IKAT 2.0 Final Stop in Johor Bahru Celebrates The Diversity of Peranakan Communities and Heritage

JOHOR BAHRU, 17 OCTOBER 2024 – The IKAT 2.0: Echoes of Colours is set to make its final stop in Johor Bahru from October 17 – 20, 2024, at the Kompleks Warisan Sultan Abu Bakar. This immersive- driven platform dedicated to preserving Malaysian textile heritage will transform the space into a vibrant four-day pop-up textile experiential hub, offering Johorians the unique opportunity to explore the intricate and harmonious Peranakan culture, specifically the Baba Nyonya, Chetti Peranakan and Jawi Peranakan communities that shape Malaysia’s multi-cultural identity.

The term Peranakan, meaning “locally born”, refers to the descendants of immigrants who journeyed to the Malay Archipelago and assimilated into the local culture while honouring their ancestral traditions. Among these communities, the Baba Nyonya community is the most recognised, tracing their lineage back to Chinese immigrants. Meanwhile, the Chetti Peranakan community, originating from Indian traders who married local women, represents a unique fusion of Hindu and local customs. The Jawi Peranakan, stemming from Indian Muslim traders, represents a distinct Islamic cultural identity. The latter two communities are often underrepresented in the narrative of Peranakan heritage.

Spearheaded by creative technology studio EDT and presented by Yayasan Hasanah, the IKAT 2.0 Johor Edition welcomes audiences to embark on an immersive journey through curated textile- related activities. The experiential hub celebrates the rich heritage and vibrant aesthetics of Peranakan communities, focusing the unique yet harmonious fusion of ethnic identities that reflects Malaysia’s long-standing history of trade, migration and cultural integration. The highlights of the IKAT 2.0: Echoes of Colours are as follows: –

• THE IMMERSIVE PAVILION: The 480 sq.ft immersive gallery blends tradition and modernity, using interactive tile-like formations, symbols, motifs and shifting colours to highlight the rich diversity of Baba Nyonya, Chetti Peranakan and Jawi Peranakan culture, inviting a deeper understanding of our country’s shared heritage as visitors engage with the space.

• TEXTILE SHOWCASE: Immerse yourself in a first-hand experience at the textile exhibition, where you can explore the timeless elegance, creativity and artistry of Peranakan’s attire including the Batik, Songket, beadings and embroidery.

• JEWELLERY SHOWCASE: In collaboration with HARTA Heritage Jewellery Museum, visitors can enjoy a VR experience that explores the museum’s exquisite collection, showcasing unique pieces of jewellery that reflect the Peranakan’s multicultural identity.

• HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS WITH ARTISANS: Join esteemed artisans for immersive workshops that provide valuable insights into traditional crafts. Engage in Nyonya beading with Baba Kenny Loh, explore embroidery techniques with Joshua D. Louis, and discover the artistry of Batik painting (canting) with Tipah Jusoh. Learn about Batik Block with Darus Idris, dive into Clay Batik with Khatijah binti Muhamad, and experience the techniques of Songket weaving with Hasmah Binti Yasmin. Each session offers participants the chance to learn directly from skilled practitioners and create their own unique piece of art.

• ENGAGING TALK SESSION: Join us for enlightening discussions featuring prominent figures from the Peranakan community. Baba Kenny Loh will share his expertise on Nyonya Kebaya and Kasut Manik (beaded shoes). Baba Cedric Tan, a sixth-generation Malakan Baba and cultural advocate, will recount his journey in advocating for the inclusion of the Baju Kebaya in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The IKAT 2.0: Echoes of Colours is curated by Baba Kenny Loh, an award-winning fashion designer and prominent figure in the preservation and innovation of Peranakan Baba Nyonya culture. As this edition brings together the vibrant Peranakan crafts, jewelleries and textile arts, Baba Kenny Loh hopes that the visitors will not only appreciate the beautiful narratives of the Peranakan communities but also understand how diverse cultures can coexist and complement one another while retaining their unique identities.

IKAT, short for Immersive Knowledge and Textile, seeks to reinvigorate public engagement and deepen Malaysians’ appreciation for heritage textiles through immersive experiences, technology and strategic collaborations with artisans, new media artists, educational institutions and subject matter experts.

Beginning its journey in Kuala Lumpur in January 2024, IKAT 2.0 is a series of pop-up experiential hubs scheduled to tour Malaysia, with a chapter in Penang in April 2024, and now concluding with a final showcase in Johor Bahru. Each instalment showcases a unique theme, different heritage textiles, artisans and curators.

The IKAT 2.0 is spearheaded by EDT and presented by Yayasan Hasanah. The IKAT 2.0 Johor Edition is made possible by Yayasan Warisan Johor, Kenny Loh Couture, Filamen, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, HARTA, Lunartic and RUBIX Communications.

Admission to the IKAT 2.0: Echoes of Colours pop-up textile experiential hub is free, from 10:30am to 10:30pm. For further information about IKAT 2.0, please visit https://ikatmalaysia.com/ or follow their social platforms at IG @IKATMalaysia.