Jointly organized by Department of Chinese Studies and Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.
CHAIRPERSON
Prof Kenneth Dean, Department of Chinese Studies, and Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore
ABSTRACT
While examining the identity maintenance and shift of an acculturated Melakan Chinese minority, the Baba and Nyonya – known for their distinct cultural heritage, resulted from a degree of adaptation and acceptance of the local customs in their lifestyle while maintaining the Chinese identity and belief system. However, many are ignorant of the origin of their customs and religious practices. Little did they know that many Baba and Nyonya cultural practices revolve around traditional Chinese beliefs and symbolism. Nonetheless, with the pressure of modernity and globalization, many cultural practices have been simplified if not discarded. Besides, while the Baba patois is gradually replaced with widely spoken languages like English and Mandarin, many Baba and Nyonya individuals have increasingly assimilated into the dominant non-Baba and Nyonya Chinese community, which further caused the abandonment of many traditional practices once observed by the olden days Baba and Nyonya family. Therefore, it is timely and crucial to create exposure and highlight the importance and symbolism behind the cultural observances of the Baba and Nyonya among the current generation, to ensure the continuity and future of the unique Baba and Nyonya heritage, despite the shifts and maintenance in their identity reconstruction caused by the pressure of modernity and globalization in the 21st century.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Yuen Thien Lee is a fifth-generation Baba of Malacca, now a manager of the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum Melaka, which he joined after completing his postgraduate study with the National University of Malaysia. He did research on the identity of the 21st Century Baba and Nyonya for his MPhil. Born and bred in Malacca, he spent most of his childhood with both his Nyonya grandmothers which resulted in his passion on his own heritage and culture. He is very much involved with the Baba and Nyonya associations in Malacca and is now the Vice President of Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Malaysia. During his years as the general manager of the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, he has had the privilege to receive the visit of various dignitaries to the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, namely H.E. Li Keqiang, Premier of China and H.M the King and Queen of Sweden just to name a few. He is also the author of an award-winning book, The Baba & Nyonya Renaissance: Identity Maintenance & Shifts.
