Cover image via Zakiy Muayyad (Provided to SAYS)
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Malaysian students recently made the country proud with their performances at the Traditional Folklore Dance Competition, held alongside Seoul 2026: Folklore Congress & Art in Motion at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea
The event, held from 30 January to 1 February, brought together over 700 dancers from around the world, each presenting traditional and folklore-based performances that reflect their cultural heritage.
On the global stage, the Malaysian contingent shone with disciplined choreography, expressive storytelling, and performances rooted in traditional Malaysian dance.
Students competed in solo, duo, and group divisions across children, junior, and adult age groups.
The duo and group routines were particularly strong, with judges recognising the performers' teamwork, coordination, and synchronisation, highlighting their ability to work together while maintaining clarity and confidence in every movement.
The Malaysian contingent consisted of 31 students and five teachers, representing schools and institutions from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, and Sekolah Seni Malaysia Kuala Lumpur
Their participation reflects a combined effort by educators, parents, and the cultural ecosystem to provide students with international exposure in the performing arts.
Overall, the Malaysian students won second prizes in 12 categories across solo, duo, and group divisions, marking a significant achievement for the nation.
"It was competitive. Performing Randai in front of an international audience was cool and exciting," said 14-year-old Zayn Muallim from Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor, who won second place in the junior group category along with his teammates Eizzat, Maira, and Raisha.
Beyond the competition, the event provided a platform for cultural exchange, allowing participants to observe and learn from traditional performances by other countries
Liana Haris, a parent of two participants, said, "Seoul 2026: Art in Motion has certainly provided a rich experience for the kids, the teachers, and certainly for parents as well. It was refreshing to appreciate the traditional dances from various countries, so well preserved in the era of K-pop and various contemporary genres."
Participants across the various countries also attended a cultural dance workshop organised by the Korea Dance Organisation. This helped foster a deeper appreciation of global cultural diversity while strengthening their understanding of Malaysia's own heritage.
