The World Culture Organisation (WCO) Art & Culture Gallery has achieved significant recognition as ASEAN’s inaugural cultural gallery, showcasing an impressive 3,388 handcrafted dioramas and unique art pieces. This accolade, awarded by ASEAN Records, highlights WCO’s commitment to preserving regional heritage and fostering cultural unity. Managing director Gillian Ooi remarked that this endorsement solidifies WCO’s influence in promoting cultural preservation across Malaysia and ASEAN.
In a step to strengthen collaborative efforts, ASEAN Records and WCO formalised their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony, attended by dignitaries such as Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia’s pro-chancellor Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, marked the beginning of expanded initiatives aimed at safeguarding regional arts and cultural heritage.
As part of the new partnership, WCO and ASEAN Records plan to develop the ASEAN Cultural Miniature Gallery, which will feature a diverse collection of dioramas representing the rich architectural, artistic, and historical tapestry of ASEAN. Ooi stated that specific details about this ambitious project will be unveiled in March, promising to enrich cultural awareness and appreciation.
WCO founder, Foo Loke Kee, hailed the recognition as a pivotal milestone for the promotion of arts and culture in the region. He noted the increasing appreciation for handcrafted cultural arts since 2011 and expressed optimism that this acknowledgment would inspire further heritage preservation efforts.
Situated in Batu 9, Cheras, Hulu Langat, the WCO Art & Culture Gallery is a treasure trove of ASEAN’s ethnic heritage. Its meticulous diorama displays have garnered accolades, including the Malaysia Good Design Award in 2018 and recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first cross-cultural handmade diorama centre in the country.
The WCO Art & Culture Gallery has been recognised as ASEAN’s first cultural gallery with over 3,388 handcrafted dioramas. This honour celebrates its role in cultural preservation. ASEAN Records and WCO formalised their partnership through a MoU to establish an ASEAN Cultural Miniature Gallery, with more details to be revealed in March. Founder Foo Loke Kee views this recognition as a stepping stone for promoting regional arts.
The recognition of WCO’s Art & Culture Gallery as ASEAN’s first cultural gallery marks a significant achievement in heritage preservation. The collaboration with ASEAN Records promises to further enhance cultural initiatives, culminating in the upcoming ASEAN Cultural Miniature Gallery. This partnership is a testament to the growing importance of safeguarding the intricate tapestry of ASEAN’s diverse cultural heritage.
Original Source: www.bernama.com
