OPPO Malaysia, Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO and The Design School at Taylor’s University Celebrate UNESCO’s Recognition of the Kebaya with Iridescent Mermaid Design!

In 2024, UNESCO officially recognized the Kebaya as a Multinational Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its cultural significance and shared legacy across Southeast Asia.

To celebrate this achievement, OPPO Malaysia partnered with the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO and Taylor’s University’s The Design School to host the Reimagining Kebaya Fashion Show at the OOO Music Festival 2025.

The show featured 37 first-year students who reinterpreted four traditional Kebaya styles—Kebaya Pendek, Nyonya, Labuh, and Kota Bharu—through modern, vibrant designs inspired by the Iridescent Mermaid Design of the new OPPO Reno14 Series 5G, blending heritage with contemporary creativity.

“The Iridescent Mermaid Design of the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G sparked the imagination of these young designers” said Monica Qin, Marketing Director of OPPO Malaysia. “Their work shows how tradition can be redefined with modern creativity while staying true to its roots — a reflection of OPPO’s design philosophy.”

The runway came alive as 22 models, joined by singer-songwriter Naki, delivered a visually stunning performance that brought together a craftsmanship of innovation, identity and story-telling.

The Reimagining Kebaya Fashion Show blended tradition with innovation, highlighting how Malaysia’s cultural identity is being carried forward by a new generation of creative talents.

Fadzilah Fadzil, Secretary-General of MNCU, commended the initiative, expressing her pride in seeing youth reinterpreting heritage through fresh perspectives. “The Kebaya is more than clothing—it’s a living symbol of our heritage. This fashion show gives us confidence that Malaysia’s cultural legacy will flourish through future generations who honour its diversity while embracing shared roots,” she said.

This initiative also provided an invaluable platform for student designers to gain hands-on experience in fashion innovation, storytelling, and collaborative design—seamlessly merging heritage with technology.

Associate Professor Dr Luqman Lee, Head of The Design School, expressed pride in the students’ achievements. “Their Kebaya designs reflect both technical expertise and cultural insight. More than just a showcase, this project deepened their connection to heritage by challenging them to honour tradition while shaping the future of fashion,” he shared.

OPPO Malaysia echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the showcase’s deeper purpose. “This collaboration is more than just visual,” said Marketing Director Monica Qin. “It embodies OPPO’s mission to celebrate culture through innovation. By enabling the next generation to reinterpret icons like the Kebaya through a modern lens, we honour tradition while creating meaningful, connected moments — a true reflection of OPPO’s ‘Make your Moment’ spirit.”