M'SIA WINS 38 GOLD MEDALS AT WORLD PERFORMING ARTS MEET

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia created history of its own
when it won 59 medals, 38 of them gold medals, at the World Championship of
Performing Arts in Hollywood, the United States, from July 11 to last Sunday.

In a statement, the Information Communication and Culture Ministry said, the
dance group "Artistana" was voted the Grand Champions of the World in the dance
category as well as the Grand Final Gold Award winner for the ethnic and
folklore category.

Artistana also won the gold in the open category.

The statement said that the 38 gold medals were for numerous categories such
as singing, dancing, modelling and music.

Malaysia has targeted 30 gold medals.

"The success showcases to the world, especially Hollywood, the capability
and credibility of Malaysian artistes. It also reflects the success of the
talent search programme 'Worldstars - Road to Hollywood'," it said.

A total of 22 participants aged between 18 and 30's underwent intensive
training for the competition which was also participated by contestants from 27
other countries.

Other winners include singer Siti Sarah Raissudin who won the Grand Final
Gold Award in the open category as well as in the duet category with Yusrizan
Usop or better known as Bob AF2.

Models Siti Nurizana, Dilla Syahirah and Wilson Tan won in the casual
category.
-- BERNAMA