World-class dancers to grace Sarawak

KUCHING: Sarawak is confident to host World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) Open International Championship next year.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that organising the event would solidify the state’s position as an international hub for dance sport and performing arts.
“We want to encourage more young people to participate in sports and arts, ensuring the development of future talent,” Dr Sim said during the 2nd Borneo Open International Dancesport (BOIDC) Championship & Convention 2024 at a hotel yesterday (Nov 3).
He praised BOIDC as a nation-building event that promotes multiculturalism and inclusivity.
“In Sarawak, we are very welcoming and all these dances are multicultural, representing our inclusivity. These dances are part of nation building,” he said, crediting the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry and the Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Ministry for their support.
Dr Sim also thanked the Kuching Performing Arts Association (KPAA) and Tyng Dance Academy for their contributions to the state’s nation-building efforts.
“Sarawak 2024 is different from Sarawak 2014, and by 2030, it will be even more different. We invite you to come to Sarawak not just for the competition, but also for the sportsmanship and friendship that contribute to our nation building,” he added.
BOIDC 2024, the largest dance sport event ever hosted in Sarawak, united world-class athletes, coaches, and judges from around the globe.
With prestigious titles like WDSF Open and MYDF National Ranking, BOIDC 2024 featured high-level competitions, workshops, and cultural performances.
A key highlight was the over USD12,000 in cash prizes, the largest in Malaysian DanceSport history, awarded across various categories.
More than 190 athletes from 17 countries, including Malaysia, China, Singapore, France, Moldova, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Spain, Kazakhstan, Italy, and the United Kingdom, participated in the event.