The Malay 'lion dance dad' who started his own troupe at 18
Mr Jamsairi "Bobby" Kamaruddin first fell in love with lion dance at the age of eight. Decades later, together with his children, he is running a successful troupe with mostly Malay members, in a performance art rooted in Chinese culture.
Jamsairi Bobby Kamaruddin, known as Bobby, fell in love with lion dance at the age of eight. Decades later, he runs a successful troupe with mostly Malay members. The troupe, Kuo Chuan Arts & Cultural, performs lion and dragon dances for special occasions like Chinese New Year and business openings. Bobby started his own troupe at the age of 18, after the Kuo Chuan Police Boys Club he loved shut down.
The troupe initially struggled financially, with members working odd jobs to make ends meet. They faced criticism from both the Malay and Chinese communities, with some believing the lion dance was akin to praying to Chinese gods. Despite the challenges, Bobby's passion for lion dance and his dedication to his troupe has helped it grow into a successful company.
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