Sarawak's ‘Little Bornean Birdie' soars to silver at Dance World Cup Finals in Spain
KUCHING (July 5): Sarawakian talent Dion Das Louis, fondly known as the 'Little Bornean Birdie', has made the state and country proud by clinching second place at the prestigious Dance World Cup World Finals in Burgos, Spain.
The nine-year-old SK Green Road pupil represented Malaysia in the Mini Solo National and Folklore category, performing an ethnic creative dance inspired by the traditional Ngajat Iban and two of Sarawak's iconic birds – the Burung Ruai (Great Argus) and the Kenyalang Hornbill.
He outshone 34 other contestants from around the world, scoring an impressive 93.8 points – just 0.3 points behind the gold medalist from Germany.
'Truth be told, I was initially nervous as there were a lot of good dancers from all over the world at the competition,' he told The Borneo Post in a WhatsApp message conveyed through his mother Edina Lanying.
'But I am very happy and proud to have made it this far on the international stage and given the opportunity to compete against the 34 dancers,' he added.
Dion's performance was accompanied by original music composed by local bands Sada Borneo and At Adau.
His vibrant parade costume was specially designed by Sarawakian designer Gilbert Headhunter, who is based in Kuala Lumpur.
Dion during his performance which was inspired by the traditional Ngajat Iban and Sarawak's iconic birds 'Burung Ruai' (Great Argus) and the Kenyalang Hornbill. – Photos courtesy of Edina Lanying
'We are incredibly proud of Dion's achievement. It was a tough one as there were a lot of amazing dancers at the competition,' said Edina.
She added that she and her husband, Louis Lansam, plan to enrol Dion in more international events next year, and hope to see him represent Malaysia at global cultural festivals.
The family also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who made Dion's journey possible, including the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra); Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Ghee Hua Group of Companies; Kelab Kaban Golf Samarahan; International Education Legacy Foundation; and the United Asia Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce.
Dion's achievement drew praise from Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who congratulated the young talent in a post on his official Facebook page.
'Heartiest congratulations to Dion for winning 2nd Place (Mini Solo National & Folklore – Ethnic Creative) at the 2025 World Finals of Dance World Cup!' he wrote. Dance World Cup World Finals Dion Das Louis Little Bornean Birdie Spain
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Adidas and Dion Cools unveil heritage-inspired jersey
ADIDAS MALAYSIA launches a limited edition jersey inspired by national footballer Dion Cools, celebrating his heritage, cultural identity, and remarkable football journey. This jersey, a seamless blend of culture and performance, symbolises national pride, resilience, and unity. Designed in collaboration with Dion Cools – the first Malaysian to play for Japanese top-flight club Cerezo Osaka and a key defender for the Malaysian national team – the jersey reflects the athlete's deep connection to his roots and the nation he represents. Collaboration with Dion Cools A stalwart in Malaysia's national team since 2021, Dion Cools has become a symbol of local football defined by grit, leadership and cultural pride. The limited edition jersey reflects this narrative, drawing from Dion's standout performances and his unwavering commitment to representing the country at the highest level. 'Football has given me an incredible platform to represent where I come from and what I stand for. Partnering with adidas on this jersey let me tell that story in a whole new way. adidas has always stood for pushing boundaries. Through this collaboration, I hope to inspire others to embrace their identity and push for greatness,' said Dion Cools. Celebrating Culture Through Sport Born in Kuching, Sarawak and raised in Belgium, Dion was eligible to represent either country at international level, but ultimately chose to wear the Malaysian badge. This jersey design honours that decision: Infused with heritage-inspired patterns and modern performance detailing, the design reflects the duality of Dion's roots and career. 'At adidas, we believe in the power of sport to unite cultures, amplify stories and create new possibilities. Dion's story reflects everything adidas stands for: cultural authenticity, bold choices, and performance at the highest level,' said Preston Page, Country Manager, adidas Malaysia. The Dion Cools limited edition jersey is available in two colourways at select adidas stores and online via Retailing at RM169, consumers will get to redeem a complimentary collectible Dion Cools player card with each purchase, while stocks last.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
‘The Continuum: 3 Generasi' honours legacy of Raphael Scott Ahbeng, nurtures future of Sarawak art
Sylvester (left) explains one of his paintings at Hoan Gallery. With him is Faizuan. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 24): Bidayuh artist Sylvester Jussem hopes the legacy of his late mentor, the renowned Raphael Scott Ahbeng, will continue to inspire future generations through the 'The Continuum: 3 Generasi' art exhibition. Currently running at La Promenade Mall's Hoan Gallery, the exhibition features works by three artists: the late Raphael, Sylvester himself, and Dr Mohamad Faizuan Mat, a mentee of Sylvester. 'This exhibition, jointly presented by the State Library and Hoan Gallery as their second major showcase of 2025, celebrates Sarawak's dynamic visual arts scene through the works of three generations,' Sylvester said when met at the gallery yesterday. Approximately 40 artworks are on display, with an estimated collective value of RM200,000. Sylvester also expressed gratitude to Hoan Gallery for providing a platform to showcase their creative journeys, describing the exhibition as an important opportunity for Sarawak's art community to engage with the public. 