Wisma Geylang Serai Celebrates Bulan Bahasa 2026 with ‘Budaya Milik Kita’

Inspired by the national Bulan Bahasa theme, WGS’ Wisma Geylang Serai’s Bulan Bahasa 2026 cultural campaign invites communities to celebrate the Malay language, heritage and arts through theatre, literature, music and shared cultural experiences.

Bangsawan Kencana Sakti Wisma Geylang Serai

In support of the national Bulan Bahasa theme, ‘Cita. Citra. Cinta.’, Wisma Geylang Serai (WGS) will present its Bulan Bahasa 2026 cultural campaign under the theme ‘Budaya Milik Kita’, from 15 August to 10 October 2026.

Carrying the tagline ‘Hidupkan Bahasa, Semarakkan Budaya’, this year’s programme celebrates language, heritage and the arts as living expressions of identity that continue to connect communities across generations. Through performances, dialogue, literature, music and hands-on cultural experiences, WGS hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation of Bahasa Melayu while encouraging people from all backgrounds to participate in keeping culture vibrant and relevant.

First launched in 1988 by the Malay Language Council, Singapore, the national Bulan Bahasa campaign promotes the appreciation and everyday use of the Malay language. Complementing these national efforts, WGS marks the occasion with its own campaign, bringing its unique arts, heritage and culture flavour to the celebration of the Malay language. Now in its second year, the WGS campaign builds on its inaugural edition with an expanded line-up that reinforces WGS’ role as Singapore’s social, arts and cultural heritage hub.

This year’s programme features five signature programmes: Bangsawan Kencana Sakti, Sepetang Bersama Triduta, GeylangGang Dikir, Bengkel Rentak Akar and Laman Warna.

Bangsawan Kencana Sakti

Mr Mokhtar Jaffar, General Manager of Wisma Geylang Serai, said: “Language, heritage and the arts are powerful reflections of who we are. Through Budaya Milik Kita, we hope to inspire more people to experience the richness of Malay culture in meaningful and accessible ways. Culture is not simply a legacy to be remembered, but something that belongs to all of us and is strengthened when it is experienced, shared and celebrated together.”

Opening the programme on 15 August 2026 is Bangsawan Kencana Sakti, marking the first Bangsawan production to be staged at Wisma Geylang Serai. A classical form of traditional Malay opera, Bangsawan combines drama, music, dance, singing and poetic storytelling, and remains one of the Malay world’s most treasured performing arts traditions. Rich in spectacle and emotion, it continues to play an important role in preserving Malay heritage and passing stories from one generation to the next.

Written and directed by the reigning doyen of Malay theatre and Cultural Medallion recipient, Nadiputra Almahdi, Bangsawan Kencana Sakti tells the story of two rival kingdoms whose destinies become intertwined through a conflict rooted in events from decades earlier. Exploring enduring themes of kinship, resilience and sacrifice, the production features a distinguished cast, with a special appearance by veteran actor Azman Shariff, bringing this timeless theatrical tradition to contemporary audiences.

Sepetang Bersama Triduta on 23 August brings together Malay Language Ambassadors, educators and cultural practitioners for an afternoon of dialogue, music and poetry centred on the forum ‘Language and Culture is Soul of the Nation’.

GeylangGang Dikir on 12 September, organised with the Singapore Dikir Barat Federation, brings together groups from across Singapore in a vibrant competition that celebrates one of the Malay community’s most distinctive performing arts traditions while nurturing emerging talent.

Bengkel Rentak Akar on 26 and 27 September, led by Nadi Singapura, offers an immersive cultural experience through traditional percussion, folk music and collaborative music-making, welcoming both beginners and experienced participants.

Laman Warna concludes the celebrations on 10 October with arts activities, family-friendly experiences and an attempt to set a new Singapore Book of Records, embodying the spirit of Budaya Milik Kita through creativity, participation and shared experiences.

Through Budaya Milik Kita, WGS encourages the community to see language and culture not simply as traditions of the past, but as living expressions of identity that evolve through participation, creativity and shared experiences. By bringing together Cultural Medallion recipients, Malay Language Ambassadors, artists, practitioners and the wider community, WGS continues to strengthen intergenerational understanding while nurturing a modern kampung spirit rooted in connection, collaboration and shared appreciation.

Registration may be required for selected activities. Members of the public are encouraged to follow Wisma Geylang Serai on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for programme announcements, registration details, livestream information and the latest updates.

*All information is correct at time of dissemination and may be subject to change without notice

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