MBKS Mayor calls for greater support to elevate lion dance’s legacy, unifying spirit

Wee (fifth left) together with other guests, organiser and participants after officiating the Lien Heng Wushu Association Lion Dance Championship on Sept 21, 2024.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Sept 21: More support and resources are needed to advance the lion dance, a cherished cultural heritage of the Chinese community that has evolved from a performing art into a competitive sport and unifying force.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng emphasised that this growth is essential to ensure the tradition’s continued development and the preservation of its spirit.

He highlighted that today, the lion dance is not just a symbol of Chinese culture, but it has become a beloved art and sport embraced by people of all ethnic backgrounds.

“In Sarawak, during every major festival and celebration, the lion dance brings joy and vitality, embodying hopes for a prosperous life.

“It is crucial to preserve and promote the traditional lion dance culture and its values of courage, strength, and teamwork,” he said when officiating the opening ceremony of the Lien Heng Wushu Association Lion Dance Championship today.

Wee (centre) flanked by Jong on his right, together with other guests, hit the drum to mark the opening of the Lien Heng Wushu Association Lion Dance Championship on Sept 21, 2024.

Wee expressed his hope that events like this will raise greater awareness of the lion dance and inspire more participation, particularly among the younger generation.

“We have a responsibility to pass on and elevate this traditional art through various platforms and opportunities,” he added.

He praised the 23 participating troupes, including three teams from Indonesia, noting that their involvement is not just about competing for trophies but also about passing down this cultural legacy to future generations.

He emphasised that such competitions provide young people the opportunity to not only appreciate and love this treasured art but also to comprehensively test and refine their skills.

Henry Gurney School Puncak Borneo Team performing at the Lien Heng Wushu Association Lion Dance Championship on Sept 21, 2024.

Henry Gurney School Puncak Borneo Team is among the 23 troupes participating in the Lien Heng Wushu Association Lion Dance Championship on Sept 21, 2024.

“Just standing on this stage makes you a winner. Lion dancing demands physical strength, skill, and teamwork. Every leap, every airborne move, every beat of the drum represents the dedication and hard work poured into this performance,” he said.

Wee encouraged all participants to showcase their passion and determination, reminding them that regardless of the competition’s outcome, the most important thing is their contribution to the preservation and growth of this traditional art.

He also urged the participants to take advantage of the competition to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and build lasting friendships.

Energetic participants at the Lien Heng Wushu Association Lion Dance Championship opening ceremony on Sept 21, 2024.

Wee also called on the organiser to expand the competition, taking it to new heights from local to regional and, eventually, international levels.

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) members Milton Foo and Sih Hua Tong, as well as Association president Ronny Chin and championship organising chairman cum Association secretary Calvin Jong were present. — DayakDaily