Kota Kinabalu: The United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu’s (USCCAKK) signature event - Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival and Cultural Village Exhibition – will be back at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Jan 7 to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
USCCAKK president Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen said the association has appointed its deputy president Datuk Chua Soon Ping as the organizing chairman for the Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival and vice president Richard Lee Fuh Min to head the organizing committee of the Cultural Village Exhibition.
She said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor will be invited as the guest of honour for the Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival and Cultural Village Exhibition, and the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Huang Shifang, as special guest to launch the opening ceremony of the Cultural Village Exhibition.
The State Cabinet, Members of Parliaments, leaders and representatives of Chinese associations and chambers of commerce will be invited to witness the annual cultural extravaganza.
“We organize this event every year with the aim to promote and preserve traditional Chinese cultures.
“However, these activities require a large manpower and financial resources.
“Hence, we are extremely thankful to the State Government, Chinese consulate and members of the public for their unwavering support towards this meaningful event,” she said after chairing the first organizing committee here on Saturday.
The Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival is viewed as an iconic event to kick start the Lunar New Year celebrations in Sabah. USCCAKK has been organizing the festival yearly for decades, except for 2021 due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
Susan said the festival this year that was held at SICC had received good response and feedback from visitors.
As Likas Sports Complex is not open for events yet, the association decided to return to SICC so that the participants and visitors alike could enjoy the festivities in a more comfortable environment.
Susan stressed that the dragon, unicorn and lion dance festival is the epitome of racial harmony and community cohesion in Sabah.
She said the event transcends race and religion, and has become a cultural activity enjoyed by youths from various cultural backgrounds, thanks to the relentless effort of the forefathers in promoting lion dance in Sabah.
“Each year, more than 100 dragon, unicorn and lion dance troupes sign up for the festival.
“Every team comprises people from different ethnicity.
“This shows that lion dance has assimilated into our diverse local cultures and bring people from all walks of life together irrespective of their backgrounds.”
Registration for the Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival is now open.
Susan urged dance troupes to participate in the festival to showcase their skills, adding that the event is an opportunity to interact with their peers to improve their techniques.
On the other hand, she said 15 associations under USCCAKK will feature their traditional ethnic costumes, customs and cuisines at the Cultural Village Exhibition. The participating associations are Kota Kinabalu Hokkien Association, Kota Kinabalu Hakka Association, Sze Yi Association West Coast, Sabah, Hainan Association Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu Teochew Association, Sabah San Chiang Association, Kota Kinabalu Kwong Siew Association, Tai Poo Community Association of Sabah, Lung Yen Association Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Northern Chinese Association, Foochow Association Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Ann Koai Association, Sabah Eng Choon Association, Kota Kinabalu Hin Ann Association and Sabah Nam Ann Association.
There will also be Chinese calligraphy exhibition, children’s drawing contest and other exciting activities.
“Chinese New Year signifies a better year ahead. We have endured the pandemic and gone through a change in government in 2022.
“We look forward to a joyous and prosperous Year of the Rabbit.
“Members of the public are more than welcome to participate in the festivities.”
On another note, SICC representative attended the meeting yesterday to discuss details of the event.
Registration for the dragon, unicorn and lion dance festival is open till December 28, 2022 (Wednesday). Those who wish to participate can visit the secretariat at 11th floor, Wisma Budaya, fax to 088-221440, call 0128821440 or email to [email protected]
Entry to the Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival and Cultural Village Exhibition is free.
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