UTP Performing Arts Group to Represent Malaysia in World Dance Festival in Cheonan, South Korea
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Performing Arts Group (UPAG) has done Malaysia proud as they will compete in the Cheonan World Dance Festival 2018 in Cheonan South Korea from 12 to 16 September 2018.
This was announced at a press conference attended by UTP Deputy Vice Chancellor Student Affairs and Alumni Associate Professor Dr Nor Hisham Hamid, UTP Director of Centre of Student Development
Associate Professor Dr Nurlidia Mansor and UPAG’s Leader Toh Jian Heng.
UTP is the only university in Malaysia to participate in the prestigious international dance festival.
UPAG consists of UTP 32 multi-races and multi-talented engineering, science and technology students. At Cheonan, they will compete in four dance competitions namely International Folk Dance Competition, Street Dance Parade and Performance Competition, Solo and Duet Competition (Best Dancer Competition) and the Funny Dance Battle.
This is the fifth time UPAG has represented Malaysia in the Cheonan World Dance Festival. Previously, they represented in Malaysia in 2015, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
UPAG’s participation in this international event has proven UTP’s commitment in producing well-rounded graduates who do not only achieve academic excellence but also creative and agile to face real-world challenges.
Established in the year 2002, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS Performing Arts Group (UPAG) was established to promote and showcase the unique dances of beautiful different cultures of the people in Malaysia. The group aspires to become a pioneer and catalyst to inspire not only among students of UTP but also students from other institutions and the public to appreciate Malaysia’s finest art, culture and heritage.
The university supports its students’ participation in arts and culture as it helps to develop and enrich students learning experience. It cultivates teamwork, communication skills and social competency among students.
The Cheonan World Dance Festival is the largest and biggest dancing festival in Korea. It serves as a platform to celebrate participants from all around the world with diversity, culture and uniqueness through arts and culture activities.
17 teams from different continents, ranging from Asia, Europe to America, Africa and Oceania, are participating in the festival this year. The participating countries include Malaysia, Spain, Korea, Guam, Latvia, China, Slovakia, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, Georgia, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, Botswana and Poland.
UPAG’s Past Achievements and Participation in Cheonan World Dance Festival
Cheonan World Dance Festival 2015 (International Category)
Bronze Award in Overall Performance
4th Place in Street Dance Parade
Best Dancer Contest
Cheonan World Dance Festival 2013 (International Category)
1st Place with Gold Award in Overall Performance
1st Place in Street Dance Parade
Best Costume in Overall Performance
Best Dancer Contest
Cheonan World Dance Festival 2012 (International Category)
Top 5 in Overall Performance
3rd Place in Street Dance Parade
Best Dancer Contest
Cheonan World Dance Festival 2011 (International Category)
1st Place in Street Dance Parade
