Cultural Fluidity in the Context of the Hakka Community in Southeast Asia

Abstract

The documentation of Hakka traditions, particularly the majority of Hopo Hakka, within the Chinese ethnic community in Miri, a city in Eastern Malaysia, reveals a delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to the rapid changes of the contemporary world. As these communities navigate modern advancements, their traditional practices and values risk being overshadowed and diminished by the undertow of cultural homogeneity. This visual ethnographic research examines how the Hopo Hakka community in Miri strives to maintain its unique cultural identity through the establishment of the Hakka Association in the area. By analyzing the role of the Miri Hakka Association and their community's initiatives, the research highlights the strategies and values that foster a sense of belonging and equality among the Miri Hakka, positioning them as integral members of society rather than marginalized outsiders.