PETALING JAYA, 3 August 2026 – Five Malaysian aerial athletes from Viva Vertical recently represented Malaysia at the Japan Pole & Aerial Sports Championship 2026, marking another important milestone in the country’s growing presence within the international aerial sports community.
Held from 16 to 19 July in Osaka, Japan, the annual championship brought together athletes from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and China. The competition’s Open Division welcomes international participants while also serving as a qualifying platform for the World Pole & Aerial Championships (WPAC).
Representing Malaysia, Viva Vertical’s five athletes delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home five Gold medals and one Silver medal across various categories, reflecting both their technical excellence and months of dedicated preparation.
While the competition showcased athletic excellence on the international stage, it also represented something much bigger for Malaysia’s aerial community, creating opportunities for local athletes to gain international exposure, exchange knowledge and continue raising the standard of the sport at home.
Beyond the Performance: A Journey of Growth
Behind every performance were months of preparation, balancing intensive training with teaching responsibilities while preparing both physically and mentally for an international competition. Beyond mastering routines, the athletes were challenged to adapt to unfamiliar apparatus, international judging standards and the pressure of performing on the global stage.
Among the team was Cynthia Wong Yee Ling, who made her international competition debut after previously competing only within Malaysia. For her, stepping onto the competition floor in Japan marked a significant personal milestone, one that reflects how meaningful international opportunities can help athletes grow in confidence and broaden their horizons.
“At Viva Vertical, we believe confidence isn’t built on the competition floor; it’s built through every challenge an athlete is willing to take on,” said Nana Shan Liew, Director of Viva Vertical.
“Watching someone like Cynthia represent Malaysia internationally for the very first time was incredibly meaningful. Every experienced athlete was once a first-time competitor. When we create opportunities for our instructors to step onto the global stage, we’re not just helping them become better athletes; we’re helping them grow as coaches, leaders and role models who can bring those experiences back to inspire the next generation of aerial athletes in Malaysia.”
Investing in Malaysia’s Future Aerial Talent
As part of its commitment to developing local talent, Viva Vertical supported the participating instructors by covering their competition registration and accommodation in Japan, allowing them to focus fully on the competition and maximise the learning experience.
For Viva Vertical, international competitions are not viewed as one-off achievements, but as valuable opportunities for continuous learning. Competing alongside athletes from across the region enables Malaysian athletes to benchmark themselves against international standards, exchange ideas with the global aerial community and return home with fresh perspectives that contribute to raising the standard of aerial sports in Malaysia.
Building the Future of Aerial Sports in Malaysia
The championship reflects Viva Vertical’s long-term vision of creating opportunities that extend beyond the studio. Having spent nearly two decades nurturing Malaysia’s aerial arts community through education, performances and coach development, the organisation is increasingly focused on opening pathways for instructors and athletes to pursue aerial sports at an international competitive level.
This year, Viva Vertical celebrated its 20th anniversary with the Viva Circus Festival, bringing together performers, athletes and the wider aerial community to celebrate two decades of growth. The festival reinforces its commitment to building platforms that develop talent, inspire the next generation and elevate Malaysia’s presence in the regional aerial community.
“Our vision has always been bigger than the competition itself,” Nana added.
“Every opportunity we create today helps shape the future of aerial sports in Malaysia by developing confident instructors, stronger athletes and a community that continues to inspire one another. That’s the legacy we hope to build.”
Looking Ahead
As Malaysia’s aerial sports community continues to gain momentum, international participation remains an important step in raising local standards, nurturing future talent and strengthening the country’s presence on the global stage. For Viva Vertical, the journey does not end with one competition; it continues through every opportunity to develop people, build confidence and inspire the next generation of Malaysian aerial athletes.
