese Cultural Expert, Eyo Hock Seng.

The International Seminar on Peranakan Chinese Secretariat Chairman, Associate Professor Pim Chau Dam is hoping that participants will gain much experience and shares what is useful in community living during the seminar so that peace and harmony shall prevail for a long time. - Translation: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Text: Rafizah Nor Md Zain/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa