PENANG’S Lion Dance, Chingay and 24 Festive Drums cultural heritage elements are currently under consideration by UNESCO for inscription on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with evaluation expected to take place over the next few years.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the multinational nomination for Lion Dance and Chingay was submitted in 2025, while the nomination dossier for the 24 Festive Drums was submitted this March.
He said the submissions are now awaiting evaluation by UNESCO’s technical committee.
“The status now is that it is waiting to be tabled to the UNESCO committee. I think it will take about two to three years,” he said after officiating the 2026 23rd Penang State Wushu, Dragon and Lion Dance Championship at Sunshine Central Mall today.
Wong mentioned the process takes time due to the large number of global nominations received by UNESCO annually, with only a limited number being assessed each cycle.
“There are many applications received by UNESCO from many countries, so the process will take a few years. We have prepared a lot of documents and supporting documentation for the submission,” he added.
He stressed that Penang’s role in the cultural ecosystem is significant, noting that local martial arts, lion dance and dragon dance organisations have been instrumental in keeping these traditions alive while also supporting the international recognition process.
Wong said the annual Chingay procession, in particular, relies heavily on participation from martial arts and dragon dance groups, making them key cultural stakeholders in the heritage journey.
He also highlighted the 24 Festive Drums as a unique cultural expression combining traditional Chinese elements such as the 24 solar terms, lion drum rhythms and calligraphy, developed through strong community collaboration in Malaysia.
Earlier, Wong said this year’s championship reflected the strong development of martial arts and lion dance in Penang, with 40 affiliated groups and over 1,000 participants including athletes, coaches, judges and officials.
He noted that the competition featured multiple categories, including high-pole southern lion dance, traditional lion dance for U9 and U12, open category events, and a newly introduced traditional dragon dance category.
The martial arts segment also included modern and traditional routines, sanda and tai chi push hands, showcasing the diversity and depth of Chinese martial arts culture.
Wong said such events are important not only for competition but also for cultural transmission, stressing that discipline, teamwork, respect and perseverance remain core values embedded in these traditions.
He also praised the inclusion of youth categories, saying it ensures continuity of the art forms and helps nurture the next generation of practitioners.
During the event, Wong contributed RM15,000 to support the championship, while Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi contributed RM10,000 and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying contributed RM5,000.
Meanwhile, Gooi described the championship as one of the largest of its kind in Malaysia, reflecting the steady growth of Wushu, lion dance and dragon dance activities in Penang.
He said martial arts serve as an important platform to build discipline, confidence and resilience among youth, and encouraged greater parental support for children’s participation.
Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association president Datuk Hng Ban Choon said the championship involved more than 40 affiliated groups and over 1,000 participants, making it one of the state’s largest cultural sports events.
He added that more than 30 teams took part in the newly introduced traditional dragon dance category, alongside lion dance and martial arts competitions.
Hng thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Council, Sunshine Central Mall and the state government for their support.
Among those present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai.
Story by Edmund Lee