KUCHING: Tyng Dance Academy (TDA) dancers returned with 54 awards after competing in dance championships in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai, strengthening Sarawak’s presence on the national and international stage.
The Kuching based academy won 51 medals at the 5th World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) Malaysia Open DanceSport Championship 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, comprising 22 gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze medals, along with four placement medals in Malaysia DanceSport Federation national ranking categories.
Meanwhile, TDA’s second delegation earned three Merit Awards at the Asian Elite Dance Championship in Shanghai, with each dancer receiving a medal in recognition of their achievement.
Nine-year-old Jovanna Goh Yi Xian led the Kuala Lumpur contingent with eight gold and two bronze medals after competing in multiple categories, including higher age divisions.
Other standout performers included Trisha Yap, who secured five gold, one silver and one bronze medal, and Ariella Tang Chen Xin, who contributed three gold and five silver medals.
Claudin Tay, Amanda Goh and Jayda Chang also added to the academy’s medal haul.
TDA founder and principal, Chan Tyng Tyng said the academy was proud to see its dancers representing Sarawak on two competition stages simultaneously.
“Our students departed on Sarawak Day carrying more than their costumes and competition goals. They carried the Sarawak flag, the hopes of their families and the spirit of Anak Sarawak with them.
“To see our dancers competing confidently in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai at the same time was deeply meaningful. Every medal and every achievement represents years of discipline, sacrifice, teamwork and belief,” she said.
Chan said the achievements reflected not only the academy’s success but also Sarawak’s growing presence in DanceSport.
She expressed hope that they would bring greater recognition to local dancers while strengthening support for dance education and DanceSport as pathways for youth development, sporting excellence and international representation.
Following the competitions, eight TDA dancers are competing in the Taipei Open Championship in Taiwan from Aug 1 to 2.
The academy, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will also host the 4th Borneo Open International DanceSport Championship and Convention in Kuching from Dec 2 to 8.
