(Miri, 21st) Effortlessly promoting the lion awakening culture, Miri Wei Sheng Sports Association's Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe Chairman Chi Zhi Da, has been awarded the 'Outstanding Figure in Dragon and Lion Dance Award' by the Malaysia Dragon and Lion Dance Federation, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the promotion of Chinese traditional culture over the decades.
This award was presented at the '2025 Dragon and Lion Dance Kingdom of Glory' award ceremony held on the evening of April 20 at Donghu Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. The event aims to recognize outstanding individuals with far-reaching influence in the development of dragon and lion dance arts.
The 46-year-old Chi Zhi Da has been involved in the lion dance industry since 1988, with more than 35 years of experience in organizing, teaching, competitions, and judging, making him a versatile figure in the local lion dance community. He is currently the chairman of the Miri Wei Sheng Sports Association's Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe, long committed to promoting the lion dance and martial arts culture.
Master Chi Zhi Da has studied under several famous lion dance masters, including those from the Foshan lineage, Zhao Li Cai, Chen Hong Sun, as well as from the Heshan lineage, Xiao Fei Hong, Guo Guan Sheng. He holds coaching and judging certifications in both Southern Lion Dance and Dragon Dance. Since 2005, he has been an internationally certified judge by the International Dragon and Lion Dance Federation and further obtained the Malaysian Dragon and Lion Dance Association Southern Lion Dance Coach Qualification in 2023.
He has led teams to participate in competitions at home and abroad, achieving remarkable results, including third place in the 2007 World Lion Dance Championship, champion of the 2022 Malaysian Hakka Blue Lion King Contest, and Golden Lion Award at the 2023 Kulai International High Pole Lion King Contest. Under his leadership, the lion dance troupe actively participates in community culture promotion, on-campus training, political and community activities, reaching primary and secondary schools as well as civic organizations, making a significant social impact.
Malaysia Dragon and Lion Dance Federation Organizing Committee Chairman Datuk Liao Chang Yu PhD stated that Chi Zhi Da not only professionally inherits the lion dance art but also makes substantial contributions in cultivating the youth and promoting community culture.
"His dedication and leadership are vital forces in bringing traditional art into the new era." He emphasized that the dragon and lion dance culture is a precious intangible cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. Master Chi's efforts have breathed new life into this culture, ensuring that it not only retains its traditional spirit but also resonates with contemporary expression.
This award ceremony included 8 awards in total, including the Honorary Master Award, Dragon and Lion King Leader Award, Dragon and Lion Event Vitality Award, Elite Referee Award, Outstanding Figure in Dragon and Lion Dance Award, Dragon and Lion Heritage Figure Award, Outstanding Dragon and Lion Elite Leader Award, and the Graceful Dragon and Lion Award. The Elite Referee Award is yet to be presented.
With more than 30 years of perseverance and dedication, Chi Zhi Da has brought the spirit and soul into the lion dances, also leading them into cultural sanctuaries. His story proves that as long as there is dedication and devotion, traditional culture can continue to live in people's hearts and become an indelible spiritual force in society.
This award was presented at the '2025 Dragon and Lion Dance Kingdom of Glory' award ceremony held on the evening of April 20 at Donghu Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. The event aims to recognize outstanding individuals with far-reaching influence in the development of dragon and lion dance arts.
The 46-year-old Chi Zhi Da has been involved in the lion dance industry since 1988, with more than 35 years of experience in organizing, teaching, competitions, and judging, making him a versatile figure in the local lion dance community. He is currently the chairman of the Miri Wei Sheng Sports Association's Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe, long committed to promoting the lion dance and martial arts culture.
Master Chi Zhi Da has studied under several famous lion dance masters, including those from the Foshan lineage, Zhao Li Cai, Chen Hong Sun, as well as from the Heshan lineage, Xiao Fei Hong, Guo Guan Sheng. He holds coaching and judging certifications in both Southern Lion Dance and Dragon Dance. Since 2005, he has been an internationally certified judge by the International Dragon and Lion Dance Federation and further obtained the Malaysian Dragon and Lion Dance Association Southern Lion Dance Coach Qualification in 2023.
He has led teams to participate in competitions at home and abroad, achieving remarkable results, including third place in the 2007 World Lion Dance Championship, champion of the 2022 Malaysian Hakka Blue Lion King Contest, and Golden Lion Award at the 2023 Kulai International High Pole Lion King Contest. Under his leadership, the lion dance troupe actively participates in community culture promotion, on-campus training, political and community activities, reaching primary and secondary schools as well as civic organizations, making a significant social impact.
Malaysia Dragon and Lion Dance Federation Organizing Committee Chairman Datuk Liao Chang Yu PhD stated that Chi Zhi Da not only professionally inherits the lion dance art but also makes substantial contributions in cultivating the youth and promoting community culture.
"His dedication and leadership are vital forces in bringing traditional art into the new era." He emphasized that the dragon and lion dance culture is a precious intangible cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. Master Chi's efforts have breathed new life into this culture, ensuring that it not only retains its traditional spirit but also resonates with contemporary expression.
This award ceremony included 8 awards in total, including the Honorary Master Award, Dragon and Lion King Leader Award, Dragon and Lion Event Vitality Award, Elite Referee Award, Outstanding Figure in Dragon and Lion Dance Award, Dragon and Lion Heritage Figure Award, Outstanding Dragon and Lion Elite Leader Award, and the Graceful Dragon and Lion Award. The Elite Referee Award is yet to be presented.
With more than 30 years of perseverance and dedication, Chi Zhi Da has brought the spirit and soul into the lion dances, also leading them into cultural sanctuaries. His story proves that as long as there is dedication and devotion, traditional culture can continue to live in people's hearts and become an indelible spiritual force in society.