GEORGE TOWN – While digital transformation is often a common solution to coping with the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not a certain answer to all problems for the time being.
Take for example the coming Chinese New Year celebration. The Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association is considering carrying out performances through digital means in an effort to keep the cultural tradition alive.
However, association president Datuk H’ng Ban Choon said this is unlikely to happen due to movement control order (MCO) standard operating procedures (SOPs) implemented by the federal government.
He said during the MCO, not only are lion and dragon dance performances not allowed, training centres, too, are not permitted to open.
“Back when Penang was in the recovery phase of the MCO, training centres were allowed to open as long as we had approval from the International Trade and Industry Ministry and strictly adhered to SOPs.
“But then, the MCO returned and we cannot train, let alone perform virtually.”
On February 4, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that traditional performances and cultural activities for this year’s CNY celebration, such as lion and dragon dances, the lantern parade, Chinese opera performances and stage performances, will not be permitted.
H’ng said even if they could somehow perform the dance online, its success will depend on whether the public can accept the new norm, as watching the performance on a screen will be “sub-par” compared to watching it live. – Bernama, February 9, 2021
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