SIBU: Six months of hard work and preparation finally paid off for a group of students from four schools in Kanowit when they triumphed in three categories at the International Youth Performing Arts Championship (YPAC) 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur.

Team leader Samuel Setia Anding said the group won a gold medal in the Traditional Trio U12 category with their Ngajat Iban performance, a platinum medal in the Traditional Dance Ensemble U12 category for the Orang Ulu dance, and a silver medal in the Traditional Dance Ensemble U12 category for the fan dance.

The Ngajat Iban and fan dance performances were choreographed by Samuel himself, while the Orang Ulu dance choreography was created by Bryan Omega David.

“I am truly grateful for this success.
At first, we only aimed for one gold medal, but thank God, we managed to win in all the categories we entered,” he said when contacted today.

The competition, organised by Blue Sky Dance Theatre in collaboration with the Malaysian Culture and Arts Association, was held from October 25 to 31, bringing together participants aged four to 70 years old from various countries.

Participants competed in categories such as modern dance, contemporary, ballet, traditional or folk dance, Latin or ballroom, K-pop, ukulele, musical instruments, and singing.

The Kanowit team was the only representative from Sarawak, consisting of seven students from SK Nanga Ngungun, six from SK Nanga Tada, four from SK St. Francis Xavier, and two from SK Nanga Jagau.

“We trained for six months at SK St. Francis Xavier since the other schools are located quite far apart.
Distance was never a barrier for us.
We held training three times a week for nearby schools and twice a week for those farther away.
Students from remote areas such as SK Nanga Jagau would stay overnight at my house or at other teachers’ homes during training sessions,” he explained.

Samuel also expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Education Department, the Kanowit District Education Office, teachers, parents, and sponsors for their continuous support and contributions.

He added that their participation not only highlighted the uniqueness of Sarawak’s traditional dances, but also gave rural students the opportunity to experience life in a big city.

“Some of them had only ever seen the Petronas Twin Towers on their phones or on television, and now they’ve seen them in person.
This experience motivates them to study harder so they can pursue their education here in the future,” he said.

Samuel further hoped the group could continue participating in similar competitions annually, as it not only motivates students but also contributes to their Physical, Sports and Co-Curricular Assessment (PAJSK) scores.

“As the Cultural Technical Officer for Kanowit District, I want to see more students actively involved in cultural dance activities,” he added.

The team was accompanied by Alvin Chan, Joycee Jawai Philip, Mohd Zurairi Raini, Monica Minggu, and Tadong Empuau.

Source by https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2025/10/28/pasukan-murid-dari-kanowit-ungguli-tiga-kategori-dalam-ypac-2025