'It also presents an opportunity to engage with researchers, students, and art enthusiasts on visual arts and cultural heritage,' he said. Noting the growing interest in visual arts in Kuching, he added that the exhibition offers a valuable space not only to showcase their work but also to connect with a wider audience. 'We hope this momentum will lead to more exhibitions and increased support for local artists in the future.' Sylvester, who had studied under Raphael from a young age, described the late artist as a pioneering figure known for his bold experimentation and refusal to be confined by a single artistic approach. He noted that Raphael's work spanned oils, ceramics, caricatures, figurative art, and abstraction, reflecting a deep engagement with Sarawak's natural and cultural landscapes. 'He began his creative journey through writing and believed that writing itself was a form of drawing. 'He was also a teacher who welcomed feedback and encouraged dialogue. His spirit continues to inspire us,' said Sylvester. He also emphasised the importance of expanding gallery spaces to support emerging Sarawakian artists, particularly those working in installation, projection, and multimedia art. Highlighting the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the local art scene, Sylvester noted that artistic collaborations now often extend to professionals from fields such as architecture and engineering. 'Art is evolving, and we need more space for contemporary expression to accommodate a growing number of artists. 'It is also encouraging to see creatives from different backgrounds joining the conversation – the art community is becoming more inclusive and dynamic.' 'The Continuum: 3 Generasi' features some of Raphael's most iconic works, including The Mountainous District of Bau (2010) and Santubong (2014), which reflect his signature style and deep reverence for Sarawak's landscape. Sylvester's contributions, such as Ruyank'ng and Rasunk'ng of the Ring Ladies, Kampung Semban (2023), incorporate abstract representations of traditional attire, ritual, and symbolism rooted in Bumiputera identity. Meanwhile, Faizuan brings an experimental and contemporary perspective to the exhibition. His abstract works – influenced by natural forces such as tidal waves and wind – aim to convey emotional resonance through motion and layered texture. 'This exhibition symbolises continuity and dialogue between generations. It honours the past while paving the way for future voices in the arts,' said Sylvester. The exhibition is open to the public from tomorrow (July 25) to Aug 14, and offers a series of artist-led talks, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions aimed to enhance public appreciation for Sarawak's visual arts. For further information, visit or follow @HoanArtGallery on social media. art exhibition hoan gallery lead Sylvester Jussem The Continuum: 3 Generasi
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Nest of memories and heritage
THE vast depths of the Niah Caves form a stunning backdrop to a new short film from Sarawak about a father and daughter and their community's tradition of bird's nest harvesting. Written and directed by Sarawakian filmmaker Danish Busmah, Space Between not only showcases Niah's natural beauty but explores a father's relationship with his young daughter as they navigate the weight of heritage and unspoken love between them. It's a story inspired by local culture and heritage, something that Danish hopes fellow filmmakers will explore in their work. ''Space Between is more than just a short film, it is a deeply personal story about a daughter, her father and the silent weight of memory, grief and love. 'Space Between' was shot on location in the Niah Caves. — Photo courtesy of 21 Ways Film 'But behind the fiction lies something real: our collective desire as Sarawakians to tell the stories that matter, stories that come from our heritage and lived experiences,' he said at the film's premiere screening in Kuching ahead of its release on TVS on June 15 in conjunction with Father's Day. Featuring local actors Julai Billie and Darweesha Dasuki as the father and daughter, Space Between was filmed on location at Niah National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Danish said the 12-minute film is likely the first to be shot in the heart of the Niah Caves. 'The caves and the surrounding area are home to the generational tradition of bird's nest harvesting. The movie showcases the natural beauty of the Niah Caves. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star 'It is this world and this legacy that inspired the emotional core of this short film.' The story also has a personal connection for him, as his father comes from Kampung Lobang Batu, Serian, which has a similar tradition of collecting bird's nests. 'That's where I got the inspiration for the story. Then we expanded it to Niah, because we feel the grandeur of the location is very understated and we really wanted to emphasise the beauty that we have.' Produced by 21 Ways Film, a Sarawakian production house, Space Between was supported by the Sarawak heritage, arts and culture facilitation fund in collaboration with TVS. Danish said the film is proof that Sarawakian stories are worth telling, not only for a local audience but for global viewers. Local actors Julai (right) and Darweesha (centre) played the father and daughter in 'Space Between', directed by Danish (left). With plans to submit Space Between to international film festivals by next year, he hoped its story will go beyond Sarawak's shores while remaining rooted in local culture and traditions. 'I truly believe this is only the beginning for all of us. We look forward to seeing more of our voices and vision taking the stage,' he said.
