Hawker culture in Singapore was officially added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo: traitstimes.com)
Singapore (VNA) - Hawkerculture in Singapore was officially added to the UNESCO Representative List ofthe Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 16.
In virtual proceedings that took place earlier the same day, a 24-memberinternational committee unanimously accepted Singapore’s application. AsSingapore’s application fulfilled all criteria, it was decided that there wasno need for debate on it at the 15th session of theintergovernmental committee.
The successfulnomination means Singapore now has its first item on the intangible culturalheritage list, which currently has 463 entries including yoga in India andBelgian beer.
It is also the country'ssecond entry to any UNESCO list. The first came in 2015 when the Singapore BotanicGarden was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Minister for Culture,Community and Youth Edwin Tong said Singapore’s hawker culture is a source ofpride of Singapore and all Singaporeans. It reflects the nation’s livingheritage and multiculturalism, and is an integral part of the daily lives ofSingaporeans regardless of age, race or background.
President of theFederation of Merchants' Associations (FMAS) Yeo Hiang Meng said the resultwill give hawkers' prestige a boost, both locally and internationally.
To celebrate the event, Singapore will organise the SG HawkerFest from December26 to January 11 next year. Most of the activities held within the fest will goonline due to the impacts of pandemic./.
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Hawker culture in Singapore was officially added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo: traitstimes.com) 
