HISTORY | The Baba-Nyonya, also known as the Peranakan Chinese community, is a distinctive ethnic group in Malaysia that harmoniously blends three cultures - Chinese, Malay, and Western.

“Baba” refers to male Peranakan Chinese, while “Nyonya” refers to the female Peranakan Chinese. As defined in the Kamus Dewan, “peranakan” refers to descendants of unions between indigenous people (anak negeri) and foreigners.

The rich heritage of the Baba-Nyonya dates back approximately 600 years to the 15th century. During this period, Chinese traders, mainly from Fujian province in southeastern China, began settling in Malacca and marrying or cohabiting with local women, including Malays, Javanese, Bataks from Sumatra, and Balinese slaves.