By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 4: Persatuan Tarian Naga dan Singa Qun Yi Kota Tinggi Johor has emerged champion in the Traditional Southern Lion Dance category of the Sarawak Open International Dragon & Lion Dance Cup 2025, after scoring 9.36 points to top the field of 28 competing teams.
Liang Sheng Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe Sarawak secured second place with 9.33 points, while Sam Tiong Keng Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe Melaka finished third with 9.14 points, marking the finale of a two-day event that drew international participation and enthusiastic crowds.
Held on Nov 1 and 2 at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multi-Purpose Hall in Kuching, the championship brought together elite dragon and lion dance troupes from China, Indonesia, Singapore and across Malaysia, showcasing breathtaking performances of skill, rhythm and precision.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who attended the closing ceremony after returning from Spain, commended the organisers and participants for elevating the competition into one of Sarawak’s key cultural highlights.
He assured that the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) would continue supporting the championship, recognising its significance in promoting cultural preservation and sports tourism.
Meanwhile, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai, representing Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, expressed delight that the event was held at a venue earmarked for inclusion in the upcoming Batu Kawa Ecopark development.
“This is a mutually beneficial collaboration with an international sporting and cultural event that promises to draw more tourists to Sarawak, and I eagerly anticipate future events at this venue,” he said.
At the same time, Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) president Chester Lim Hian Thoong, who also serves as the event’s organising chairman, articulated immense pride in the success of the 2025 edition.
“We are exhilarated by the turnout and the world-class performances. With its vibrant atmosphere and remarkable displays of skill and tradition, the Sarawak Open International Dragon & Lion Dance Cup 2025 has set a new standard for cultural excellence and international camaraderie, truly elevating Sarawak’s profile on the global stage.
“We look forward to continued support from MTCP for the 2026 series,” he stated.
He also highlighted a historic win by CMAA’s Northern Lion Dance Team, which captured the championship title in its category with an innovative routine that beautifully blended Sarawak’s Ngajat dance, Sape music and martial artistry, earning thunderous applause from the crowd.
Also present at the closing ceremony were MTCP’s Head of the Culture and Heritage Department Dr Elena Chai, CMAA founder Master Law Kaw Chai, Event chairman Pemanca Tan Kun Gee, and CMAA secretary Chin Chiu Hian.
As for the other categories, Gong He Dragon & Lion Dance Club China emerged champion in the High Pole Southern Lion Dance with 9.45 points, followed by Kelab Tarian Naga & Singa Tung Fa Kuching Sarawak (9.32 points) and Tiger Warrior Dragon & Lion Dance Indonesia (9.27 points).
In the Luminous Dragon Dance category, Yahya Awal Ang Shiang Tai Tee Temple Dragon Dance Troupe Johor claimed the top spot with 9.37 points, ahead of Negeri Sembilan Long Yi Association (9.14 points) and Johor Keng Yuan Sports Association (9.02 points).
Meanwhile, CMAA Kuching Sarawak took home the Northern Lion Dance title with 8.53 points, followed by Kelab Sukan Leong Sin Sandakan Sabah (8.40 points) and Persatuan Tarian Naga & Singa Qun Yi Kota Tinggi Johor (5.60 points). — DayakDaily
