Sebastian Ting Lauds National Lion Dance Championship for Promoting Unity

suppadmin | December 7, 2025

The National Southern Lion Dance Championship will be held from December 6 to 7 at Herstar World in Empire City Petaling Jaya, organised by the Malaysia Dragon and Lion Dance Federation North and South Region.

The event features two main categories, the National Unity Cup Traditional Southern Lion Dance on December 6 Saturday, and the Supreme King High Pole Southern Lion Dance on December 7 Sunday.

Miri Weisheng Athletic Association Long Qi Lion Troupe will compete in both the traditional and high pole events.

Senadin assemblyman Sebastian Ting praised the organisers for introducing a new participation requirement aimed at promoting inclusivity in lion dance. He said the multiracial team mechanism, introduced for the first time, requires each participating troupe to include members from at least three major communities namely Chinese, Malay, and either Indian or indigenous groups from East Malaysia.

A total of 23 teams will compete in the traditional category, while 24 teams will take part in the high pole event. Sarawak has five teams in the traditional category, but only the Miri Weisheng Long Qi Lion Troupe will represent the state in the high pole competition.

Before departing yesterday, the troupe received a flag presentation from Deputy Minister for Tourism Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting and Pujut assemblyman and Miri Mayor Adam Yii to boost their morale.