THERE’S palpable excitement as Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship 2026 heads to its climax next month.
A total of 20 lion dance troupes will battle it out in the semi-finals, while only 10 will make to the grand final for a chance at the win and to represent Malaysia.
The event will be held at Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting (RWG), in Genting Highlands, Pahang, on Sept 26 and 27.
With support from Federation of Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon & Lion Dance Association, the championship continued to stand as one of Malaysia’s most prestigious cultural sporting events, celebrating the enduring artistry, discipline and athleticism of lion dance, RWG said in a media release.
This year’s championship, the 21st iteration of the event, drew overwhelming participation, with 88 troupes from across Malaysia competing in regional qualifying rounds.
A total of 20 troupes advanced to the semi-final stage, underscoring the high standards and growing competitiveness of the national circuit, it said following the draw ceremony for the competition order at Wisma Genting in Kuala Lumpur.
RWG sales, marketing and public relations executive vice-president Spencer Lee said the competition continued to serve as an important platform to showcase Malaysia’s talents while celebrating a cultural tradition that has been embraced by communities across Malaysia.
“This championship is more than a competition.
“It is a journey to discover the very best lion dance troupe in Malaysia, where talent meets discipline, tradition meets innovation and every performance reflects years of dedication, sacrifice and passion.
“We look forward to witnessing the troupe that will rise above the rest and earn the honour of being crowned national champion, with the ultimate goal of representing Malaysia on the world stage and bringing home the prestigious Genting World Lion Dance Championship trophy next year,” he said.
The semi-final lineup includes troupes from Sabah namely Che Yee Khor Moral Uplifting Society Lahad Datu, Persatuan Tarian Singa dan Naga Chung Seng, Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Kesenian dan Kesukanan Tawau, Persatuan Penganut Dewa Tian Fa Wei Ling Tian Fa Kung Keningau and Persatuan Tarian Singa dan Naga Keong Fatt Sabah, as well as Sin Ong Kong Temple Lion Dance Troupe and Persatuan Penganut Agama Sin Ong Dian from Labuan.
Competitors from the peninsula include Penang Meihu Culture and Sports Association, Kwong Ngai Lion Dance (Penang), Persatuan Penganut Buddha Seng Fatt Kampar, Persatuan Tarian Naga dan Singa Jin Shan Tangkak and Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Xi Nan Kelapa Sawit.
From the Klang Valley are Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Ampang, Kwong Ngai Lion Dance (Kuala Lumpur), Persatuan Tarian Naga dan Singa Khuan Loke (Sungai Way), Persatuan Tarian Singa WLDF Pakatan Malaysia, Yi Ngai Lion Dance, Persatuan Tarian Naga dan Singa Xuan Long Rawang as well as Hong Teck Dragon and Lion Dance.
In recognition of excellence across all stages of the competition, the championship offers a total prize pool that rewards both performance and technical mastery.
The national champion will receive RM20,000, followed by RM12,000 for the first runner-up and RM9,000 for the second runner-up, together with trophies and medals.
The seven finalists will receive RM3,000 each, while all semi-finalists will be awarded RM2,000.
A special Best Difficulty Move Award of RM3,000 will also be presented to the troupe that delivers the most outstanding technical performance during the semi-final round, as judged by the official panel.
RWG said the championship also reflected its continued commitment to elevating cultural sports and providing a prominent platform for traditional performing arts to thrive at a national level.
As part of the championship celebrations, visitors to RWG will have the opportunity to experience a special display at Genting Guest Xperience Centre (GGXC) which offers a closer look at the spirit and heritage behind this celebrated cultural sport.
Also present at the draw were Federation of Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon & Lion Dance Association chairman Liong Kok Wah and RWG entertainment and events vice-president Chia Lee Yun.
