Liew (centre) handing over the Malaysian flag to Yeh (on her right), witnessed by Yong (on Liew’s left), BoD members and association officials. In the foreground is the 12-member 24 Festive Drums of Kian Kok Middle School.
KOTA KINABALU (Mar 13): The Kian Kok Middle School’s 24 Festive Drums Team will be performing in the 2025 Hainan Wenchang-Nanyang Cultural Festival in China next month.
The 12-member troupe, the sole participating team from Malaysia, has been invited to join the Federation of Hainan Associations Malaysia on a cultural journey to Wenchang, Hainan to take part in the 2025 Hainan Wenchang – Nanyang Cultural Festival.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew has pledged a contribution of RM20,000 in support of the team.
She said the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment has always placed great importance on and fully supported the activities of the drum troupe as the 24 Festive Drums is not only a significant symbol of Chinese culture but also a mirror reflecting the rich multicultural society of Sabah.
“As a unique and distinctive cultural performance, this drumming art embodies the harmony and coexistence of Sabah’s diverse ethnic cultures.
“Sabah is a land of racial and cultural diversity, and the 24 Festive Drums is a vibrant representation of this diversity. Cultural activities like this help foster greater understanding and respect among different communities, further strengthening multiracial harmony and unity,” she said at the flag presentation ceremony of Kian Kok Middle School’s 24 Festive Drums Team at the school hall on Thursday.
The minister presented the Malaysian flag to the team, which was received by the chairman of the Kian Kok Middle School Board of Directors, Datuk Clement Yeh, and witnessed by the president of the Federation of Hainan Associations Malaysia, Datuk George Yong Ket How. Also present was the principal Goh Teck Seng.
Yeh and Yong expressed their appreciation to the minister for supporting the 24 Festive Drums team’s participation in the festival.
Describing this as a momentous event, Liew said it marked not only the team’s journey onto the international stage but also the brilliance of Malaysian culture.
“You, the pride of the Chinese community, are not only representing your school but also serving as cultural ambassadors of Malaysia. You are carrying the essence of Malaysian culture to China and showcasing our diversity, inclusivity, and innovation to the world,” she told the team members.
“I wish the 24 Festive Drums Team of Kian Kok Middle School great success in this cultural festival. May the cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China continue to flourish.”
Saying the school’s privileged participation is an important link in promoting Malaysia-China cultural exchange, the minister said this is more than just a cultural exchange.
“It is a bridge of friendship that will strengthen the ties between the two nations, fostering greater mutual understanding and trust through cultural resonance.
“Through cultural exchange events like this, we enable more people in China to appreciate Malaysian culture and witness the Malaysian Chinese community’s dedication to preserving and cherishing their heritage,” Liew noted.
Rooted in the profound traditions of Chinese culture and enriched by Malaysia’s multicultural influences, the 24 Festive Drums, which originated in Johor Bahru, Malaysia in 1988, has evolved through time and innovation into a unique art form.
“Which means it is not only a source of pride for Malaysian Chinese but also a shared cultural treasure for all Malaysians.”
The minister also congratulated all the teachers and students of Kian Kok Middle School.
“Your dedication and achievements have not only brought honour to your school but also made a significant contribution to Sabah’s cultural landscape.”
Liew commended the school’s Board of Directors (BoD) for supporting cultural activities by nurturing the team to be one of the key artistic groups, enabling students to not only excel academically but also showcase their talents on the international stage.
From her observation, since its establishment in 2019, Kian Kok Middle School’s 24 Festive Drums has grown into a professionally trained group and become an integral part of the school’s cultural identity. “With the BoD’s continued support, the team will undoubtedly continue to thrive, not only preserving Chinese cultural heritage but also inspiring more young people to experience the power of culture through drumming.”
This initiative will contribute to the development of Chinese education in Malaysia, ensuring that cultural traditions remain vibrant for future generations, Liew added.
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