The list, which was developed in 2008, is made up of intangible cultural heritage elements from different countries that showcase diversity. The aim is to increase their visibility and raise awareness about their importance so that they can be protected, according to a report on Channel NewsAsia.
Last Sunday, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced, among other things, that the city-state’s hawker culture will be nominated for a possible listing on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during his annual National Day Rally speech.
The list, which was developed in 2008, is made up of intangible cultural heritage elements from different countries that showcase diversity. The aim is to increase their visibility and raise awareness about their importance so that they can be protected, according to a report on Channel NewsAsia.
“Hawker centres are our community dining rooms,” the Prime Minister said, noting how Singaporeans of all races, faiths and income groups are able to eat together in hawker centres. “The UNESCO inscription will help to safeguard and promote this unique culture for future generations. It will also let the rest of the world know about our local food and multicultural heritage,” he added.
The nomination will be headed by the Federation of Merchants’ Associations, Singapore, the National Environment Agency, as well as the National Heritage Board. Once the nomination documents are submitted in March 2019, the results will be released in late 2020. If successful, Singapore’s hawker culture will join other so-called intangible heritage around the world, such as falconry, arabic coffee, Japanese washi tape and the Indonesian kris.