The Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe in a group photo. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe will represent Brunei Darussalam at the 15th Genting World Lion Dance Championship from July 25 to 27 at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands, Malaysia.
The international competition will see participation from 40 of the world’s top lion dance troupes, making it one of the most prestigious and large-scale high-pole lion dance events globally.
Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe head coach Master Ong Boon Biau shared; “We are excited to participate this year again. We have represented Brunei in past editions of the championship. We hope to perform well and make the nation proud.”
The national flag handover ceremony was held prior to the team’s departure. President of the Unity Charity Association Brunei Jake Goh Kiat Hing encouraged the lion dance team to use the opportunity to showcase Brunei’s cultural strength and enhance the nation’s traditional lion dance standards on the international stage.
He expressed hopes of inspiring more Bruneian youth to take an interest in lion dance as both a sport and a cultural heritage.
Goh said his aspiration was for Brunei Darussalam to one day host the World Lion Dance Championship, providing an opportunity for local talent to shine on home ground and further promote cultural exchange in the region. The championship is scheduled to commence on July 25, with the grand finale on July 27. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
