Malaysian performers win 37 medals at US dance competition

‘This win is for all of you, says Ummi. Photo: Instagram/umairah_sairahtarudin

KUALA LUMPUR: A team of Malaysian performers has put the country on the world map after bagging 37 medals at the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held at the Long Beach Convention Center, California, United States. The championship took place from June 28 to July 6.

Team Malaysia won 13 gold medals, 11 silver medals, and 13 bronze medals across 70 categories.

Touted as the Olympics of the performing arts world, the competition featured six categories - vocal, dance, music, acting, modelling, and variety arts in two categories - junior (between 5 and 15 years) and senior (16 years and above).

Malaysian songbird Datuk Siti Nurhaliza's niece, Ummi Umairah Saiful Anuar, 13, secured a gold medal in the junior championship vocalist category, surpassing four other contestants, including representatives from the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

Ummi, affectionately known as Umai, impressed the audience with her rendition of Aretha Franklin's classic, "A Natural Woman."

“This win is for all of you. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved,” she posted on her Instagram account (@umairah_sairahtarudin).

Vocal coach Melissa Anne said on her Instagram (@melissaanne1703): "She was very attentive and super quick to keep track, and catch the essence of the song. She’s only 13 but managed to pick up very complex sections of the song."

During the championship's opening ceremony, Team Malaysia showcased its traditional attire representing various ethnicities to promote the country’s arts and culture.

Their dance performance in the 'Parade of Nations' captivated the audience and judges, earning Team Malaysia the best costume award.

Student Aleysha Shareef Van Der Horst, 11, who participated in the vocal category, was one of the gold winners. The Kuching-based girl has earned a scholarship to study at the prestigious New York Film Academy in the Big Apple.

Sarawak's pint-size dancer, Dion Das Louis, better known as the "Little Bornean Birdie", performed the ngajat, winning a gold at the competition. He was the youngest contestant from the Malaysian contingent.

Romli Bidin, the Malaysian team director, said in a press release:

"I am extremely excited and proud of Team Malaysia's success this year. They have surpassed the team's success expectations and brought pride to the country. Especially with Ummi's success in becoming the world champion at the grand finals. The last time we won this vocal category was in 2014 by Aina Abdul."

The competition saw over 70 countries, including Ireland, the US, Germany and Japan, competing for the world title.