Surrounded by calligraphy and painting in her childhood, later stepping onto the screen as an actress and delivering words as an announcer—
Art has always been a quiet companion in the life of Tsuyumi Miwa.
Japan, Italy, Australia, and now Singapore, where she is currently based.
Having lived among diverse cultures, she has once again picked up her brush as an artist. Through light and color, she depicts scenes where personal memories intersect with the collective memories of Singapore, a land shaped by many cultures and ethnicities.
In this ongoing “Story of Art” series for Voyage, we turn our attention to her recent body of work, the “Singapore Cultural Series,” which honors the countless “everyday heroes” who sustain the city’s multicultural identity.
Let us trace her artistic journey and the thoughts woven into each of her works.
【Story of Art.13】Kebaya Maker – Weaving Elegance and Tradition
“The kebaya is more than a garment—a symbol of grace, identity, and a timeless tradition passed down through generations.”
The kebaya is a traditional garment deeply woven into the heritage of the Malay and Peranakan communities. With its graceful silhouette, delicate embroidery, and intricate lacework, it embodies both elegance and cultural pride. Crafted from lightweight fabrics such as cotton or voile and traditionally paired with a sarong, the kebaya carries stories of identity, history, and belonging.
Raised in a Peranakan household, Raymond Wong grew up watching his mother and grandmother wear the kebaya biku, a simpler form of everyday kebaya. Those childhood memories nurtured in him a profound appreciation for the craft long before he realised it would become his life’s calling.
Guided by a deep passion for tradition and artistry, he would eventually become one of Singapore’s few remaining kebaya makers.
As the grandson of Lee Kim Choo, founder of the renowned Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Raymond now leads Rumah Kim Choo, a boutique dedicated to preserving Peranakan heritage. For more than twenty years, he has handcrafted each kebaya with remarkable care, honouring tradition while ensuring its beauty continues to resonate with modern wearers. His dedication has been widely recognised, earning him the National Heritage Board’s Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award.
In 2023, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, and Thailand jointly nominated the kebaya for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
For Raymond, however, the significance of the kebaya extends far beyond recognition or accolades. Every time he threads a needle, he helps preserve a legacy that transcends fashion itself.
The kebaya is more than clothing. It is a living testament to heritage, family, and artistry—a reflection of traditions lovingly passed down through generations. With every stitch, it connects the past with the present, weaving stories that continue into the future.
Through “Kebaya Maker,” Tsuyumi Miwa captures this quiet act of preservation and the enduring beauty of cultural continuity. Her work reminds us that culture is not only found in monuments or history books. It lives on through the hands, hearts, and memories of those who choose to carry it forward.
As each stitch gently binds fabric together, it also binds generations, stories, and traditions.
Next time, another everyday hero of Singapore will step into the spotlight.
Through each brushstroke, new stories emerge—stories of culture, heritage, and the people who quietly keep them alive. We invite you to join us again as we continue this journey through Singapore’s rich cultural landscape.
🌕 Note
This series is published on every full moon.
The next installment is scheduled for Monday, June 29, 2026.
