Selandar: Eighteen teams nationwide took part in the 2025 YB Along Trophy national-level Lion and Dragon Dance Competition at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Chiao Chee, Selandar today. Teams from Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Selangor, Kelantan, and Melaka are participating in the inaugural competition, organized by the Asahan State Assembly Development and Coordination Committee Office (Japerun).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Asahan state assemblyman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan highlighted that the event serves as a platform to foster unity and appreciate the cultural and artistic heritage of the multi-racial community in the country. He noted that the development of the lion and dragon dance has transcended racial boundaries, involving participants from various races and serving as an element of unity.

“The competition allows others to get to know the art and traditions of the Chinese people, besides indirectly attracting visitors to the Asahan area,” Fairul Nizam said after officiating the opening of the competition. The event was also attended by state Health, Human Resources, and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem.

Fairul Nizam expressed his intention to continue hosting the competition due to the encouraging response. The competition offers RM3,000 cash to the winner, RM2,000 to the runner-up, and RM1,000 to the third-placed team.