520 cheongsam-wearing senior citizens set national record

KUCHING: Age proved no barrier as 520 senior citizens set a Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) record in the city through their participation in the fourth edition of the Cheongsam Cultural Festival 2026.

The participants were recognised for the Most Senior Citizens Wearing Cheongsam in an Event, with the oldest participant aged 80.

The MBOR certificate was presented by MBOR official Siti Hajar Johor to Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng during the festival at Kuching Community Hall here today (Sept 20). 

Wee said the achievement marked the third time the organisers had set a Malaysia Book of Records record, with each achievement involving a different category.

“The previous one, I think, was for having the most participants wearing cheongsam,” he told reporters after officiating the event.

He added that the festival went beyond setting a record, as it also encouraged senior citizens to remain active, meet their friends and participate in community activities.

“Today’s Cheongsam Cultural Festival is another good example. We want our senior citizens to come out, dress up, meet their friends and enjoy themselves,” he added.

Beyond bringing senior citizens together, the festival also highlighted the connection between Chinese cultural heritage and Sarawak identity, with participants wearing cheongsam and samfu incorporating Sarawak batik, local patterns and other Sarawak elements.

He added that the incorporation of these local elements showed how traditional Chinese attire could also reflect Sarawak’s identity.

“We preserve the Chinese culture, while at the same time proudly showing who we are as Sarawakians. This is what cultural exchange is about.

“Culture cannot just be kept for us to look at. It must continue to be practised, shared and passed on to the younger generation. Only then can our culture continue to live,” he added.