{
  "id": 857989,
  "title": "Taiwan's Indigenous rhythm finds its way to Malaysia [WATCH]",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/taiwans-indigenous-rhythm-finds-its-way-to-malaysia-watch",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-14T10:00:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/jom/2026/08/1511198/taiwans-indigenous-rhythm-finds-its-way-malaysia-watch"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Discovering cultures beyond our own is a wonderful experience. The Taiwan Indigenous Culture and Ritual Dance Workshop provided just that, showcasing the traditions of Taiwan's Indigenous peoples. The Formosa Indigenous Song & Dance Troupe traveled to Malaysia to share these traditions, presenting a workshop ahead of a performance at KLPAC.\n\nThe troupe worked with anthropologists and tribal elders to revive and reconstruct disappearing songs and dances. Alan Chen, the presenter and instructor, gave a glimpse into the rich history of the Pinuyumayan and Pangcah tribes through live performances of traditional songs and chants. Despite the language barrier, the songs and chants immediately lifted the mood.\n\nFollowing the video presentation, local festival videos were shown, including the Ilisin New Year Ceremony of the Pangcah people. The workshop then moved on to dance demonstrations, where participants formed a circle and held hands. Alan led them in coordinated footwork, gradually increasing the pace and introducing traditional songs in the Indigenous language. Participants joined in, initially struggling but eventually dancing along under the troupe members' encouragement.\n\nThe workshop concluded with participants applauding the troupe. Attendees, ranging from college students to office workers, praised the workshop for providing a glimpse into the vibrant cultures and sounds of Taiwan's Indigenous peoples. Fiona Tay, a communications executive, noted that even without understanding the language, feeling the rhythm and joining in created a strong connection among participants.\n\nAlan Fagod, co-founder and artistic director of the troupe, expressed pride in preserving these traditions for future generations. He hoped each visit to another country would highlight Taiwan's rich Indigenous heritage. While a two-hour workshop didn't make everyone an expert, it left a newfound appreciation for Taiwan's Indigenous cultures and the people dedicated to preserving and sharing them.",
  "summary": "IT’S always a wonderful experience to discover cultures beyond our own.",
  "key_points": [
    "Taiwan's Indigenous Culture and Ritual Dance Workshop held in Malaysia",
    "Formosa Indigenous Song & Dance Troupe shared traditions with Malaysian participants",
    "Workshop concluded with participants applauding troupe and expressing appreciation"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Taiwan Indigenous Culture and Ritual Dance Workshop in Malaysia fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, bridging language gaps through the universal language of music and dance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}