KUCHING, July 30, 2026 — Kuching is set to become the centre of international dragon and lion dance activities next month as more than 500 performers from 44 teams across five countries prepare to compete in the Sarawak Open International Dragon & Lion Dance Cup 2026 (SOIDLDC 2026).
The two-day championship will be held on August 8 and 9, 2026 at the Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multi-Purpose Hall in Batu Kawa, bringing together top dragon and lion dance teams from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and China.
The event is organised by the Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) and sanctioned by the Dragon and Lion Dance Federation of Malaysia. It is expected to attract strong public interest as it enters its third edition after successful events held in 2024 and 2025.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the championship has grown into one of Sarawak’s important cultural and sporting events, offering a platform to showcase traditional performing arts to both local and international audiences.
Speaking during a press conference at Wisma Baitul Makmur II on Thursday, he said the competition reflects Sarawak’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting tourism through international events.
He said dragon and lion dance activities in Sarawak have also become a symbol of unity, with participation involving people from different ethnic communities.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim highlighted that several teams from areas such as Mukah and Dalat consist largely of Dayak, Melanau and Malay members, proving that the art form has developed beyond cultural boundaries.
He also praised the organising committee, led by CMAA president Chester Lim Hian Thoong, for their continuous efforts in promoting dragon and lion dance and creating opportunities for cultural exchange.
The championship will feature four main categories, including Northern Lion Dance, High Pole Southern Lion Dance, Traditional Southern Lion Dance and Luminous Dragon Dance.
Among the teams expected to compete are the current world champion in the Luminous Dragon Dance category from Johor and the defending High Pole Southern Lion Dance champion from China.
Adding excitement to the competition, Sarawak’s own CMAA Northern Lion Dance Team will return to defend the championship title they won in 2025.
The team is expected to present a unique performance combining traditional Sarawak elements, including Ngajat dance movements and the sound of the sape. The creative combination represents a fusion between local cultural identity and the traditional lion dance art.
Earlier this year, the team represented Malaysia at the Sanya Cup in Hainan, China, where they achieved a bronze medal.
The first day of SOIDLDC 2026 will begin at noon and continue until 10pm, while the second day will start at 9am and end with the closing ceremony at around 8pm.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony on August 8, while Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian is expected to attend the closing ceremony on August 9.
Admission to the championship is free, and members of the public are invited to witness the performances featuring powerful movements, impressive skills and cultural traditions.
Supporting the efforts to promote this meaningful cultural event, Team Kuching King and Sarawak Daily will be on the ground to support and share the excitement of SOIDLDC 2026 with the community, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage and bringing people together through traditional arts.
Organisers hope the event will continue as an annual international platform to develop dragon and lion dance standards, encourage young talents and strengthen Sarawak’s reputation as a destination for cultural tourism and international sporting events.
