Singapore’s Yi Wei Athletic Association defends world lion dance title in Genting

Singapore’s Yi Wei Athletic Association has successfully defended its crown at the 15th Genting World Lion Dance Championship, held on 27 July 2025 in Malaysia.

Yi Wei ended Malaysia’s 13-year winning streak when it first won the title in 2023, and has now cemented its dominance by taking the top two positions in this year’s edition.

The biennial event, organised by Resorts World Genting, is regarded as one of the most prestigious competitions in the global lion dance circuit.

Yi Wei sent two teams of eight performers each, both of which reached the final round. Team B emerged as the grand champion with a score of 9.78, while Team A secured the first runner-up position with 9.66 points.

The competition featured 40 teams from across the Asia-Pacific region, including participants from China, Hong Kong, and Australia.

Yi Wei’s Team A performed a Guan Gong-themed routine, inspired by the revered Chinese military general and deity symbolising loyalty and courage.

Team B’s performance was centred on Nezha, a youthful deity associated with heroism and defiance, and impressed judges with its dynamic choreography and precise acrobatics.

Malaysia’s Transport Minister Antony Loke presented the awards during the closing ceremony. The event also coincided with Resorts World Genting’s 60th anniversary, which saw an increase in the total prize pool.

Yi Wei’s Team B received US$18,000 (S$23,000) in prize money, while Team A took home US$10,000. By comparison, in the 2023 edition, the champion received US$15,000 and the runner-up prizes were US$8,000 and US$5,000 respectively.

The Singapore troupe had spent months preparing for the competition at its training facility on Defu Lane. Team leader Lee said celebrations for the victory will be held later, as the group shifts its focus to upcoming competitions.

Yi Wei will next compete at the 29th Ngee Ann City National Lion Dance Championships, scheduled to take place from 8 to 13 September 2025.