Malaysian Dance Team Wins Top Award in Indonesia

KOTA KINABALU: The Windbreeze–Alpha Dance Team has once again brought honour to Malaysia by achieving outstanding success at the West Java International Fun Folk Festival 2026, held in Subang, West Java, Indonesia from 16 to 21 July 2026.

Representing Malaysia, this delegation is under the auspices of the Windbreeze Cultural Association in collaboration with Alpha Infinity Dance Group (Alpha Sports Academy), with the mission of introducing Malaysia’s unique arts, culture, and heritage to the international community through traditional and creative dance performances.

The Malaysian delegation was led by Mohd Hairul Nazmie bin Talib as Team Leader, Coach, and Choreographer, assisted by Yee Wai Kiong as Assistant Coach, and Yen Suriati Sukarti, a representative from Alpha Sports Academy, who accompanied the Malaysian contingent throughout the festival.

The dancers representing Malaysia comprised:  

Mohamad Rizqee Aisykurnia Bin Ali (17)  

Yeo Jing Yew (16)  

Lim Qi Siang (18)  

Charlestson Lam Fung (15)  

Faiz Affendy (16)  

Dylan Yong Hao Kong (13)  

Bryan Chin Zi Yang (19)  

Muhammad Syazwan Bin Mohd Ramli (29)

Also accompanying the team were two chaperones, Sebah binti Anjal and J. Hamidah binti Repin.

During the festival, the Malaysian team performed three main acts that received warm applause from international audiences, namely:  Rinana Ie Tuow – Murut Creative Dance , Lum Samah – Bajau Creative Dance  

The highlight of Malaysia’s participation was when the Windbreeze–Alpha Dance Team was awarded the Overall Best Choreography Award, surpassing entries from several other countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, and India.

This prestigious recognition affirms that Malaysian choreography creativity, disciplined performance, and cultural heritage can stand shoulder to shoulder and compete on the international stage.

In addition to participating in competitions and cultural performances, the participants also had the opportunity to engage in various cultural exchange activities organised by the event organisers. These included a traditional Indonesian batik-making workshop, as well as visits to several tourist and heritage sites around Subang and Bandung, further strengthening friendship and cultural understanding between Malaysia and Indonesia.

As a mark of appreciation for Malaysia’s participation, the Windbreeze–Alpha Dance Team was honoured with a courtesy visit and was invited to attend a luncheon with the Subang Regent,  Reynaldi Putra Andita Budi Raemi, held at the Regent’s Official Residence. This meeting reflected the close cultural and people-to-people diplomatic ties between the two nations through the arts.

In another high-impact programme, the Malaysian team was also invited to participate in the Malaysia–Indonesia Cultural Cross-Over Programme at SD Muhammadiyah 7, Bandung, West Java. The presence of the Malaysian delegation was greeted enthusiastically by over 1,000 students and educators, who had the opportunity to watch Malaysian cultural performances and interact directly with the dancers.

This programme not only introduced Indonesia’s youth to Malaysia’s diverse cultures but also strengthened friendship, mutual understanding, and a shared spirit through the medium of arts and culture.

Team Leader, Mohd Hairul Nazmie Talib, said that this success was the result of the dedication, discipline, and exceptional spirit demonstrated by all members of the team throughout their preparation and participation in the festival.  

“This award is not just a victory for our team but also a honour for Malaysia. We have brought Sabah and Malaysian cultural identity to the international stage, and receiving the Overall Best Choreography Award proves that our cultural arts hold great value in the eyes of the world. We hope this achievement will inspire more young people to continue loving, preserving, and promoting our national heritage.”

The Windbreeze Cultural Association and Alpha Infinity Dance Group extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who supported, trusted, and collaborated with us throughout Malaysia’s participation in the West Java International Fun Folk Festival 2026.

"We hope this success will serve as a catalyst for ongoing efforts to empower Malaysian arts and culture on the global stage, as well as strengthen cultural diplomacy between Malaysia and neighbouring countries."