KUCHING: The Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) ushered in the 2026 Chinese New Year with the unveiling of 11 new lions during its annual eye-dotting ceremony held at the Tua Pek Kong Temple on Sunday (Feb 1).
Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who officiated the ceremony, said CMAA’s continued perseverance in preserving dragon and lion dance culture reflected the association’s strong commitment to safeguarding Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
“CMAA has coordinated dragon and lion dance performances during Sarawak Chinese New Year state functions for three consecutive years from 2024 to 2026, and has also successfully organised the Sarawak Open International Dragon and Lion Dance Cup in 2024 and 2025,” said Dr Sim, according to a press release from the association.
He further congratulated the CMAA Northern Lion Dance Team for representing Malaysia at the 2026 Sanya Cup International Dragon and Lion Dance Elite Competition in Hainan, China, on Jan 19, where the team clinched a bronze award against higher-seeded international teams.
CMAA President Chester Lim Hian Thoong expressed appreciation for the Deputy Premier’s longstanding support, describing it as a key source of encouragement that had enabled the association to push further in its cultural and sporting pursuits.
He said the annual ritual, which began with prayers, was held to seek blessings for prosperity, good health and harmony, adding that it has become an important tradition before the festive performance season begins.
Chester added that the ceremony also marked CMAA’s 52nd anniversary, noting that the association, founded in 1974, remains committed to passing down the discipline and values of dragon and lion dance to future generations.
As incense smoke filled the temple, the unveiling of the 11 new lions followed, with prayers offered for the well-being, success and prosperity of CMAA members and the wider community in the year ahead.
“The team has a fully packed schedule of performances, with visits to residences and commercial outlets from the first to the sixth day of Chinese New Year,” said CMAA Treasurer, Nelson Nguang Kim Ban, and wushu coach, Calvin Kong Ngon Chung, according to a press release from the association.
