THE Straits Chinese (Penang) Association marked its 105th anniversary recently - a becoming one of the oldest Chinese organisations which represents the earliest migrants from China.
Baba Nyonya, known as Peranakan Chinese, are descendants of early Chinese male migrants who resettled in Southeast Asia (like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia) and married local women, creating a unique, blended culture with distinct Chinese and local (Malay, Indonesian) traditions in food, fashion, language, and customs.
"Baba" refers to the men, and "Nyonya" to the women, both honorific terms for this culturally rich community, sometimes called "Straits Chinese".
Congratulating the association on its remarkable journey, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said its longevity reflected its unwavering sense of purpose and its ability to remain active and meaningful through changing times.
“One hundred and five years is no small achievement. Such longevity speaks volumes about your resilience, relevance, and unwavering sense of purpose,” he said, adding light-heartedly that retirement was clearly not part of their vocabulary”.
For over a century, they played a vital role in strengthening unity within the Chinese community while contributing meaningfully to Penang’s multicultural fabric by striking a balance between preserving tradition and embracing progress.
The theme of the celebration, “105 Years of Nyonya Splendour”, he noted, was especially fitting as Peranakan culture is deeply woven into Penang’s identity, from architecture and customs to attire and cuisine.
Highlighting a recent cultural milestone, Chow welcomed the kebaya’s official recognition by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, describing it as an honour that celebrates not only the garment’s elegance but also the shared cultural bonds in the region where the community's hold is most profound.
“This recognition affirms that what we wear with pride at home can also capture admiration around the world,” he said, noting that the kebaya was also showcased during Penang Week at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Chow also urged the association to help expose the younger generation to the rich culture of the peranakan Chinese, so it remains relevant in the modern age.
“Preserving culture does not mean resisting modernity, it means ensuring our traditions remain relevant, engaging and accessible,” he said, encouraging the association to explore creative approaches through digitalisation, education and youth engagement.
In line with the Penang2030 vision, Chow reaffirmed the state government’s commitment towards working closely with community organisations to build a Penang that is not only economically vibrant but also culturally rich and socially cohesive.
Present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, association president Datuk Seri Tan Gin Soon, and organising chairman of the anniversary celebrations, Eric Ooi Ean Beng. - December 22, 2025.
