Penang is set to welcome over 350 young chess talents from across the ASEAN region for the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championship, taking place from July 1 to 11,2025, at the Berjaya Penang Hotel.
This marks the first time Penang will host this prestigious regional tournament.
The event was officially announced at a press conference in Komtar earlier today by YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, together with Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
“It gives me great pleasure to announce that Penang will proudly host the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships this July, right here in the heart of George Town,” said Wong.
“This is not only a great honour for Penang, but for Malaysia as a whole — especially in our role as Chair of ASEAN in 2025. Participants will include players not only from ASEAN nations, but also from India, China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the United States, and more.”
Wong also highlighted that for the first time, the tournament will feature senior categories, expanding the age range from Under-6 children to players aged 65 and above. In addition, FIDE (International Chess Federation)direct titles will be awarded to top-performing players.
“Penang will become the chess capital of ASEAN this July. And there’s no better place than George Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — to host such a meaningful event,” he added. “Imagine stepping out of a high-stakes match into a vibrant world of culture, history, and cuisine.”
Ashwin Gunasekeran noted that the tournament is expected to attract over 500 individuals, including players, arbiters, and supporters.
“It is truly an honour to host a long-standing event that unites both youth and senior players from across Southeast Asia and beyond,” he said. “This is not just a sporting event — it’s an experiential journey. Many participants will be accompanied by parents and caregivers, making it a community affair.”
Ashwin added that the event is projected to generate an economic impact of RM1.02 million for Penang, mainly through accommodation, dining, and travel.
The ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championship has previously been held in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Macau, Laos, and the Philippines.
Also present at the press conference were:Ms See Swee Sie, President of the Penang Chess Association, Harry Chai, Director of the Penang State Sports Council, Amran Taib, General Manager of Berjaya Penang Hotel and other key stakeholders..