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In conjunction with the significant months of August and September 2025 in the Malaysian calendar, the Kebaya Exhibition is now running at four Golden Screen Cinemas locations in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The Kebaya Exhibition is made possible with the joint involvement of Ang Eng, which has been in the kebaya-making and cheongsam-making business since 1955 when it was based out of Kedah, also known as Malaysia’s rice bowl.

The business is now handed down to the third generation of the family-run business. As stated on promotional materials, there will be one in the TRX Exchange Mall, an upscale mall, which has the Aurum Theatre space, where part of it will be used for the kebaya display.

Kebaya enthusiasts will surely have much to be in awe about as this is where the main collection will be displayed. Walk yourself through the two floors where different motifs and varieties of kebaya will be on exhibit.

Three other locations have also agreed to showcase the best of Kebayas, especially to not only commemorate Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day, but as a way to boost foot traffic in the post-COVID world.  They are:

Sunway 163 Mall, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur

The Mall, Mid Valley South Key, Johor Bahru

For the one in the Sunway 163 Mall, GSC has its boutique cinema brand, known as Velvet Cinemas. The exhibition will be at the rooftop, as indicated by the organiser.

Different collections will be on display at these four sites, depending on how much space is allocated by the mall management.

In the Malaysian context, the kebaya is worn by the Peranakans and Malays, although people of various backgrounds would also embrace the costume that comes with a top and a bottom sarong, usually involving tedious work and intricate detail. Malaysia is after all made up of a colourful mix of cultures and beliefs, so people are usually curious about other cultures and want to experience something new and outside their own culture as determined by one’s upbringing.

The kebaya is looked at with a sense of admiration as it’s a symbol of femininity, tradition, refinement and even women’s empowerment.

Due to its practicality in donning one and the work involved in making a kebaya, it can be increasingly difficult to see the kebaya worn these days, especially by the younger generation. However, with this exhibition, it is hoped that there will be a change in perception towards the kebaya and some new knowledge on perhaps the different designs, colours, and even teknik sulaman/embroidery techniques of the kebaya. After all, different kebaya makers will have their own style and process of creating one from scratch.

Ang Eng is named as such because the Chinese believe that red brings good luck and to a certain extent gives the Peranakan/Baba Nyonya communities a sense of belonging, community and pride.

Recognising the need to relive the kebaya, Ang Eng held a book launch on the 26th of August 2025 where the book acknowledges and takes you through the different kebaya designs across three generations. Ang Eng after all has been operating for 70 years! So, what better way to commemorate this incredible milestone? Designed to decorate coffee tables, the prized item comes at a price tag of RM280.

In December 2024, the kebaya was recognised by the UNESCO for its significance in terms of cultural heritage. This milestone further accentuates the need to view the kebaya as a symbol of unity and healthy dialogue amongst the multicultural Southeast Asia.

The Peranakan Chinese/Baba Nyonya communities creolise both Malay and Hokkien Chinese cultures to form their own. If they are from Melaka/Malacca, evidence of Portuguese influence will be present. Those from Penang will borrow Thai culture, due to their geographical location/proximity. In Terengganu, the Peranakans are known as cheng sarong lang, or sarong-wearing people, and Hokkien is borrowed because there’s a sizeable Hokkien community in Terengganu. There are also Peranakans in the other states of Malaysia.

There are also small communities of non-Chinese Peranakans like the Indian Peranakans.

The exhibition is open to the public according to the shopping mall operating hours.

The main one has been running since 16 August 2025, while for the other locations like The Gardens was launched a few days later. The exhibition is set to run until the 30th of September 2025.  

The exhibition has received support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) and the Department of National Heritage or Jabatan Warisan Negara.