MELAKA: Founded by a group of English-educated students with little exposure to Mandarin, the Gao Feng Malaysia Lion and Dragon Dance Association has defied convention to emerge as the historic city’s best lion and dragon dance troupe.
The association's founder Datuk Yong Kheng Chien said his team's journey was never an easy one, having started with limited facilities, funding and experience three decades ago.
“The association was established by students who were not fluent in Mandarin at the time.
“In a traditional art form often closely associated with language and culture, this was a significant challenge from the outset,” he said in an interview on Tuesday (Dec 30).
Yong said he and members of the founding team were former students of Malacca High School and received their primary education at Bandar Hilir English School, now known as SK Bandar Hilir.
“At that time, we could not even speak a single word of Mandarin, yet we managed to build a strong and respected troupe in the state.
“This proves that passion, commitment and hard work can overcome barriers of language and background," he said.
Yong attributed the association’s success to discipline, determination and a strong fighting spirit, adding that its recent recognition by the Melaka Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association as the Best Lion and Dragon Dance Team was both a major achievement and a renewed source of motivation.
From its early days as a small student group learning the fundamentals of lion and dragon dance, Yong said the association gradually developed through continuous effort and support from various quarters.
“Over time, it expanded beyond the local stage, achieving international success and earning world championship titles that brought pride to Melaka and the nation," he added.
Yong said the association recently commemorated its 30th anniversary at a leading hotel here.
The celebration was attended by Melaka Yang di-Pertua Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam, while Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh was represented by state Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem, as well as the association's chairman Datuk Gilbert Goh Kian Puay.
Yong said the association remains committed to expanding the sport and traditional art at the grassroots level, particularly among school students.
“As a first step, the association will donate lion dance costumes to three selected schools to nurture new talent and ensure the continuity of cultural heritage,” he added.
