THE much-anticipated 13th edition of the Penang International Lion Dance on Stilts competition officially kicked off today, marking the start of a three-day event from Oct 18 to 20 at the Pusat Eko Pelancongan SPU Pulau Pinang at Kampung Setui in Kepala Batas.
Jointly organised by the Penang government through PETACE (the Exco office for Tourism and Creative Economy), along with the Persatuan Sukan dan Kebudayaan Tiong Hua Kepala Batas and the Persatuan Kemajuan Eko Pelancongan SPU Pulau Pinang, this year’s tournament promises thrilling performances from top-tier lion dance teams.
According to Chief Minister’s special coordinating officer Lay Hock Peng, who also serves as the tournament’s organising chairman, a total of 37 teams – 20 local teams from nearly every state in Malaysia, and 17 international teams from Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, and Australia are competing in this prestigious event.
“The preliminary rounds began this evening at 3pm, and the final round will take place on Oct 20, starting from 12pm, all at the same venue,” Lay said in his speech during the opening ceremony today.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
This marks the third consecutive time Kepala Batas has been selected as the venue for the tournament.
Lay noted, “We aim to promote this location as one of the premier eco-tourism destinations in north Seberang Perai.”
The public is invited to witness the exciting tournament free of charge. To enhance the experience, food trucks offering a variety of food and drinks will be available throughout the three-day event.
Wong also expressed his support for the participants, emphasising the significance of the lion dance as both a cultural and physical challenge.
“Lion dance on stilts is incredibly demanding, requiring physical strength, skill, and courage. Its unique charm has captivated audiences worldwide. I hope visitors will be mesmerized by the colourful lions as they leap and twirl high above the ground, creating an unforgettable spectacle,” said Wong.
He also highlighted the role of the tournament in fostering cultural exchanges among the participating countries, adding that the lion dance is more than just a performance—it represents a deep connection to history and culture.
Also present were Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid and MBSP councillor Ooi Yong Wooi.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis