The Penang State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sports tourism and intellectual excellence with the official opening of the 17th Penang Heritage City International Chess Festival, which drew more than 500 players from 19 countries, further cementing Penang’s reputation as a leading destination for international mind sports events.
Officiating the opening ceremony, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, highlighted chess as an increasingly important component of Penang’s sports tourism ecosystem.
“Chess, as a mind sport, plays an important role in our broader sports tourism landscape. It attracts international participation while reflecting Penang’s values of intellectual excellence alongside physical endurance,” he said.
Wong commended the Penang Chess Association, led by Madam See Swee Sie, for its consistent efforts in hosting international tournaments that elevate Penang’s global profile. In July this year, the Association successfully organised the ASEAN Plus Age-Group Chess Competition, involving participants from 20 countries and attracting over 700 players, officials, and accompanying persons, generating significant international attention and visitor traffic for the state.
Earlier, in July 2024, the association co-hosted the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship with the Malaysian Chess Federation, welcoming 362 young players from 18 countries. These tournaments have not only raised competitive standards but also placed Penang firmly on the global mind sports calendar.
Penang’s achievements in chess have also translated into historic milestones for Malaysia. At the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship, fifteen-year-old Penangite Poh Yu Tian emerged as the Under-18 Open Champion and earned the prestigious International Master (IM) title. This success was followed by another landmark moment in August 2025, when Yeoh Li Tian won the inaugural ChessHub–MCF GM–IM Invitational Chess Championship, becoming Malaysia’s first-ever Grandmaster.
Beyond chess, YB Wong highlighted Penang’s proven capability in hosting world-class sporting events across multiple disciplines. The recent Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025 and Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR) 2025 demonstrated the state’s strong organisational capacity and international appeal.
Recognised as the longest bridge run in Southeast Asia, PBIM 2025 attracted over 23,000 runners and supporters from Malaysia and abroad, delivering meaningful economic benefits to hotels, transport providers, food outlets, and local attractions. Meanwhile, PIDBR 2025 celebrated Penang’s maritime heritage through vibrant cultural expression and teamwork, strengthening community bonds and cultural pride.
“Together, PBIM, PIDBR, and our international chess tournaments show how Penang’s sports tourism ecosystem spans endurance sports, traditional water sports, and mind sports alike,” Wong added.
Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, YB Wong said Penang stands ready to welcome the world. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang offers a unique combination of pristine beaches, hill retreats, shopping districts, and rich cultural heritage. George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to attract global attention for its accessibility, affordability, multicultural character, and creative revitalisation of historic shophouses.
Penang’s international appeal was recently recognised by Bloomberg, which named Penang among the Top 25 Best Global Travel Destinations for 2026, citing its vibrant streetscapes, multicultural identity, and thriving creative scene. The state’s renowned food culture, widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s finest, remains a major draw for international visitors.
In conjunction with the festival, international guests were also invited to experience the Penang Chingay Parade 2025, a signature cultural event known for its colourful performances and high-energy displays. With the festive season approaching, visitors can also enjoy Christmas celebrations taking place across the island.
Wong also wished all participants success in their matches and reaffirmed the Penang State Government’s continued support for initiatives that integrate sports, creativity, and tourism.
Source – Office of State Exco for Tourism & Creative Economy