By Anne Das
For cancer patients and caregivers from disadvantaged backgrounds, treatment can come with costs far beyond medical care. There is transport to arrange, food to buy, accommodation to pay for and the emotional strain of staying close to a loved one through a difficult period.
This July, the community can help ease that burden by supporting the 4th Bercham Youth Dance Festival 2026, a charity dance performance in aid of NCSM-Caritas Homes of Hope Ipoh
The event will be held on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at 7.30pm at Dewan Huat Tian Keong, Bercham. It is co-organised by the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM Perak), Rukun Tetangga Taman Desa Kencana and Oasis Productions, with the support of ten local community organisations.
Homes of Hope provides free temporary accommodation for child and adult cancer patients, together with their caregivers, while they undergo treatment at government hospitals. For families who cannot afford repeated travel or private accommodation, this support offers relief, stability and a safe place to stay near treatment.
The centre also provides equipment and psychological support to cancer patients and caregivers. As a non-profit initiative, it depends heavily on public sponsorship and donations to maintain its monthly operations.
NCSM Perak Health Project Officer Ms Premitha Govindasamy said the event encourages young people to take part in community service while also raising awareness on the importance of medical care, especially cancer prevention and early detection.
Chairman of Rukun Tetangga Taman Desa Kencana and Chief Organiser of the show, Mr Cheng Ming Tat, said all funds raised, after deducting event expenses, will be donated to Homes of Hope.
“We hope the public will actively sponsor and buy tickets to enjoy high-level dance performances at a minimum cost, while also contributing to charity,” he said.
The festival also gives young dancers a meaningful platform to perform, connect and contribute to the community. This year’s show is expected to feature around 10 to 15 local dance groups, along with five to six groups from other states.
Audiences can look forward to ballet, street dance, modern dance, traditional Chinese dance, traditional Malay dance and other performances. Each group will present one dance, creating an evening where youth talent and compassion share the same stage.
The Bercham Youth Dance Festival first began in 2017. It returned in 2018 to raise development funds for SJKC Bercham, and in 2025 raised funds for Dialysis Centre PMA Chan Meng Khor Bercham.
This year, the cause is NCSM-Caritas Homes of Hope Ipoh. Every ticket sold helps keep the home available for cancer patients and caregivers who need shelter, support and relief during treatment.
Tickets are priced at RM100 for VIP seats and RM50 for regular seats. Donations and sponsorships are also welcome.
For tickets and enquiries:
📅 Date: Saturday, 4 July 2026
🕢 Time: 7.30pm
📍 Venue: Dewan Huat Tian Keong, Bercham, Lebuh Bercham Selatan, Taman Desa Impian, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
📌 Tickets available at: NCSM-Caritas Homes Ipoh, Simee
☎️ NCSM-Caritas: 05-546 3636/ Mr Cheng: 012-554 6490/ Ms Tay: 011-5502 6876
