An evaluation body appointed by the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) has recommended that Singapore's hawker culture be inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Announced on November 16, the recommendation will guide the discussion of Singapore’s bid at the 15th session of the IGC to be held online from December 14 to 19.
National Heritage Board (NHB) said the IGC will assess the recommendation and make the final decision as to whether hawker culture in Singapore will be inscribed to the UNESCO List.
In addition, the 12-member evaluation body had commended Singapore for devising creative ways to encourage the active participation of the communities concerned in the nomination process.
Singapore’s nomination was also cited by the Evaluation Body as a positive example for its celebration of intangible cultural heritage, NHB said.
"Comprising a unique combination of food, space and community, Hawker Culture has evolved into a microcosm of our multicultural society, and is an integral part of our living heritage," shared Chang Hwee Nee, Chief Executive Officer of NHB.
"We hope the successful inscription of Hawker Culture would further raise awareness and appreciation among Singaporeans of the importance of intangible cultural heritage in our daily lives, and continue to promote dialogues among our communities. With the recommendation, we hope to hear good news during the IGC meeting in December.”