BINTANGOR – The Meradong Festival 2025 showcased its cultural highlight on Sunday evening with the Chung Hua Night, an event that drew hundreds of visitors to the festival’s main stage.
The celebration reflected the district’s commitment to fostering unity and harmony among its diverse communities.
Meradong Assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing said the programme symbolised goodwill and strengthened interracial relations.
He noted that the participation of people from different backgrounds in celebrating Chinese traditions demonstrated mutual respect and appreciation for cultural diversity in Meradong.
The event began at 6.30 p.m. and featured a variety of performances rooted in Chinese heritage. Among the highlights were the Sichuan Face Changing performance, traditional Chinese dances, and a costume showcase presented by the Meradong Foochow Association (Women’s Section). These performances highlighted the richness of Chinese art and its enduring values.
Audiences were also treated to ancient Chinese dances and wushu demonstrations by SJKC Ming Tee, which displayed the elegance and discipline of martial arts.
The atmosphere reached its peak when the Thai Pak Kung Temple Association staged a vibrant lion dance, greeted with loud applause and cheers from the crowd.
Organisers emphasised that Chung Hua Night was not merely an entertainment programme, but a platform to introduce Chinese culture to the wider multi-racial community.
They explained that the event aimed to deepen understanding and appreciation of traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Datuk Ding expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to encourage cross-cultural engagement. “Through this Chung Hua Night, I hope that more friends from various races can understand and appreciate traditional Chinese culture, which has become a valuable treasure passed down from generation to generation,” he said.
The Meradong Festival, held annually in Bintangor, continues to serve as a unifying event for the district, bringing together communities through cultural showcases, performances, and shared celebrations.
This year’s Chung Hua Night reaffirmed the festival’s role as a bridge for harmony and inclusivity in Sarawak.
