AS night falls, the thundering of drums and echoing of gongs break the silence. Every beat is a unifying one, transcending racial boundaries. In Bukit Beruntung, a youth lion dance troupe proves how traditional art can bring young people of different backgrounds together, teaching them discipline, self-confidence, and tolerance.
Lion dance doesn’t just showcase a performance, it also centres the Malaysian spirit that celebrates diversity. This multiracial group of youth gather week after week in their training uniforms to refine each jump, landing, and beat.
They are members of Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung, a team that makes lion dance the backdrop of unity. This is the real face of Malaysia — one team, one beat, one spirit of unity that continues to grow into symbols of harmony and hope for the nation’s future.
Photographer MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN captures the spirit of this diverse group of youth, united by lion dance.
A Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung member suits up before a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung members prepare the lion costume before a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Chan Yong Zhen, 34, guides Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung members, a multiracial lion dance troupe, during a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
A Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung member practises a jump during a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung members set up a structure during a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Multiracial lion dance troupe Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung members seen with their musical instruments during a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Family members of multiracial lion dance troupe Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung look on during a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Chan Yong Zhen, 34, guides Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung members, a multiracial lion dance troupe, during a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung members practise a stunt during a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
Multiracial lion dance troupe Yong Jun Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung members pose for a photo after a training session on August 2, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR
