SMAA unleashes new lion for Kuching outing

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Zhen Yang (second left) and Hau Yang (third left) perform the eye-dotting ceremony as (from left) Choon Kui and Yung look on.

SIBU: Sibu Martial Arts (Guanshu) Association (SMAA) has unveiled a new lion for the 3rd Plaza Merdeka Lion Dance Traditional International Level competition to be held in Kuching on Jan 20.

The eye-dotting ceremony for the lion was jointly  performed by Soon Zhen Yang and Soon Hou Yang, the two sons of the sponsor, Soon Choon Kui, at Sibu Eng Ann Teng Temple last weekend.

SMAA president Yung Dah Looh said the lion is the latest addition to its ‘stable of lions’ at its premises.

“We will also use it for our annual Chinese New Year lion dance performance,” he added.

Yung also hoped that the SMAA team will return with something to show for the Kuching outing.

The team is led by 18-year-olds Hii Wei Bai (lion tail) and Sia Ming You (lion head) who have accolades in both the divisional and state level lion dance competitions.

They are training under coach Chua Hock Hua at SMAA centre in Lanang Road nightly.