TAMBUNAN: The Kiawayan Dance Club (KDC) of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kiawayan Tambunan, which made a name for itself on the international stage, will once again represent Malaysia at the Asia Folk 2024 Festival Competition to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on June 14-16.
SK Kiawayan Headmaster Geoffrey Joseph Chong said the KDC SK Kiawayan was the champion of the Harmanfolk Folklore Festival in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2019.
He said at that time, this club defeated 51 countries that competed in the festival.
“We are also determined and hope to defend the championship on the world stage this year,” he said when meeting at the Kampung Tondulu Kaamatan Festival celebration here recently.
SPONSORED CONTENT Hajiji says positive economic achievements prove Sabah govt’s commitment Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, emphasised that the positive economic achievements over the past three years underscore the Sabah government’s steadfast commitment to both the administration and development of the state. Read more He accompanied the club’s dance troupe, which performed at the event.
Geoffrey hopes for everyone’s support and prayers to help motivate the club’s dancers to once again make a name on the international stage for themselves and Sabah and Malaysia in general.
At the time, Geoffrey thanked the State Government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who approved the State Government’s contribution of RM30,000 to help with the travel and management costs of the club to Mongolia.
He also thanked Datin Seri Corrina Agnes Sinidol and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Tambunan Division Chief Dato’ Victor P Paut who donated RM20,000 and RM10,000, respectively, to the KDC.
He said the donations could help ease the club’s burden to cover its needs throughout the festival.
In addition, he also thanked all other contributors, whether through associations or individuals, for their help.
Meanwhile, Victor hopes that the KDC can make a name again on the world stage this year.
“I hope that, like in 2019, where they were world champions in the category they participated in, this time they will also be champions and carry the name of Sabah and Malaysia, which is important,” he said.
KDC has created a lot of success in dance competitions at the school, district, state and national levels before making a name for itself at the international level.
* 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.