A wedding of cultures: Chinese pair honours Malay traditions
The wedding reception also showcased traditional elements such as the salam restu, bersanding, makan beradab and a series of cultural dance performances that culminated in a lively joget lambak.
SHAH ALAM - With the bride and groom in traditional songket and escorted by the rhythmic beat of kompang drums, many would have assumed they were a Malay couple.
The wedding reception also showcased traditional elements such as the salam restu (blessing ceremony), bersanding (sitting-in-state), makan beradab (formal dining) and a series of cultural dance performances that culminated in a lively joget lambak.
In fact, the couple celebrated at the Magical Grand Hall, Star Avenue, were Chinese-choosing to mark their special day with a Malay-themed wedding.
According to the groom, Chang Jeff Sun, 31, the celebration had long been a dream for him and his bride, Ng Sow Gee, 32, as they were captivated by the uniqueness of the traditions and wanted to honour a local culture that had long held a place in their hearts.
"In Malaysia, we grow up immersed in diverse cultures, and to me, Malay culture holds a special place. I wanted to embrace that experience on the happiest day of my life,” he told Bernama at the grand celebration here recently.
The bride, Ng, also known as Eva, was equally thrilled and quickly agreed to immortalise their once-in-a-lifetime moment with a celebration that embodies Malaysia's unity and cultural inclusiveness.
"This is my first time wearing a full traditional outfit, complete with a hairpiece. It was challenging, but totally worth it because the look turned out absolutely beautiful," said the bank officer.
Meanwhile, the groom’s mother, Chen Bee Kheng, described the event as the realisation of a long-held dream.
"Malaysians are like one big family. We live close to a Malay community... I’ve long harboured the wish to hold a wedding in the style of a Malay kenduri (wedding) for my eldest son," she said.
Chen believes that blending cultural elements in weddings reflects the government’s goal of fostering racial unity and marks a positive step toward building a more harmonious, multicultural nation.
The event was attended by family and friends from diverse backgrounds, who were thrilled to witness how culture could unite people in a celebration of love and inclusivity.
Chen hopes the wedding will stand as a testament to cultural diversity as a strength and a reflection of the nation's unique identity. - BERNAMA
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