MOTAC collaborates with China for UNESCO recognition of lion and dragon dance

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) is collaborating with the government of China to gain United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognition for the Lion and Dragon Dance as a performing art.

Its Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said that this effort aligns with the government’s aspiration to elevate the arts and culture of Malaysia’s diverse communities.

“This initiative is in line with the National Culture Policy (DAKEN), specifically Pillar 7, which emphasises Cultural Excellence,” he said.

He said this during the opening ceremony of the inaugural 2024 Lion Dance Festival at Kuching Waterfront last night (July 27).

Khairul said the lion and dragon dance has been a tradition of the Chinese community in Malaysia since the 20th century.

“Today, this dance has been learned and performed by other ethnic groups in Malaysia, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity and growing unity.

“Notably, the Malaysian lion dance has gained international recognition and has rapidly expanded to the global stage,” he said.

He said the national lion dance troupes have captured the attention of foreign countries, showcasing impressive growth.

“This, in turn, helps promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), making this traditional dance a key attraction for both domestic and international tourists,” he said.

Khairul (eight left) poses for a photograph with the lion dance troupes during the inaugural 2024 Lion Dance Festival at Kuching Waterfront. Photo: UKAS

The lion dance troupe from Selangor performs the lion dance during the inaugural 2024 Lion Dance Festival at Kuching Waterfront. Photo: UKAS

On the festival organised by MOTAC, he said it aims to elevate the lion and dragon dance as a performing art that can be enjoyed and appreciated by all.

“This festival is the government’s commitment to unite the people, maintain the country’s prosperity, and improve the living standards and socioeconomic status of the community, in line with the fourth pillar of Malaysia Madani,” he said.

He added the programme has been designed with various engaging activities to cultivate the public’s interest in the performing arts of lion and dragon dances.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Lion Dance Festival featured a spectacular parade with 106 lion dance performances along a 2km route from Chinatown at Jalan Padungan to Kuching Waterfront on July 26.

Local lion dance troupes from Sarawak, including Bintulu, Miri, Kuching, and Sibu, participated in the event, alongside groups from other states such as Selangor, Pahang, Penang, and Sabah, as well as international participants from Indonesia.

In total, 438 participants joined the parade, showcasing the diversity and spirit of unity in celebrating arts and culture.

Throughout the festival from July 26 to 28, MOTAC also organised workshops and demonstrations on crafting lion dance heads and playing lion dance drums, along with exhibitions, handicraft sales, and interactive programmes.