Singapore has joined Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in nominating zapin, a traditional Malay dance form, for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition.
The joint nomination was submitted as a multinational effort involving the four Southeast Asian countries, according to CNA on 24 September 2026.
Zapin Has Roots Across Maritime Southeast Asia
Zapin is a traditional dance form accompanied by music and is associated with Malay communities across parts of Southeast Asia.
The dance is believed to have developed through cultural exchanges in the region, including influences from Arab and Malay traditions. Over time, different communities have developed their own styles and interpretations of zapin.
The nomination highlights zapin’s role as a living cultural practice passed down through generations through performances, teaching and community activities.
Singapore Part Of Regional Cultural Effort
Singapore’s involvement in the nomination reflects a regional effort to recognise shared cultural practices across borders.
UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list aims to safeguard traditions, practices and knowledge that communities recognise as part of their cultural heritage.
A successful inscription would place zapin among the cultural practices recognised internationally under UNESCO’s programme.
Nomination Does Not Mean Immediate Listing
Being nominated does not automatically mean a tradition will be added to the UNESCO list.
UNESCO evaluates nominations based on criteria including whether the practice is recognised by the communities involved, whether safeguarding measures are in place and whether the nomination demonstrates cooperation between relevant countries and communities.
The nomination will go through UNESCO’s evaluation process before any decision is made.
