GEORGE TOWN: Penang is steadily strengthening its position as an international hub for mind sports and sports tourism, with chess playing an increasingly prominent role in attracting global participation and showcasing the state’s intellectual and cultural appeal.
Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai said the 17th Penang Heritage City International Chess Festival reflects the state’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for international sporting and intellectual events.
“Chess, as a mind sport, is an important pillar of our sports tourism landscape. It attracts international players while projecting Penang as a city that values both intellectual excellence and holistic development,” he said in his opening address at the festival yesterday.
The festival has drawn more than 500 players from 19 countries, underlining Penang’s proven capability to host high-quality international competitions that combine sporting excellence with tourism value.
Wong noted that the Penang Chess Association has played a key role in elevating the state’s profile on the global chess calendar. In July this year, the Association successfully organised the ASEAN Plus Age-Group Chess Competition, which involved participants from 20 countries and attracted over 700 players, arbiters, officials and accompanying persons.
The event, he said, generated strong international exposure and visitor traffic, with the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau working closely with organisers to support its promotion.
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. Wong said such tournaments not only raise competitive standards but also provide invaluable exposure for local talents.
He highlighted Penang’s growing success in producing elite players, noting that 15-year-old Penangite Poh Yu Tian emerged as the Under-18 Open Champion at the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship, earning the prestigious International Master title. Another milestone followed in August 2025, when Yeoh Li Tian won the inaugural ChessHub–MCF GM–IM Invitational Chess Championship, becoming Malaysia’s first Grandmaster.
Beyond chess, Wong said Penang continues to demonstrate its capacity to host world-class events across a wide range of sporting disciplines. The successful Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025 and Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR) 2025 showcased the state’s strong organisational capability and global outlook.
Recognised as the longest bridge run in Southeast Asia, PBIM has grown into Penang’s signature marathon. The 2025 edition attracted more than 23,000 runners and supporters from Malaysia and abroad, delivering significant benefits to hotels, transport services, food outlets and cultural attractions.
Complementing this modern sporting event, the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta brought tradition to life on the state’s waters, celebrating teamwork, discipline and cultural heritage while strengthening community bonds.
“Together, PBIM, PIDBR and international chess tournaments show how Penang’s sports tourism ecosystem spans endurance sports, traditional water sports and mind sports,” Wong said.
He congratulated organising chairperson and Penang Chess Association president Madam See Swee Sie and her team for their dedication in elevating chess while creating positive economic and tourism spillover for the state, adding that the Penang government would continue to support initiatives that integrate sports, creativity and tourism.
Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Wong said Penang stands ready to welcome the world, offering a unique blend of beaches, hill retreats, shopping, heritage and culture. He noted that George Town’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combined with its affordability and accessibility, continues to attract global visitors.
Penang’s international appeal was recently recognised by Bloomberg, which named the state among the Top 25 Best Global Travel Destinations for 2026, citing its multicultural character, vibrant streetscapes and creative revitalisation of historic shophouses.
Wong also invited international guests to experience the Penang Chingay Parade 2025 and the island’s festive atmosphere ahead of Christmas, saying these celebrations further reflect the creativity and warmth of the Penang spirit.
He wished all participants success in their matches and expressed hope that visitors would leave with lasting memories of the state before officially declaring the 17th Penang Heritage City International Chess Festival open.
