KOTA KINABALU: SMJK Chung Hwa Tenom students showcased the Murut traditional Magunatip dance at the 26th International Istanbul HarmanFolk Folk-Dance Music Festival/Competition in Turkiye (29 May – 1 June), winning Overall Champion and Best Performance Award among 13 global teams.
The dance, known for its agility and rhythmic bamboo clapping, impressed international audiences and highlighted Sabah’s rich cultural heritage. The team also ended Russia’s previous winning streak.
Culture coach Siti Faridah Lawadin credited the students’ hard work and community support. The success not only promoted local tradition globally but also strengthened Malaysia–Turkiye ties through cultural diplomacy.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});The group returned to Sabah on 10 June and was warmly welcomed by education officials, school leaders, and the community.
Other Malaysian heritage performances, including fan dance and silat, were also featured.