17 Sarawak Artists Participate in ASAN Ethnic Dance Festival 2025 in South Korea

Kuching, 18 September 2025 – A total of 17 artists from Sarawak participated in the ASAN Ethnic Dance Festival 2025, themed “Cultural Connectivity through Dance”. The prestigious festival was held on 13–14 September 2025 in Asan City, Chungcheong Province, South Korea, organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts – National Committee on Dance, South Korea.

The Sarawak delegation consisted of professional groups including the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF), The Dance Academy Kuching (TDAK), as well as local Sarawak dancers. They performed traditional dances accompanied by live traditional music under the coordination of the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS). The official delegation was led by Ms. Yusfida Khalid.

The ASAN Ethnic Dance Festival has become an important platform for celebrating cultural diversity, strengthening exchange, and fostering collaboration among dance groups from around the world. This year’s event brought together at least five international dance groups alongside approximately five professional dance groups from South Korea.

The main objective of the festival is to enhance the knowledge and skills of ethnic dancers, choreographers, and dance educators through multi-cultural performances as expressions of creative heritage. At the same time, it aims to strengthen international networks among dance practitioners and promote cross-cultural understanding through unique traditional dance showcases from each country.

The participation of Sarawak artists in this festival not only elevated the state’s cultural arts onto the international stage but also reinforced Malaysia’s role in promoting cultural diversity globally.