KUCHING: The inaugural Unity Dance Challenge (UDC) 2026 ended on a high note in Kuching, bringing together dancers from Malaysia, Indonesia and Macao in a celebration of talent, friendship, culture and unity.
Organised by the Kuching Unity Dance Association (KUDA), the one-and-a-half-day event featured dancers from different backgrounds and dance genres, giving participants a platform to showcase their skills, gain experience and build new friendships.
KUDA president and UDC organiser LayNa Chan said the event was created to help dancers grow, connect and inspire one another through their shared passion for dance.
The closing ceremony was attended by guests of honour including MSS deputy chief executive officer Awang Ikman and YB Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, together with adjudicators, teachers, parents and supporters.
Top scorers were rewarded with trophies and cash prizes of RM800 for first place, RM500 for second and RM300 for third.
In the Ballet category, Wong Yean Ern took first place, followed by Chai Yu Chan and Sam Lok I. Little Polar Cub, Latina Foreva and Royal Rivalry took the top three places in the Urban category.
The Cultural category saw YSISSPJ Team and Heartbeat of the Rain Forest as first-place recipients, followed by Childhood Beneath the Happy Sky in second and Lik Yun in third.
In the Modern/Contemporary category, Cai Yu Xuan took first place, followed by Wong Yean Ern and Conflicting Dreams.
Lik Yun also received the special UDC Award and a RM2,000 cash prize.
A further 12 Special UDC Awards were presented to recognise outstanding performances and contributions during the competition. The recipients included Priscilla Rhema Justin, Sun Chong Ian, Liu Chih Chieh, Annabelle Pui En Na, Paddy Rice Dance, Harmony in Diversity, Because of You, Adelyn Lim Xin Yee, Chuan Chen, YSISSPJ Dance Team 2 and Mikhayla Lovely Theresa.
The awards reflected the wide range of talent and creativity displayed throughout the inaugural competition.
The event also opened new opportunities through its collaboration with The Dance Society of Malaysia (TDS). Two dancers were selected as Sarawak finalists for the 28th TDS Dance Competition in June 2027, while eight others were invited to the TDS preliminary competition in Kuala Lumpur with their RM450 enrolment fee waived.
Three dancers also received the Sunny Chan’s Award for free entry to the preliminary competition, while Priscilla Rhema Justin received the WanChin’s Award, which covers her return flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Sarawak Daily was the official media partner of UDC 2026 and helped promote the meaningful event through its news coverage and social media platforms, giving wider exposure to the dancers and KUDA.
LayNa thanked the dancers, teachers, parents, adjudicators, volunteers, sponsors and media partners for their support in making the inaugural event possible.
The successful UDC 2026 has laid a strong foundation for future editions, with KUDA hoping to welcome more dancers to Kuching next year for another celebration of dance, friendship and unity.
