KUCHING: The Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) Northern Lion Dance Team will represent Malaysia at the 2026 Sanya Cup International Dragon & Lion Dance Elite Competition in Sanya, Hainan, China, from Jan 16 to 20.
The championship is organised by the Hainan Tourism and Cultural Bureau and sanctioned by the International Dragon & Lion Dance Federation and the Dragon & Lion Dances Federation of Asia.
CMAA President, Chester Lim Hian Thoong, said the Sarawak-based team earned the national selection following an outstanding competitive year in 2025, including winning the Optional Routine Championship at the Sarawak Open International Dragon & Lion Dance Cup 2025, as well as securing silver and bronze medals at the Malaysia National Championship 2025.
“This is the first time in the history of Sarawak dragon and lion dance that a Sarawak-based team has been selected by the national federation to represent Malaysia at an international championship overseas,” he said.
“It is a great honour and pride for Sarawak, and an invaluable opportunity to showcase our Northern Lion Dance team on the international stage with an original routine incorporating Sarawak’s traditional sape music and ngajat elements.”
According to Lim, Dragon & Lion Dances Federation of Malaysia (DLDFM) Secretary-General, Datuk Yong Kheng Chien, officially announced the Malaysian contingent for the Sanya competition.
The team comprises students from St Joseph’s Private School and SMK DPHA Gapor Kuching, guided by coach, Calvin Kong Ngon Chung, and chaperone, Chai Yit Tien, with Ivan Lee Teo Heng from Johor serving as team manager.
Kong said that the team has been training intensively despite limited preparation time.
“We will give our best for Malaysia and Sarawak, and we look forward to gaining valuable exposure and experience for future competitions,” he added.
The team departed for Sanya after receiving the Malaysian and DLDFM flags at a simple ceremony at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, presented by DLDFM Vice-President, Clement Tan, and Deputy Secretary, Kong Pui Ling.
