KUCHING, Aug 9, 2026: The inaugural Unity Dance Challenge (UDC) 2026 has been hailed as a big success after bringing together dancers from Malaysia, Indonesia and Macao for a weekend of competition, friendship and cultural exchange in Kuching.
Organised by the Kuching Unity Dance Association (KUDA), the one-and-a-half-day event brought together dancers from different genres and backgrounds, giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills while gaining valuable stage and competition experience.
The event also created a platform for young dancers to meet participants from different parts of the region and build friendships through their shared passion for dance.
KUDA president and UDC organiser LayNa Chan said the successful first edition marked an important beginning for the association and the local dance community.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, she welcomed all participants, guests, adjudicators, teachers, parents and supporters who contributed to the event.
Among the guests of honour were MSS deputy chief executive officer Awang Ikman and YB Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang.
LayNa said KUDA was established with a simple vision of providing dancers with a platform where they could grow, connect and inspire one another.
She said UDC was organised not only to recognise dance talent but also to bring together people from different backgrounds and cultures.
“We wanted to provide a platform where young talent could not only showcase their artistry but also bridge different genres, backgrounds and cultures through a shared love of dance,” she said.
LayNa also thanked dancers who travelled from various parts of Malaysia, as well as those from Indonesia and Macao, for supporting the inaugural competition.
She said the participation of international dancers had added greater value to the event and helped make the first UDC a memorable occasion.
As this was the first edition, LayNa said KUDA was also learning from the experience and would continue to improve the event based on feedback from dancers, teachers and parents.
She stressed that the success of a dancer should not be judged only by trophies and awards.
“For those who stepped onto the stage for the first time, I hope this marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of confidence,” she said.
She also reminded participants that courage, discipline, hard work and dedication were important parts of a dancer’s journey.
“Whether you walk away with an award today or not, your true victory is in your courage, the countless hours of hard work and rehearsal, and the passion you shared with us all,” she said.
Throughout the event, dancers displayed their talent, creativity and sportsmanship, while parents, teachers and supporters provided strong encouragement from the sidelines.
The competition also saw KUDA working together with The Dance Society of Malaysia (TDS) through the TDS Sarawak Regional Classical Ballet Solo Competition.
LayNa expressed her appreciation to TDS representatives Mr Sunny Chan and Ms Carmen Yap for their trust and support, saying she hoped the partnership would continue in the years ahead.
As part of the collaboration, four special Sunny Chan Awards and Wan Chin Awards were presented to selected UDC competitors.
The awards will also provide opportunities for selected dancers to take part in TDS activities next year, giving them further exposure and experience.
Two UDC competitors have also been selected as Sarawak finalists for the 28th TDS Dance Competition, which is scheduled to take place in June 2027.
They are SWB 303 Chai Yu Xuan and SWB 101 Annalisa Lao Lik Xin.
Meanwhile, eight other UDC competitors have been invited to take part in the TDS preliminary competition in Kuala Lumpur next year, with their RM450 enrolment fee waived.
The invited dancers are SWB 501 Aurelea Ang Xiaau Juo, SWB 502 Cayenne Chong, SWB 503 Chew Jia Yuan, SWB 402 Jacey Chin Wincy, SWB 305 Klarisse Kee Ying Rou, SWB 307 Lim Thong Ern, SWB 308 Priscilla Rhema Justin and SWB 201 Annabelle Pui En Na.
LayNa also thanked the adjudicators, teachers, parents, volunteers, sponsors and KUDA committee members for their hard work and commitment in making the inaugural UDC possible.
“Every setback is just a setup for your next great leap, and every effort you make brings you closer to excellence,” she said.
She congratulated all competitors and thanked everyone involved in making UDC 2026 a success.
Sarawak Daily was the official media partner for the inaugural Unity Dance Challenge 2026. Through its news coverage and social media platforms, Sarawak Daily helped promote the event and reach a wider audience.
With the strong response to its first edition, KUDA hopes to welcome dancers from Malaysia and overseas back to Kuching next year for a bigger celebration of dance, friendship and unity.
The inaugural Unity Dance Challenge has set a positive foundation for future editions, while giving young dancers a platform to develop their confidence, skills and passion for the performing arts.
