Melayu

"Melayu" refers broadly to the cultural and ethnic group primarily found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and parts of Thailand and the Philippines. It encompasses the Malays people, their language (Malay), and their shared cultural traditions, such as Islamic practices, arts, and cuisine. The term also denotes the Malay-speaking communities and their historical influence across Southeast Asia. While often used to describe ethnic identity, it also reflects a collective heritage rooted in maritime trading, Islamic civilization, and diverse local customs that have evolved over centuries.