The State Exco for Youth, Sports and Health YB Daniel Gooi officiated the opening ceremony of the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championship here yesterday.
The tournament is being held at the Berjaya Hotel Penang.
More than 400 participants from 21 countries are taking part in the tournament. They are from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners such as the United States, China,Russia, India, South Korea and Japan.
Also present was Philip Chan, Deputy Secretary General of Asean Chess Confederation, Sahapol Nakvanich, President, ASEAN Chess Confederation, Madam See Swee Sie, President, 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships, Ashwin Gunasekaran, CEO, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Ignatius Leong, Founding President, ASEAN Chess Confederation, Amran Taib, GM, Berjaya Hotel Penang among others.
In his opening address Gooi welcomed participants and officials to Penang.
“Chess is not merely a game of strategy; it is a platform for sharpening the intellect, cultivating discipline, and fostering healthy competition. I am confident that this championship will not only promote regional sportsmanship but also strengthen diplomatic ties and mutual understanding among participating countries.
“May we all embrace the spirit of sportsmanship that is valuing respect,integrity, and camaraderie on and off the chess board. It’s also about uplifting others, whether winning or losing, and recognizing that true greatness isn’t measured by trophies but by the friendships built along the way” said Gooi.
The tournament runs till July 11, 2025.