Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor is expected to officiate the 2023 Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on January 7.
The auspicious event is an annual cultural extravaganza organized by The United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK).
USCCAKK President Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen said the lion dance performances will start at noon while the Chief Minister is expected to arrive at 2pm.
All would be entertained by the dragon, unicorn and lion dances, Chinese New Year songs and appearance by the God of Fortune to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
“There will be 100 troupes of the Dragons, Unicorns and Lions dance to perform with their special and wonderful performance. The programme will end at 6.30pm.
“A children’s colouring contest is added as a new segment to complement the celebrations,” she said.
Present at the briefing were Datuk Frankie Liew, Professor Datuk Foo Ngee Kee, Datuk Tan Kai Teck, Datuk Wong Hai Ming, Datuk Wong Ten An and Kapitan Foo Hoe Weng.
She said more than 45 kinds of Chinese traditional food and pastries will be showcased by the different communities represented by the 15 affiliated associations of USCCAKK.
“Besides food and pastries, the associations will feature their distinctive customs, such as utensils and traditional attire.
“The Cultural Village Exhibition will be a wonderful display of culture and food and pastries this year, and the public have the opportunity to sample the delicious food,” Susan said.
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.
The Cultural Village Exhibition will be jointly launched by the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Huang Shifang, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Chan Foong Hin, followed by a tour of the booths.
There would also be Chinese calligraphy exhibition and dance performance depicting the China-Malaysia friendship by the Confucius Institute.
The children’s colouring contest will be divided into three groups, namely Group A (Kindergarten), Group B (Year 1 to 3) and Group C (Year 4 to 6).
“The first place winner will receive RM100 cash prize, followed by RM70 for the second prize and RM50 for the third place. There will be 20 consolation prizes for the three groups whereby the recipients will bring home RM20 cash prize. Every participant will receive certificates and rabbit mascots.
Those who wish to participate should register by January 1, 2023 or until the slots are full. Participants are requested to register their attendance at 9am at SICC on the day of the contest. Each child must bring along their own colouring materials,” Susan said.
Entrance to the Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival and Cultural Village Exhibition is free.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
