THE 14th edition of the Penang International High Pole Lion Dance Invitational Competition has successfully drawn an impressive total of 41 elite teams to Penang this year.
The three-day tournament (from Nov 7 to Nov 9) is organised by the Penang government through the Office of the Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), co-organised by Persatuan Sukan & Kebudayaan Tiong Hua Kepala Batas, and supported by Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai as the official hotel partner.
During the opening ceremony of the competition yesterday (Nov 7), Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai extended a warm welcome to all participating lion dance troupes from Malaysia and abroad.
“This year’s Penang International High Pole Lion Dance Invitational Competition has gathered elite lion dance teams in an extraordinary display of skill, art and strength.
“This event is grand in scale and remarkable in participation,” he said.
The competition features 22 Malaysian teams representing Penang, Johor, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Sarawak, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah and Kelantan.
Meanwhile, 19 international teams are participating, including three from Australia, one from Singapore, one from Vietnam, and 14 teams from various regions in China such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Inner Mongolia, Fujian, Shaanxi, Hong Kong and Macau.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Chinese Consul-General in Penang Zhou Youbin, Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman and Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, and Penang Chief Minister’s special coordinator cum organising committee chairman Lay Hock Peng.
Wong said the strong participation this year reflects how the lion dance tradition in particular the acrobatic pole performance has grown to become a global cultural symbol.
“Lion dance may have originated in China, but the lion dance on pole is an innovation pioneered by the Malaysian Chinese community.
“It is a new artistic expression built upon the Southern Lion style, infused with acrobatics and martial spirit.
“This development later re-influenced China and eventually spread to the world,” he said.
He added that Malaysia was among the earliest countries to officially recognise the art form by listing lion dance on pole as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2007.
“This achievement showcases the Malaysian Chinese community’s commitment to cultural preservation and highlights the spirit of inclusiveness and multiculturalism that defines Malaysia,” Wong said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of YB Wong’s office