‘Born To Perform’ dance competition to emerge as regional dance powerhouse within 10 years

Abdul Karim (back row, fourth left) presenting the Sonata Award to Cristal Chung Ke Xin in recognition of her outstanding artistry and dedication during the 2nd East Malaysia & Indonesia “Born To Perform” Dance Competition at the Borneo Cultures Museum, as dignitaries and fellow dancers look on.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 3: The East Malaysia & Indonesia “Born To Perform” Dance Competition, now in its second edition, is expected to grow into a larger regional platform for performing arts in the coming years.

Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the competition reflects the steady growth of dance and performing arts in Kuching and the wider region.

“This is only the second competition. Well, I can see that it’s growing.

“Probably after five, ten years, God willing, we will be able to see a bigger pool of dance academy, dance school, sending their dancers down here,” he said when speaking at the event held at the Borneo Cultures Museum today.

Despite Kuching’s relatively small population, Abdul Karim noted that the performing arts scene is expanding rapidly, supported by schools, academies, parents and organisers who continue to nurture young talent.

“I’m very sure that the parents are also very excited. They’ve been sending the children for classes, but what level they are, this is where competitions are very important. With the competition, then they will know where their children stand, whether in Kuching or in this region,” he added.

The competition also drew praise from Australian adjudicator Jan Millard, who commended the quality of choreography and training across age categories, particularly for younger participants.

Millard described ballet as a lifelong discipline that requires continuous learning from both teachers and students, adding that even simplified repertoire pieces allow young dancers to achieve meaningful artistic growth.

“This morning, I got to witness the younger children, seven years and under and five years and under. I’d like to congratulate the teachers on the most appropriate ideas, music and choreography for such little people.

“It’s so important that they’re not given things way beyond their years so they can master all of the interesting little choreography they need to master and perfect,” she said.

She added that the inclusion of repertoire segments typically performed by professional ballerinas provided valuable exposure for both younger and older dancers, even when simplified to match their abilities.

“For these students to have the opportunity to learn this choreography allows them to achieve a beautiful performance, and one day, they may be that person in the ballet company,” she said.

Organised by CSTD Comdance East Malaysia & Indonesia, the competition took place from May 1 to 3, with support from Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), as well as Persatuan Guru-Guru Tarian dan Seni (Kuching) as co-organiser.

At the same event, Abdul Karim also presented the Sonata Award to dancer Cristal Chung Ke Xin in recognition of her exceptional artistry, technical excellence and dedication to the art of dance. The award, conferred with distinction at the 2nd East Malaysia & Indonesia “Born To Perform” Dance Competition, also comes with a scholarship for her to participate in the 28th Asia Pacific Dance Competition (APDC) 2026, scheduled to be held from Aug 20 to 23 in Kuala Lumpur.

Also present were Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Sarawak, Dr Abdullah Zulkifli, and CSTD East Malaysia & Indonesia organiser January Chan Hsiao Fong. — DayakDaily