Education

Keeping Traditional Dance alive

13 May 2026 - Hextarworld at Empire City. Today is the final day of ‘Karnival Kokurikulum Pendidikan Khas 2026’. Featuring the finals for the cup stacking competition and the dance competition day. 

12 schools competed for the best dance performance today. Showcasing their talent in traditional dance routines, the students had 2 weeks to prepare for the performance. Dressed in full traditional costumes, each group performed 3 songs in front of the crowd and judges. Congratulations to the winners, 3rd place went to SMK Sri Utama, 2nd place went to SMK Taman Medan and the winner of the competition was SMK Kelana Jaya.

Officiated by the District Education Officer from the Petaling Utama District Education Office, Pn. Haniza Binti Mohd Jabar @ Ibrahim, the prize giving ceremony was complemented by APHD's Director of Content, En. Mohamad Sofwan. Each winning contestant received a trophy, certificate and cash prizes. 

"APHD is again proud to support initiatives by The Ministry of Education in educational activities such s performing arts and cultural development. We hope to continue our support in future programs in line with the channel's objective in becoming the premier educational channel for knowledge" said En. Sofwan 

Hextarworld at Empire City is an ideal place to hold such an event as it has the capacity and suitable staging area for such activities. The prize giving ceremony for cup stacking and drawing was complemented by Ms. Daphne Yon, the Head of Events at Hextar World Empire City Mall. This is the 2nd time Hextar World is a sponsor for such events, the first being in support of the ‘Tarian Sekolah-Sekolah Malaysia’ event 2026 held recently at the same venue. 

In the hopes of further developing skills for special education needs and students in general, this event was a successful attempt at promoting such values and as a showcase to the public on what is achievable by the youth and special needs individuals when guided in honesty and passion by educators and with the support of the public in general. 

The next event will be the Selangor State finals which will be held at the same location in Hextarworld in June 2026. Hopefully such events will keep the passion of traditional dance alive amongst the younger generation and will foster more participation from all students especially special needs individuals, keeping our culture and heritage alive for the future.