By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Cultural Festival (FBM) 2026 is set to offer something different this year, with fashion taking centre stage for the first time through the International Cultural Fashion Week, aimed at bringing heritage closer to the younger generation.
FBM 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, will be held at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here from Sept 11 to 16.
The fashion showcase, which will be part of FBM 2026, will bring together local designers as well as designers from several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand.
The showcase will be held daily throughout the festival, featuring the cultural themes of the participating countries. Malaysian designers, meanwhile, will present traditional elements such as batik, songket, weaving and kebaya.
“Our aim is to bring heritage and culture closer to the public, particularly the younger generation and those who may have little interest in traditional culture, so that it is not perceived as something outdated,” said Precious of Malaysia founder and organiser Farel Mikhail, who appeared as a guest on Bernama Radio’s ‘Jendela Fikir’ programme today.
He said youth participation is crucial in breathing new life into traditional arts through contemporary approaches, while ensuring that the heritage remains relevant with the changing times.
“Traditions must be preserved, but we also need to be open to giving the younger generation the space to bring a fresh perspective to traditional attire, dances, performances and handicrafts.
“When they become directly involved, heritage becomes more meaningful and accessible to them, rather than being viewed as something outdated,” he said.
Besides the International Cultural Fashion Week, FBM 2026 will feature Precious Culture Walk on Sept 16 in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations. More than 700 participants dressed in traditional attire are expected to take part in the walk around Lake Titiwangsa.
Farel said various cultural pavilions would also be set up around the lake to showcase the unique traditions of Malaysia’s diverse communities, alongside activities including water sports, hot-air balloon rides, concerts and a food festival featuring traditional delicacies.
He added that the organisers would provide visitors with shuttle bus services from Istana Budaya and the National Art Gallery due to limited parking space at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
-- BERNAMA