KUCHING: Sarawak’s future in DanceSport looks brighter than ever as young athletes from Tyng Dance Academy (TDA) delivered a stunning performance at the 4th WDSF Malaysia Open DanceSport Championship 2025, bringing home 10 gold medals and a total of 44 awards across various age and style categories.
Representing Sarawak on the national stage, TDA competed against top talents from across Asia at the championship held from July 25 to 27 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Shah Alam, Selangor.
Despite the high level of competition, the Sarawak-based academy stood out as one of the most successful contingents of the event.
“We train with discipline, we move with purpose, and we build everything through our own system.
“Our students carry the Sarawak name with pride, and everything we do is to make this land shine,”said Chan Tyng Tyng, principal of TDA, in a statement issued recently.
Among the standout athletes was Claudin Tay Jiayen, who swept five gold medals in the university and adult solo Latin categories – the highest individual medal haul from the team.
Eight-year-old Jovanna Goh Yi Xian wowed the crowd and judges with three gold medals in her age category, while Ariella Tang Chen Xin contributed a gold and silver to Sarawak’s impressive tally.
In the Junior 2 Division, Jayda Chang Xu Ern captured a gold in Samba and several silver and bronze medals.
Her consistency also earned her a top-three national ranking under the Malaysia DanceSport Federation (MYDF) and 8th place in the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) world rankings.
Also delivering podium performances was Trisha Yap Tai Qii, who medalled in all five Youth Latin solo events.
Additionally, Amanda Goh Suk Min and Bong Ker Chien reached the finalist rounds in their respective divisions.
“To stand on the podium and hear your name called for Sarawak – it’s something we’ll never forget,” said one of the athletes, reflecting on the team’s success.
The achievement caught the attention of Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, who praised the dancers for their talent and discipline.
“These are the kinds of youth Sarawak needs – talented, hardworking, and proud to represent their roots,” he said.
While medals are the reward, TDA’s focus lies in developing character, identity, and cultural pride through dance.
Students train rigorously – up to eight hours daily during school holidays and two hours during regular school terms.
“We dance not just to win medals, but to honour our land and tell our story,” said Chan Tyng Tyng.
