KUCHING: The Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) is preparing for one of its biggest events of the year — the Sarawak Open International Dragon and Lion Dance Cup.
Its president Chester Lim said the competition is set to take place in July or August.
“As with last year, we are going to have the next Sarawak Open International Dragon and Lion Dance Cup 2025.
“This is one of the major events, the biggest in Malaysia so far, and we are honoured to be organising it again with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts,” he said.
He said this during the association’s Chinese New Year dinner reception held at a local restaurant, Jalan Simpang Tiga here last night (Feb 9).
Lim added on average, CMAA organises four major events in Sarawak, in addition to the Sarawak Open, state-level competitions and tourism-related events.
“Apart from that, we are also actively involved in cultural showcases. Last year, the association was entrusted by the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) with coordinating 80 lions and several dragons for the Lion Dance Festival.
“We anticipate being given the same responsibility again this year,” he said.
Lim also acknowledged the association’s commitment to cultural preservation through its lion and dragon dance performances, which have become an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations in Sarawak.
“It is the tradition that every year, our lion dance team performs at business premises, homes, and events upon request.
“This year, we were also tasked with leading the lion and dragon dance performances at the recent Sarawak’s official Chinese New Year Open House at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK),” he said.
These activities have been growing steadily over the years, reflecting the association’s dedication to cultural heritage, he said.
“This is our responsibility to fulfil and to showcase the culture and the heritage that we have been so proud of for the last 51 years since the association’s establishment,” he said.
Later, speaking to Sarawak Tribune, Lim said the association remained focused on its core mission of training dragon, lion dance and wushu athletes for performances and competitions, particularly at the national level.
Asked about future initiatives, he said it would be continuous improvement in the training programmes and event organisation.
“There might be one or two additional events for us to manage. And 51 years, we are largely settling into what we do best,” he said.
Earlier, reflecting on CMAA’s journey, Lim highlighted the association’s longstanding tradition of hosting its annual dinner as a gesture of appreciation to its members.
“This year’s dinner is not just a celebration of Chinese New Year, but also a reflection of our achievements and milestones over the past 51 years,” he said.
Among those present was CMAA advisor Kapitan Tan Kun Gee.
