29/04/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | APR 29, 2026

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A showcase at Selangor Fashion Week Asean.

Cultural ambassadors The platform showcases a multi-cultural Asean by uniting desginers, creatives and cultural advocates from across Southeast Asia.

S ELANGOR Fashion Week Asean Edition 2026 was launched earlier this week at Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya, marking a milestone in Malaysia’s journey to position itself as a leading hub for fashion, culture and creative industry excellence in Southeast Asia. The event brought together industry leaders, international designers, cultural ambassadors and members of the media in a vibrant celebration of Asean’s rich heritage and contemporary fashion innovation. Officiated by Tourism Malaysia Senior deputy director of advertising & digital division Norshamshida Abdul Rahman, representing the director-general of Tourism Malaysia, the event underscored the importance of creative industries in

o Selangor Fashion Week Asean 2026 elevates Malaysia as regional fashion, cultural powerhouse

designers, creatives and cultural advocates from across Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, reflecting its growing influence and credibility within the regional fashion landscape. “Selangor Fashion Week Asean is not merely a fashion event, it is a strategic movement that integrates culture, creativity and diplomacy. “It represents our commitment to elevating Malaysia’s creative identity on the global stage,” said Hee. Fashion as cultural diplomacy and economic catalyst Aligned with national aspirations, the event reinforces the role of fashion as a powerful medium of cultural storytelling and soft diplomacy. By bridging heritage and modern design, the platform fosters cross border collaboration while promoting Asean’s diverse identities to the world. The integration of initiatives such as Cuti-Cuti Makan Malaysia further highlights a holistic tourism experience, where fashion, culture and gastronomy converge to enhance Malaysia’s global appeal. Selangor Fashion Week Asean 2026 also reflects a forward-looking vision in strengthening Malaysia–China and Asean cultural relations, positioning fashion as a unifying language that transcends borders. Showcase of excellence across Asean The event featured a lineup of fashion showcases representing multiple nations, highlighting traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design innovation. Designers and brands from across the region presented collections that celebrated heritage textiles, modern silhouettes and cultural narratives– bringing to life the essence of Asean diversity on a single stage. Adding to the vibrancy were the models, beauty queens and Tourism & Cultural Ambassadors from Miss Malaysia Kebaya, whose elegance and professionalism elevated each presentation. Selangor

supporting national tourism growth, particularly in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Vision rooted in growth and regional collaboration Founded in 2019 by Dr Jason Hee together with Nicole Fe Lynne, Selangor Fashion Week Asean began as a visionary initiative to uplift Malaysia’s fashion ecosystem and create pathways for local talents to gain regional and international exposure. Today, the platform has evolved into a dynamic Asean showcase, uniting

A showcase at Selangor Fashion Week Asean.

Fashion Week Asean 2026 stands as more than a celebration, it is a catalyst for future growth. With continued support from government agencies, industry leaders and the creative community, the platform is poised to expand its regional influence, nurture emerging talents, and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s creative economy. As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, initiatives such as this will play a crucial role in positioning the nation as a premier destination for fashion, culture and experiential tourism. Selangor Fashion Week Asean is a regional fashion platform dedicated to promoting cultural heritage, empowering creative talents and fostering international collaboration within the Asean fashion industry. A showcase at Selangor Fashion Week Asean.

From left: MMK ambassador Tony Thompson Goh, Miss M’sia Kebaya 2025 Afifah Dayana Mohd Haizal, Motac former secretary-general Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah, Norshamshida, Hee and MMK Appointed Tourism & Cultural ambassadors 2026.