Fukuoka City, Japan – In a momentous milestone, Malaysians performed for the first time in Fukuoka since the Ipoh-Fukuoka twin city relationship began in 1989. Dancers from the Persatuan Seni Tarian dan Pendidikan Antarabangsa (PSTPA) represented Ipoh in this historic event, marking a proud cultural exchange between the two cities.
This invitation to perform in Fukuoka City followed the Fukuoka City delegation’s visit to Ipoh during the Visit Ipoh Festival earlier this year in August, further cementing the close ties between the cities. As part of this reciprocal cultural exchange, the Ipoh delegation, represented by PSTPA, showcased Malaysia’s talents on an international stage.
PSTPA was invited by Fukuoka City Hall to be the opening act for the Creators Festival, held on 12 and 13 October 2024, an annual event celebrating arts, culture, and technology, with over 130,000 attendees. The festival was also live-streamed, allowing audiences all across Japan to enjoy the performances. The 30-minute performance blended traditional and contemporary dance, offering audiences a sneak peek of the highly anticipated ‘Puteri Gunung Ledang’ production, set to launch its world tour in Fukuoka City next year.
The Ipoh delegation not only showcased their performance talents but also promoted the cultural richness of Ipoh. Their booth featured the city’s famous White Coffee, traditional Malaysian games like Congkak and Batu Seremban, opportunities to try on traditional costumes, and displays of Perak Batik. This representation of Malaysia highlighted the significance of cultural tourism and forged deeper connections between the twin cities.
Ms. Uehara Satomi, Head of International Relations at Fukuoka City Hall, commented, “We are delighted to host PSTPA and their dancers. This cultural exchange strengthens the bond between Fukuoka and Ipoh, and the talent showcased by the dancers truly enriches our Creators Festival.”
Ms. Audrey Kwan, President of PSTPA, expressed her pride, “We are incredibly honored to bring our student dancers to Fukuoka. At PSTPA, our mission is to prioritize the growth and development of our dancers, providing them with exceptional opportunities to showcase their talents on an international stage. We are dedicated to fostering excellence in their artistry and performance, ensuring they gain invaluable experiences that inspire confidence, creativity, and a lifelong passion for dance.”
The young dancers, Aleeya Hassani, Afeeya Hassani, Lou Cay Cc, Kuo Zi Ing, and Amanda Cheah, represented Malaysia with grace and poise. Reflecting on the experience, Aleeya Hassani said, “Performing in Fukuoka has been life-changing. It has inspired me to keep growing as a dancer and to continue sharing our culture with the world.”
PSTPA is now inviting dancers aged 16 and above to audition for the “Puteri Gunung Ledang” world tour, which will premiere in Fukuoka next year, marking another step in international cultural collaboration.
This initiative was proudly supported by the Cultural Economy Policy and Research Centre (CEPARC), showcasing its commitment to fostering cultural exchanges and creating opportunities for young artists.
For more information about auditions or to support PSTPA’s future performances, please contact pstpa.my@gmail.com
Sponsor: Cultural Economy Policy and Research Centre
Official Partners: Fukuoka City Hall, Visit Ipoh Festival, Tourism Malaysia
