Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Fatt Chun Lion Dance Association has put the State’s name on the world stage by being the sole representative from Malaysia to be featured in a special documentary to promote lion dance towards Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) recognition.
The programme, filmed here and in Foshan, China earlier this year, also aimed to strengthen cultural and tourism ties between the two nations.
It was co-produced by China Media Group (CMG) and Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) coordinated by the Dragon and Lion Dance Federation of Malaysia.
The documentary is expected to premiere later this year as part of the campaign to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Sabah Fatt Chun Lion Dance Association founder and coach Macson Enrico Eastermon, who was invited to participate in the filming session in Foshan together with two of his lion dancers, Mike Maxwell Mathias and Sani Hassan Banjal, said it was an unforgettable experience for them.
“It was an honour to be involved in the filming sessions in Foshan, China, which is the birthplace of the modern lion dance.
“We got to experience the rich cultural exchange, learning kung fu basics, exploring the intricate art of lion head crafting and also performing alongside China’s legendary Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Troupe at the Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum.
“This opportunity not only deepened our understanding of the lion dance’s roots but also inspired our team to continue promoting this heritage among Sabah’s younger generation,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Dragon and Lion Dance Federation President Fong Kong Yip and Secretary-General Ching Xiao Fong for their invitation to take part in the programme.
