Peranakan Culture in Singapore

Peranakan Culture in Singapore

Culture,Intangible Heritage

The Peranakans are culturally distinct descendants of immigrants to the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia. A large trading hub since the 15th century, the Straits of Malacca has seen foreign traders to the area, many of which settle down and intermix with the local communities, establishing communities and businesses. Traditionally English-educated and intermixing well across communities – in part due to practicality and business necessity in Singapore’s colonial past – they they evolved to play an influential role in the economic and sociopolitical development of early Singapore. The unique intermarriage of cultures between the root cultures of the immigrants and that of the local Malays gave rise to a distinct hybrid culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with its own language, culture, apparel, and food. Like many smaller cultures of smaller communities, the Peranakans have been at risk of disappearing in today’s modern world. Globalization has reduced the distinctiveness and differences between communities and cultures, and younger descendants may no longer be taught about their roots and cultural practices.

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is51102025

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English

Intangible

1419

26/03/2025

cm x cm x cm

current,1.290270,103.851959;

TEXT

Digital interpretation of Peranakan Culture in Singapore as an intangible cultural heritage can address United Nations’ Sustainable Development (UN SDG) Goal 4 – Quality Education, especially Target 4.7 which aims to “ensure that all learners acquire...appreciation of cultural diversity”. If incorporated into tourism, the digital interpretation of Peranakan Culture in Singapore can address United Nations’ Sustainable Development (UN SDG) Goal 8 – Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth – specifically Target 8.9 with the aim to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”

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