About ESEA Heritage Month
East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month in the UK is a relatively recent observance since 2021. The initiative to establish ESEA Heritage Month in the UK emerged from the growing recognition of the significant contributions and unique challenges faced by ESEA communities within the UK.
The idea gained momentum particularly in the wake of increased visibility of racial injustices and the rise in anti-Asian sentiment and hate crimes during the pandemic. Community leaders rallied together to advocate for a dedicated month to celebrate and recognise the diverse heritage, history, and contributions of ESEA individuals in the UK.
One of the primary goals is to highlight the historical and ongoing impact of ESEA individuals in various fields such as arts, sciences, business, and politics. By showcasing these achievements, the month aims to inspire pride within ESEA communities and foster greater appreciation and understanding among the broader public.
Another crucial objective is to promote education and awareness about the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences of ESEA individuals. This involves addressing and dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions, thus fostering a more inclusive and respectful society. Additionally, ESEA Heritage Month serves as a platform for advocating for the rights and interests of ESEA communities, raising awareness about issues such as discrimination and social justice, and promoting solidarity and support for initiatives aimed at achieving equity and inclusion.
“Celebrating ESEA Heritage Month is the best way to promote cultural awareness, and foster an inclusive workplace .”
“Dear Asia is the only place in London to offer our team authentic eSEA cultural workshops and experiences.”
Book a bespoke workshop
Celebrating ESEA Heritage Month in your company is a fantastic way to promote cultural awareness and inclusion. Here’s how we can help you organise a variety of activities to honor and appreciate East and Southeast Asian cultures.
Option 1 – Mid Autumn Festival Mooncake & Tea Tasting
September is a significant month for cultures celebration, not only marking ESEA Heritage Month but also Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most celebrated holidays in ESEA regions. It is observed widely throughout China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. This convergence provides a unique opportunity for companies to have activities that highlight the rich cultural traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival. One of the most delightful ways to celebrate is through a mooncake and tea tasting event.
Mooncakes are at the heart of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries symbolise unity and completeness, making them perfect for a workplace celebration that brings colleagues together. A diverse selection of mooncakes will be selected for tasting, complementing with a selection of Asian teas that elevate the tasting experience.
Option 2 – ESEA Cultural Workshop
Crafting activities such as calligraphy, embroidery provides an immersive cultural experience while promoting mindfulness and creativity.
Calligraphy Workshop: Calligraphy has a long history in many ESEA cultures. By participating in calligraphy workshop, you will gain a deeper appreciation for ESEA cultural heritage. Sharing this experience with colleagues also builds a sense of community and connection, as participants appreciate the beauty and effort involved in each other’s work.
Embroidery Workshop: In many ESEA countries like China, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand have rich embroidery traditions, with unique patterns that tell stories of their cultural heritage. This makes embroidery a powerful way to celebrate ESEA heritage and foster a sense of cultural pride and identity.
Option 3 – ESEA Language Workshop
There’s no better way to honour the rich diversity of the ESEA region than by learning its languages and cultures. Offering language classes like Korean, Japanese, Chinese during ESEA Heritage Month heighten your commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting cultural awareness.
Offering language classes encourages communication and interaction among people from diverse backgrounds. It promotes inclusivity and strengthens relationships within the workplace, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect. A one off or month long language classes in Korean, Japanese, or Chinese can be arranged to mark the occasion. These classes will cover basic phrases and cultural etiquette, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for many.
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Read reviews from our clients to see how our cultural workshops have made a positive impact on workplace cultural diversity.
Our Festive Celebration Events
Keep an eye on our calendar, and you’ll find that we have festival celebrations throughout the year, bringing you a taste of Asian culture and heritage.
More about Asian Festivals & Cultures
Find out our blog writing offering you insights about asian festivals from history, background to ideas of how to celebrate with your team to promote culture diversity in your company.
Bespoke cultural workshops for companies
Explore our range of workshops on Asian cultures, perfect for your next team-building event or cultural learning session at work.
Best of Asia Tea Tasting
Our tea tasting workshop is an ideal way to enrich your team’s understanding of Asian tea culture and the associated way of life. In contrast to coffee, tea holds a significant place in Asian culture, with its renowned tea-serving ceremonies and communal tea-drinking practices that foster sharing, communication, mindfulness, and a sense of connection. By booking this unique workshop, you can introduce your team to the Asian lifestyle and encourage them to appreciate different cultures. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote cultural awareness and enhance team bonding through the art of tea.
Best of Asia Zen Crafting
Our Asian Zen crafting workshop is thoughtfully crafted to offer a serene experience that fosters a connection with the rich arts and crafts of Asian heritage. Through engaging in these gentle crafting activities, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for Asian aesthetics while providing a serene space for individuals to find tranquility in the creative process. The workshop covers a range of practices, including Japanese origami, Chinese calligraphy, and Korean embroidery, promoting not only inner peace but also the creation of beautiful, meaningful art, resulting in a profound sense of accomplishment with each creation.
Best of Asia Drink Tasting
Our “Best of Asia” drink tasting workshop presents a delightful opportunity to acquaint your team with a variety of unique drinks and exotic flavors. We’re excited to share with you a carefully curated selection of beverages from various regions of Asia, each boasting its distinct taste profiles and potential mixing options. During this engaging workshop, we not only explore these intriguing flavors but also delve into the rich tapestry of Asian drinking culture. Your team will gain insights into the customs, traditions, and even fun drinking games that are integral to these cultures.
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