The Heritage Campaign is a unique opportunity to connect with the country’s history and celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day in a fun, interactive way.
“The campaign immerses visitors in the spirit of Malaysia through a multi-sensory experience and invites all to engage with Malaysia’s cultural heritage, fostering pride and patriotism,” Yong Yoon Li, Royal Selangor’s managing director, shared with FMT Lifestyle.
“Through these simple yet meaningful experiences, we hope visitors leave with a deeper connection to Malaysia,” Yong added.
“Royal Selangor plays our part in honouring Malaysia’s heritage and craftsmanship, which is evident in our Malaysian-inspired collections, especially in the latest Malaysian Landmark plate.
“Each piece celebrates our nation’s rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. By showcasing iconic symbols, Royal Selangor hopes to foster unity and cultural appreciation, embodying the true Merdeka spirit,” Yong said.
Indeed, Royal Selangor, a name synonymous with pewter craftsmanship, is leveraging its storied history as a springboard for this campaign.
One of the more intriguing elements of the campaign is its focus on culinary traditions, which often serve as a powerful lens through which to view cultural continuity and change.
The Café at the Visitor Centre offers a selection of traditional Malaysian desserts – bubur pulut hitam, sago gula Melaka, and bubur cha cha – that are as much a part of the nation’s heritage as its more celebrated historical monuments.
These dishes, simple yet profound in their flavours, evoke the kind of communal spirit that one might argue is at the heart of Malaysia’s national identity.
Retail therapy has also been given a heritage twist. The Visitor Centre’s shop features a curated collection of items that go beyond the usual tourist fare.
Here, visitors can purchase intricate pewter creations that not only reflect Malaysia’s renowned craftsmanship but also serve as reminders of the nation’s artistic legacy.
The campaign’s visual centrepiece is the Heritage photo wall, which has been reimagined for the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre’s 20th anniversary.
The wall features a colourful tableau of iconic Malaysian landmarks, rendered in the red, white, blue, and yellow of the Jalur Gemilang.
The wall is emblematic of the campaign’s broader aim: to offer a multifaceted experience of Malaysia that is both educational and deeply personal.
The Heritage Campaign also extends its reach to the youngest visitors. The Kids’ Colouring Corner, for instance, encourages children to explore Malaysia’s folklore through art. Stories of Cik Siti Wan Kembang, Mat Kilau, and Sang Kancil come to life as children colour scenes from these traditional tales.
This is more than just a distraction for restless youngsters; it’s an effort to instil a sense of cultural continuity in the next generation.
There is also a book nook, where children can delve into these stories further, guided by the vivid illustrations of local artist Emila Yusof.
As the nation prepares to celebrate another year of independence, the Royal Selangor Heritage Campaign is a timely reminder of the importance of cultural preservation in an age of rapid change, and the necessity of engaging with the past as a means of shaping the future.
The Heritage Campaign runs until Sept 16.
Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
4, Jalan Usahawan 6,
Setapak Jaya, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am-5pm daily
For more information, visit Royal Selangor Visitor Centre’s website or follow them on Instagram.