KUCHING: The Sarawak Open International Dragon & Lion Dance Cup 2026 (SOIDLDC 2026) provides an excellent platform to showcase dragon and lion dance traditions to local and international audiences while promoting cultural appreciation and exchange.
Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, said the championship also highlighted Sarawak’s unique multicultural character, where dragon and lion dance activities are embraced by people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
“What makes Sarawak truly unique is that dragon and lion dance activities are embraced not only by the Chinese community but also by people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
“Many Sarawak teams reflect this inclusivity. For example, teams from Mukah and Dalat comprise approximately 80 per cent Melanau, Dayak and Malay members.
“This remarkable diversity demonstrates how dragon and lion dance has become a unifying cultural activity that promotes greater inter-ethnic understanding, social cohesion and racial harmony,” he said.
He said this during the opening of the SOIDLDC 2026 at Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multi-Purpose Hall, Batu Kawa here today.
Lo said the continued organisation of local and international competitions also provided sustainable opportunities for the long-term development of athletes, coaches, judges and technical officials.
“This would help to ensure the vibrant cultural tradition continued to flourish for future generation,” he said.
The third edition of the championship, organised by the Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) and sanctioned by the Dragon & Lion Dance Federation of Malaysia, features 44 participating teams from China, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.
Lo, who officiated the ceremony, also congratulated CMAA and the organising committee for successfully staging the championship, saying the event further strengthened Sarawak’s reputation as a premier destination for cultural tourism and international sporting events.
