KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian Chinese teenager has won praise online for his graceful performance of the traditional Malay dance Zapin.
Eric Tan Zhen Long, 14, a student of SMK Sri Muar in Johor, caught attention after a video of the performance was shared on Threads by the group's choreographer, Mohamad Eddy Hafifi Chuai.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, Eddy said Tan had no professional dance experience before taking up the art in 2025.
The troupe, Arunika Nidera Tari, won first place and Best Choreography in the secondary school category at Festival Zapin Jauhar 2026 in Iskandar Puteri on Oct 29.
