The culture of Malaysia draws on the varied cultures of the different people of Malaysia. The first people to live in the area were indigenous tribes that still remain. They were followed by the Malays, who moved from mainland Asia in ancient times. Chinese and Indian cultural influences made their mark when trade began with those countries.

Other cultures that heavily influenced Malaysia include Persian, Arabic and British. The many different ethnicities that currently exist in Malaysia have their own unique and distinctive cultural identities, with some crossover.

With traditional arts and crafts sectors like wau making and cultural sectors like wayang kulit working together to support and preserve Malaysia’s uniqueness, it is evident that this is an industry which is here to stay.

It is an integral part of being Malaysian, after all, as long as Malaysians continue to breathe life into it, it is safe to say that the traditional and cultural arts industry is one that is essentially timeless.