By Gundohing John T
KOTA KINABALU: The United Sabah Chinese Communities Associations Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) expressed its appreciation to the Sabah government for continued support of the annual Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival.
USCCAKK president Datuk Susan Wong said organising the Chinese New Year Dragons, Unicorns and Lions Dance Festival not only needs a large number of manpower but also needs to spend a big amount of money, because the admission for the events is free of charge.
“But luckily, we have all the support from our state government, the Chinese consul and all the generous sponsors.
“For successful organize this events by USCCAKK, we would like to specially thank and appreciate very much to our state government under the good leadership by the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor to giving us strong support by allocate a grant of RM300,000 to USCCAKK,” she said.
USCCAKK also thanks the financial support from the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, His Excellency, Dr Zhu Xinglong. “We also appreciate the sponsorship from our Chinese community leaders and generous sponsors,” she said.
The festival was officiated by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Hajiji Haji Noor.
The annual Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival drew 124 troupes from across Sabah and beyond, attracting large crowds to one of the state’s most recognisable cultural celebrations.
Susan said the festival has grown into a signature Chinese New Year event after being organised for more than 40 years.
She noted that the Year of the Horse symbolises good luck, wealth and prosperity, and she expressed her wishes for good health, happiness and abundance in the year ahead.
Of the 124 participating dragon, unicorn and lion dance troupes, 40 performances were scheduled for the day due to time constraints, with shows continuing into the evening.
Susan said that the festival, which was previously held at Padang Merdeka and later at the Likas Sports Complex, has found a more suitable home at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), where troupes can perform more comfortably in a covered venue.
Meanwhile, Susan said, this year, 2026 Chinese New Year falls in February, and three more weeks from today, on 17 February 2026, is the first day of the lunar Chinese New Year.
“Our today’s Dragon, Unicorn and Lion dance festival events are telling everyone that Chinese New Year is around the corner, so get ready to celebrate Chinese New Year,” she added.
Among the dignitaries who attended the events were the Federal Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Chan Foong Hin; former Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew; former Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Sabah, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe; President of the Council of the Justices of the Peace Sabah (MAJAPS), Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Clarence Bongkos Malakun, J.P. and Datin Seri Panglima Sylvia Wong Malakun; Director General Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Datuk Sr Lifred Wong and USCCAKK deputy president, also the Organising Chairman of the CNY festival event, Datuk Sr Chua Soon Ping.
