IN commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) is organising a 2024 traditional dance competition in the northern region to engage youths aged 15 to 35.
Recognised by both the state government and the Chinese Consulate in Penang, the competition aims to foster the appreciation of traditional dance and arts in the area.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the competition is open to youths residing in the northern region, namely Penang, Kedah, Perak and Perlis.
“Through this event, I believe it helps to promote the development of cultures of all ethnic groups.
“The competition features two categories: solo dance, duet, and trio dance in one category and group dance in the other category. It consists of preliminary and final rounds, with the preliminary results assessed based on submitted videos.
“The final is scheduled to be held at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on May 11,” he told a press conference in Komtar today.
Admission to the final is free for the public.
Gooi expects over 2,000 people to be present at the final, expressing hope for an even larger turnout.
The Chinese Consulate in Penang representative Li Jie said this would be the third time that a similar activity is set to be held with the state’s collaboration.
“This event will help to enhance the young people’s knowledge of Chinese culture and I hope such partnership with the state will flourish in the future,” he said.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling, who was present, said the registration is open from Jan 2 to Feb 18. The deadline for video submission is Feb 28, and the announcement date of finalists is April 1.
For more information, visit the PYDC website.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat