Just weeks away...

I headed over to KOMTAR Level 31 for a press conference this morning on the upcoming 23rd ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships. This is shaping up to be quite a major chess event not just for Penang, but for Malaysia as a whole, especially since it coincides with Malaysia’s turn at chairing ASEAN in 2025. I’ve written about this championship before, but no harm repeating the essentials again.

The tournament will take place on 01-11 July 2025, and it’s being organised by the Penang Chess Association on behalf of the Malaysian Chess Federation and the ASEAN Chess Confederation at the Berjaya Penang Hotel along Burmah Road, George Town. Its ballroom is large enough to accommodate at least 500 players. As of today, around 325 players have already registered, but with the closing date extended to the 21st of this month, we’re quietly optimistic that we might pass the 400 mark. And that’s not counting the parents and coaches who’ll be travelling with the players.

Why the name ASEAN-plus? Quite straightforward, actually. Since 2007, entries from ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners have also been accepted. This includes Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. Oddly enough, Taiwan and Mongolia are not on that list. Perhaps it’s time to include them too for the tournament, in the spirit of inclusivity? On a related note, I heard today that the President of the Mongolian Chess Federation, Gombojav Zandanshatar, has just been elected as the country’s Prime Minister. What better time to congratulate him and maybe invite Mongolia too? Their players were in Penang last year for the Eastern Asia Youth Championship. No reason they shouldn’t return. The bigger, the better; the more, the merrier.

At the press conference, Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, spoke about the significance of hosting this event. He said it wasn’t just about chess competition. It was also about regional friendship and cultural understanding. Hosting it here in Penang reflects Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN cooperation. And as a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang offers more than just chess. There’s heritage, art, food, and nature to enjoy. And for those who care about such things, it’s also durian season. 

“Chess is more than a game,” Wong said. “It’s a form of intellectual and cultural exchange. We hope families, students and even seniors will take part and discover the joy of chess. We want our guests to experience not just the tournament, but Penang itself. Come for the chess, stay for the culture.”

From its humble beginnings in Vung Tau City, Vietnam, in 2000, the ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships has grown into a major youth and senior event in this part of the world. Today, it features age categories from Under-6 all the way up to Under-20. And because of the “Chess For All” philosophy, there are also the Seniors 50+ and Seniors 65+ sections. I must admit I’m being gently pressured to play in the 65+ category. I haven’t touched a standard chess game in years, and frankly, my form is as rusty as an old bishop in a drawer. I’ve returned most of my chess knowledge back to the community, so to speak.

The press conference was also attended by Ashwin Gunasekeran (CEO, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau), Harry Chai (Director, Penang State Sports Council), See Swee Sie (Vice-President, Malaysian Chess Federation and President, Penang Chess Association), Amran Taib (General Manager, Berjaya Penang Hotel) and Mohamed Zainulalawdin (Senior HR Manager, Inari Amertron). Representing the Penang Chess Association were Ooi Gim Ewe, Steven Hoh, Tan Eng Seong and myself.

Postscript: This 23rd ASEAN+ age-group chess championships in Penang will be the third event in Malaysia. The first time was back in 2001 when Kuala Lumpur was the venue. Then in 2017 after an absence of 16 years, the Pahang Chess Association hosted the 18th championships in Kuantan. So after another eight years, the event is back on Malaysian shores.

This shall be the backdrop that hangs in the ballroom for the duration of the championships. Special permission was obtained from the artist, Ernest Zacharevic, to use his iconic image. It’s unmistakably Penang—something we hope will catch the eye of the foreign and even outstation participants. No doubt some of them will want to snap a few photos with it as a visual keepsake to take home.