International Lion Dance Competition attracts 20 foreign, local troupes
KUCHING: A total of 20 lion dance troupes from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia put up impressive performances during the two- day Fourth Plaza Merdeka International Lion Dance Competition 2019 over the weekend.
The annual event attracted more than 5,000 to the mall with about RM30,000 cash prizes given away on Sunday evening.
Singapore Teng Yang Dragon and Lion Dance Association was crowned champion in the traditional category while Pertubuhan Tarian Naga and Singa Wen Ching Kelapa Sawit Johor Malaysia (A) was the champion in the high pole category.
Both teams impressed the 30 judges with their stunning acrobatic performances and storyline, edging out other troupes.
The Singaporean troupe took home RM2,000 cash prize, a trophy and medals in their second consecutive win in the traditional category.
First runner-up Persatuan Naga and Singa Hong Yang Kuching Sarawak received RM1,500 as prize while Vietnam Ngoi Guan Kaiwei Lion and Dragon Dance Group got RM1,000 as second runner-up.
Pertubuhan Tarian Naga and Singa Wen Ching Kelapa Sawit Johor Malaysia (B) won RM800 as third runner-up in this category.
In the high pole category, the troupe from Johor took home RM5,000, trophy and medals as the champion while Singapore Teng Yong Ksk Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe was first runner-up winning RM4,000.
Persatuan Tarian Singa Xuan Wu Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Malaysia won RM3,000 and a trophy as second runner-up while Singapore Teng Yang Dragon and Lion Dance Association was third runner-up winning RM2,000 and a trophy.
In the special category of ‘King of the Kings’, Singapore Teng Yang Dragon and Lion Dance Association was the champion followed by Pertubuhan Tarian Naga and Singa Wen Ching Kelapa Sawit Johor Malaysia (A) and Hawks Sport Club Sabah Malaysia as second runner-up.
Permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Hii Chang Kii gave away the prizes.
Among those present were Plaza Merdeka Holdings Sdn Bhd director Datin Azerina Mohd Arip, Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre general manager Cheah Kheng Mun, Kuching North City Commission ( DBKU) commissioner Dato Wee Hong Seng, Kuching Old Market Community Association representative Sim Kiang Chiok, Siang Hock Kong Malaysia Culture Association president Ngoi Yoke Tam and founder Tan Ah Kiat.