Singapore, 4 April 2025 - Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) will be releasing a special commemorative stamp issue to celebrate the multinational inscription of “Kebaya: Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices” on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, jointly nominated by five Southeast Asian countries, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This significant achievement recognises the cultural importance of the kebaya, a traditional upper garment worn by women across Southeast Asia.
The kebaya serves as a powerful symbol of the shared cultural heritage and deep traditions that connect these five nations. This elegant garment embodies cultural connections, with women from diverse communities and of all ages proudly wearing the kebaya on various occasions to celebrate their identity and rich traditions.
Characterised by its distinctive and graceful design, the kebaya typically features a collar that extends elegantly from the back of the neck, flowing down to the hem on either side of the front opening. The front is traditionally fastened with buttons, decorative pins, or the iconic kerongsang (brooch), and is customarily paired with a lower garment such as a sarong (a stitched, tubular skirt), kain (a long rectangular cloth wrapped and tucked), or long pants.
In Singapore, the kebaya holds a special place in the nation's cultural tapestry, with various communities embracing distinct styles:
● Kebaya panjang: A refined full-length dress with a front opening traditionally secured with kerongsang, pins, or buttons.
● Kebaya sulam: A beautifully adorned kebaya featuring elaborate embroidery of floral motifs, animal figures, mythical creatures, or figurative elements, often found along the neckline, sleeves, and hem.
● Kebaya kotabaru: Recognisable by its distinctive rectangular-shaped panel that bridges the front opening of the garment.
● Kebaya pendek: A form-fitting kebaya that reaches the hip.
Designed with the support of the National Heritage Board, this commemorative stamp issue by SingPost honours the UNESCO recognition and the enduring significance of the kebaya in Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region. It underscores the garment's role in bridging the past, present, and future of Singapore's vibrant cultural heritage.
Multinational Inscription of Kebaya on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity Collection
The First Day Cover (without stamps) will be sold at 55 cents, while the set of stamps comes in three denominations: 1st Local, two designs for the 80 cents denomination, and one design for the 85 cents denomination.
Stamps (1st Local)
Stamps (80 cents respectively for each design)
Stamps (85 cents)
The Pre-cancelled First Day Cover affixed with stamps will be sold at $4.50. The Presentation Pack containing both stamps is priced at $5.60.
All Kebaya-themed stamps and gift products are available for sale from 4 April 2025 at all philatelic stores, General Post Office, as well as online at shop.singpost.com, while stocks last.
About Singapore Post Limited (SingPost)
Singapore Post (SingPost) is a leading postal and eCommerce logistics provider in Asia Pacific. The portfolio of businesses spans from national and international postal services to warehousing and fulfilment, international freight forwarding and last mile delivery, serving customers in more than 220 global destinations. Headquartered in Singapore, SingPost has approximately 3,000 employees, with presence in 14 markets worldwide. Since its inception in 1858, the Group has evolved and innovated to bring about best-in-class integrated logistics solutions and services, making every delivery count for people and planet. www.singpost.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Hong Mei Yu - hongmeiyu@singpost.com
