KUCHING: The rhythm of drums and cymbals will fill the air once again as more than 500 Dragon and Lion Dance performers from 46 teams across Asia compete in the upcoming Sarawak Open International Dragon & Lion Dance Cup 2025 (SOIDLDC2025) on November 1 and 2.
Set to take place at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multi-Purpose Hall in Batu Kawa, the championship offers a total of RM65,000 in prizes including cash, trophies and medals.
The event will include four competition categories which are Moonlight Dragon, Northern Light Dragon, High Pole Southern Lion Dance, and Traditional Southern Lion Dance.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, said that this year’s tournament will feature teams from Malaysia, the Philippines, China, Indonesia and Singapore, including world and Asian champions in the Moonlight Dragon category as well as the reigning High Pole champions from China.
“This is an excellent opportunity for local teams to gain international exposure, which will help enhance the performance quality and management standards of this sport in Sarawak.
“Beyond competition, the event also promotes goodwill, cultural exchange and sportsmanship amongst participants from various regions and backgrounds,” he told reporters during the SOIDLDC2025 press conference at Baitul Makmur II Building here today.
According to Snowdan, the second edition of the championship is organised by the Kuching Chinese Martial Arts Association in collaboration with his ministry, following the success of its inaugural event last year.
“The event has now become one of the annual highlights in the state’s sports and cultural calendar, not only showcasing the beauty of traditional performing arts but also attracting visitors from within and outside the country.
“The ministry is proud to witness the growth of such sporting events that celebrate our rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions, while engaging both local and international audiences,” he said.
He added that the ministry has provided a support grant to help organisers ensure the event meets international standards and attracts more visitors to the state.
“We hope such events can become sustainable annual attractions that draw even more visitors to Sarawak, in line with our goal of reaching five million tourist arrivals this year,” he added.
