13 teams to compete in Plaza Merdeka Lion Dance contest
KUCHING: The 3rd Plaza Merdeka Lion Dance Competition will return this Saturday (Jan 20), with 13 teams from Malaysia and Singapore vying for this year’s title.
Organised by Plaza Merdeka in collaboration with Malaysia Siang Hock Kong Cultural Association, the competition will be held at the Main Atrium and is scheduled to start at 10am.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony.
Plaza Merdeka marketing manager Debra Sim said that the lion dance, which is an important part of the Lunar New Year celebration, is also a form of cultural and heritage attraction not only for locals, but tourists in particular.
“This exciting event will bring people together, so we welcome the public to join us this weekend,” she told a press conference yesterday.
Sim added that spectators will be treated to superb performances and colourful displays as all the teams are ready to bring their best to the floor.
Malaysia Siang Hock Kong Cultural Association president Ngok Yoke Tam pointed out that the ancient art of lion dance in Sarawak and Malaysia must continue to be developed and promoted throughout Malaysia and beyond.
“Besides delivering exciting performances of the highest standard in technicality and skills, we also hope to teach,
Besides delivering exciting performances of the highest standard in technicality and skills, we also hope to teach, spread and instil the traditional values and spirit of the art of lion dancing such as teamwork, unity, discipline and many more among the people.
spread and instil the traditional values and spirit of the art of lion dancing such as teamwork, unity, discipline and many more among the people,” he said.
“Through such activities and exchanges, we hope to develop our art of lion dance to a greater height.”
The competing teams are Sarawak Sin Yang Lion and Dragon Dance Association; Kuching Kwong Wai Siew Lion Group; Kuching Hong Yan Lion and Dragon Dance Association; Sarikei Buddhist Orthodox Association Dragon and Lion Dance team; Sibu Wushu Dragon and Lion Dance; Bau Ji Xiang Ru Yi Lion and Dragon Dance Association; Singapore Tian Eng Dragon and Lion Dance Association; Malaysia Tian Eng Ban Hock Lion Dance and Dragon Dance Club team; Kuching Hua Yaw Lion Dance and Dragon Dance Association; Kota Sentosa Lion and Dragon Dance Association; Sabah Penampang Fook Tet Kung Dragon and Lion Dance Troop; Sarawak Tien Eng Lion and Dragon Dance Association; and Selangor Sekinchan Hock Teik Lion Dance Association.
The champion will bring home RM2,000, trophy and medals. The first runner-up will receive RM1,500, followed by RM1,000 for the second runner-up.
Fourth place will take home RM800 while fifth to seventh place will win RM500 each. The rest of the participating teams will each receive RM300 as a consolation prize.
Representing the event sponsors at the function yesterday were Stephanie Ting, Public Relations and Guest Relations manager of The Waterfront Hotel; Brandon Chin, city coordinator of Uber; Angeline Patricia Bateman, Events and Corporate Relations director of Sarawak Tourism Board; Nora Chabo, retail manager of MPH Bookstore; and Tan Gek Lang, manager of Uniqbun.
Ngok Yoke Tam, Malaysia Siang Hock Kong Cultural Association president