KUCHING – Sarawak-born dance educator LayNa Chan has added another milestone to her professional journey after being invited to serve as an adjudicator at two major international dance events in Macau earlier this month.
The events, the Macau Arts of Dance Festival and the Macau Smart Dance Extravaganza, were held from April 3 to 5, 2026 at the Macao Tower Theatre. The festivals gathered talented dancers from across Asia and other regions, featuring a wide range of genres including classical ballet, contemporary, jazz and cultural dance performances.
LayNa, who is widely known in Kuching’s dance community, was invited to join the panel of adjudicators in recognition of her experience and long-standing contribution to dance education. With many years of service as an examiner and educator under the Royal Academy of Dance, she brought technical expertise and professional insight to the judging process.
Her role as an adjudicator involved evaluating performances based on technique, artistry, musicality and overall presentation. Organisers noted that experienced educators like LayNa play an important role in maintaining standards while guiding young dancers towards improvement. Her presence at the events not only strengthened the credibility of the competitions but also encouraged participants who were eager to gain international exposure.
Speaking on her involvement, those close to the organiser shared that the festivals aimed to promote cultural exchange and artistic development. The three-day programme concluded successfully, celebrating discipline, creativity and the shared passion for dance among participants from different backgrounds.
LayNa’s international engagement does not end there. She is set to chair the upcoming Unity Dance Challenge, organised by the Kuching Unity Dance Association. The competition will be held from August 7 to 9 at the Auditorium Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce.
The Unity Dance Challenge is expected to attract dancers from across the region, offering them a platform to refine their skills and gain constructive feedback. As chairperson of the event, LayNa will oversee the adjudication process and ensure that high standards of professionalism are upheld.
Her continued involvement at both international and local levels reflects her commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening dance education in Malaysia. In a field that demands discipline and perseverance, experienced mentors remain essential in shaping the next generation.
With her latest achievement in Macau, LayNa has once again demonstrated that Sarawakian educators are capable of contributing meaningfully on the international stage. Her journey serves as encouragement to aspiring dancers and teachers alike, proving that dedication and consistency remain the foundation of lasting success.
