LABUAN — The Taming Mas dance troupe from Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) emerged runner-up in the Semai Gembala Labuan Borneo Creative Dance Competition 2026 (Labuan Federal Territory category), held at the Main Stage of the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex in conjunction with the Road to MAHA Labuan 2026 programme.
The achievement earned the troupe RM2,500 and a hamper.
Coached by Mas Adi Alimin, Taming Mas also swept the Best Male Dancer and Best Female Dancer awards through Michael Brandon Fu Tet Sheng and Saidatul Nazratul Ulya, respectively, while also receiving the Best Costume Award.
Each individual award winner received RM200.
UMSKAL director Prof Dr Shamsul Bahari Shamsudin congratulated the troupe for continuing to raise the university’s profile in the local arts and cultural scene.
He said Taming Mas had consistently delivered strong performances despite changes in its line-up of dancers over the years.
“The success is the result of the dancers’ discipline and commitment under the guidance of coach Mas Adi Alimin,” he said.
The Taming Mas troupe comprises Marieyel Yazel Jaya, Marchelin Marcus, Domenick Anak Unggum, Gillvian Esthernie Anak Osaman, Priencie Oliver Paul, Mohammad Iqbal Fredoline, Anjilin Sabestine, Saidatul Nazratul Ulya, Alexander Legul and Michael Brandon Fu Tet Sheng.
Prizes were presented by Federal Territories Department director-general Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain.
Also present were the department’s deputy director-general (Management and Socio-Economic), Datuk Parang Abai @ Thomas, and Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Rithuan Mohd Ismail.
The competition served as a platform to showcase the talent, creativity and unique cultural heritage of Borneo among local participants, while adding to the attractions of the four-day Road to MAHA Labuan 2026 programme, held from July 23 to 26, for visitors and families.
