Gracing the Lion Dance Hornbill Cup 2011 today, he said the event had attracted 16 troupes from throughout the state, and this showed the capability of the people.

He said the successful hosting had given him faith in the people, and he looked forward to the hosting of more such cultural activities in future.

Tiong, who is also the chairman of BN Backbenchers’ Club, said he was happy with the formation of Bintulu ?????, adding it had come from people with a passion for wushu and lion and dragon dances.

“I am confident they will bear the cultural torch for our town. Not long ago, their troupe has just returned with a champion title in a lion dance tournament in Kuching.”

Tiong also boosted the spirit of the participating troupes, saying they would be the fore-runners in the cultural art in Sarawak.

He said the tournament provided a platform for exchanges so that the troupes would soar in their achievements together

He cautioned that championship title would only go to those determined in training, and therefore, not a single team would always stay on top, for there would be others who would outshine the rest with stronger determination.

He believed the performances of the cultural art would help lure youths to the art, thereby help to promote wushu as well, as the two activities were part and parcel of the art. 

He hoped when youths were into it, they would not abuse it for bully or for boasting gangsters’ activities.

He hoped more troupes would participate in future; he suggested increasing the cash price awards.

He said he and Senator Pau Chiong Ung would sponsor the host financially in future.

Also present in the event were Datuk Pui Kiong Onn, the organising chairman Chen Jia Jun, Chairman of Bintulu Jin Wu Sports Association Ngie Guong Xin, Kapitan Ling Ah Ling and the 16 troupes from Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Sarikei and Bintulu.