Introduction

The year 2020 saw Singapore making an ambitious move by nominating Hawker Culture in Singapore to be inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This move has sparked a wave of interest and debate as to why this initiative was undertaken, and most importantly, why Malaysia's similar cultural heritage, often referred to as street food, did not follow suit.

The UNESCO Nomination: A History and Journey

Singapore officially submitted its nomination on March 27, 2020. The nomination documents were a joint effort from the National Heritage Board (NHB), the National Environment Agency (NEA), and the Federation of Merchants Associations Singapore (FMAS).

Community Support and Stakeholder Involvement

A joint statement from NHB, NEA, and FMAS emphasized the overwhelming support from Singaporeans. They highlighted that the nomination reflects the pride and appreciation for Hawker Culture in the country. Additionally, the Nomination Committee was formed to provide valuable advice and input, comprising representatives from various sectors, including hawkers, academics, and NGOs.

Nomination Committee Feedback

Mr. Yeo Hiang Meng, President of FMAS, shared that the nomination process involved close collaboration between NEA, NHB, and FMAS. A series of focus group discussions were conducted to gather ideas and support from the hawker community. Many hawkers displayed 'Our SG Hawker Culture' decals on their stalls and encouraged customers to pledge their support.

UNESCO Evaluation Criteria

The nomination of Hawker Culture in Singapore will be evaluated based on several criteria set by UNESCO. The Intergovernmental Committee, consisting of 24 members elected by State Parties of the 2003 Convention, will assess the nomination. The Committee’s decision will be guided by the recommendations of the 12-member Evaluation Body, comprising experts from various fields and representatives of accredited NGOs.

A Timeline of the Journey

The successful nomination will provide a global platform to recognize the rich and diverse intangible cultural heritage embedded in Singapore’s Hawker Culture. The Committee's final decision is expected by the end of 2020, with a definitive timeline in Annex C for further details.

Why Malaysia Was Not Nominated

The joint-nomination of Hawker Culture by Singapore and Malaysia did not meet with universal approval. Critics from both sides of the Causeway raised questions and criticisms for different reasons.

Malaysian Opposition and Arguments

Malaysian legislators, particularly the Penang Tourism Arts Culture and Heritage Committee chairman, Yeoh Soon Hin, voiced concerns that the joint nomination would increase the likelihood of the UN's cultural agency listing the hawker culture of both countries as an intangible cultural heritage. However, this suggestion was met with skepticism.

Differing Perspectives and Criticism

On the other side, Singaporean food critic KF Seetoh pointed out that Singapore and Malaysia are not culturally homogeneous. He argued that it would be difficult to find a common ground on issues such as food culture. Furthermore, some Malaysians viewed Singapore's hawker version as not being particularly special, suggesting that Malaysia is a street food paradise.

Conclusion

The competition for UNESCO recognition highlights the unique landscapes of both countries. While Singapore is soaring with its cultural achievements, it is crucial to remember the diverse and rich heritage of Malaysia's street food. As these intangible cultural heritages are deeply embedded in their identities, it would be beneficial to explore the potential for cooperation and shared recognition in the future.