KUCHING: Sarawak’s cultural and performing arts scene earned another feather in its cap this month with a dance instructor gaining global recognition.
Chan Tyng Tyng was awarded the prestigious Fellowship in Latin Dance by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), United Kingdom.
Chan, who is the founder of Tyng Dance Academy and President of the Kuching Performing Arts Association, achieved the highest professional teaching qualification within the ISTD system, a global recognition granted in over 75 countries.
Her performance was praised by examiners in the UK, describing her as “a most competent and experienced teacher who will be an asset to the profession.”
The ISTD, established in 1904, is one of the oldest and most respected dance examination boards in the world.
The Fellowship award represents the pinnacle of dance teaching, requiring expert technical skills, advanced theoretical understanding, and leadership in training the next generation of educators.
Alongside Chan’s historic achievement, her mentee Winnie Chong who is a former student and now fellow instructor also attained her ISTD Licentiate qualification with a Highly Commended rating.
In the first three months of 2025 alone, students under Chan’s guidance have won a total of 33 medals in national and international dance competitions, adding further proof of Sarawak’s growing prominence on the world stage.
With the Borneo Open International DanceSport Championship (BOIDC) entering its third edition in October this year, Chan and her team are continuing their mission to blend local values with international standards, championing Sarawak as a rising force in global performing arts.
While Chan’s achievement is deeply personal, it also stands as a symbol of what Sarawakians can accomplish through dedication, opportunity, and a commitment to excellence.
Her work is now seen as a long-term cultural investment not just in technique, but in identity, authenticity, and the future of Sarawakian arts.
