Miss Malaysia Kebaya (MMK) organization successfully hosted the Chinese New Year (CNY) Cultural Festival 2026 at Pavilion Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur on February 22, 2026.
The festival brought together cultural representatives from Malaysia and across Asean in a celebration of heritage, unity and international cultural collaboration, supporting Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
Supported by Tourism Malaysia, the festival serves as a strategic cultural tourism platform, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to preserving heritage while positioning the nation as a premier global destination for cultural excellence.
The festival showcased the timeless elegance of traditional Chinese cultural fashion, featuring the iconic cheongsam (qipao) and classical hanfu, symbolising the richness, dignity and enduring legacy of Chinese civilisation within Malaysia’s multicultural society.
The festival featured traditional lion dance performances, cultural music presentations and an international cultural fashion showcase with participation from Asean delegates representing Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.
The regional participation highlights Malaysia’s growing role as a cultural bridge within Asean, fostering mutual respect, cultural understanding and regional unity through heritage diplomacy.
The event was officiated by Tourism Malaysia senior director and VM2026 Head of Secretariat Mohd Akbal Setia, who represented Tourism Malaysia director-general.
MMK founder and president Dr Jason Hee emphasised the significance of the initiative in advancing cultural diplomacy and strengthening Malaysia’s cultural ecosystem.
“The CNY Cultural Festival 2026 represents more than just a celebration – it is a cultural platform that strengthens cultural diplomacy, preserves heritage and promotes Malaysia’s multicultural identity to the global community.
“Through Miss Malaysia Kebaya, we remain committed to supporting national cultural initiatives and contributing to the growth of cultural tourism in alignment with Visit Malaysia 2026,” he said.
“The festival also reflects Malaysia’s unique strength as a multicultural nation, where diverse traditions coexist in harmony. Initiatives such as this empower cultural ambassadors, strengthen cultural appreciation among younger generations and reinforce Malaysia’s global image as a nation rich in heritage, diversity and cultural excellence,” he added.
As Malaysia progresses towards VM2026, the CNY Cultural Festival plays a vital role in strengthening the nation’s cultural tourism ecosystem, enhancing international visibility and positioning Malaysia as a premier cultural tourism destination in Asia.
