THE Professional Latin World Championship was launched by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at SPICE convention centre on Nov 18.
Dancers from over 27 countries such as America, Britain, South Africa, Hong Kong, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Australia, Japan and our very own Malaysian team participated in this competition.
“I am very glad that the World Dance Council (WDC) granted Penang and the Malaysian Ballroom Dancers Association (MBDA) the rights to host both the 2017 WDC Professional Latin World Championship and 2019 WDC Professional Ballroom World Championship, Kudos to MBDA as well.
“It is indeed a recognition for Penang for having the privilege to host both the championships.
“The state government has sponsored RM400,000 for this event tonight and we intend to sponsor RM500,000 for the 2019 Professional Standard World Championship next year,” said Lim during his speech at the Championship.
Penang has created history by becoming the first Asian country to host the prestigious championship.
“Setia Spice Convention Centre was built at a cost of RM300 million to give us a platform to hold world-class events and also to make Penang a destination for arts and culture,” Lim added.
Donnie Burns, president of Word Dance Council who was also present, commended the state for having an infrastructure such as the SPICE to host international events.
Also present were WDC honorary president and German Professional Organization president Karl Breuer and WDC vice-president and MBDA president Datuk Dr Henry Ooi.