ONE of the region’s most prestigious chess events, the ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships, is set to make its debut in Penang this year, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s 23-year legacy.
The championship, returning this year, will be held from July 1 to 11 at the Berjaya Hotel in Burmah Road.
It is being organised by the Penang Chess Association on behalf of the Malaysian Chess Federation and promises to draw chess talents from across Southeast Asia and beyond.
In a press conference held at Komtar today, Penang Chess Association president See Swee Sie highlighted the special significance of this year’s edition, which coincides with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Since its inception, the tournament has served as a launchpad for rising chess stars, many of whom have gone on to earn international titles and represent their nations on the global stage.
“With categories ranging from Under-6 to Seniors 65+, and competitions in Standard, Rapid, and Blitz formats, this event continues to champion inclusivity, growth, and excellence in the world of chess,” See said.
Joining See at the press conference were Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran, Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai Heng Hua and Berjaya Penang Hotel general manager Amran Taib.
See also announced a major breakthrough for the tournament this year.
“After years of negotiation and advocacy, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) has reinstated direct title awards for winners in eligible categories.
“For the first time, this includes players in the Seniors 50+ and 65+ divisions, recognising the enduring contributions of veteran players to the global chess community.
“Titles such as International Master (IM), Woman International Master (WIM), FIDE Master (FM), and Candidate Master (CM) will once again be conferred, a significant development, as these recognitions have not been awarded at this tournament since 2019,” she revealed.
See added that this year’s championship is expected to attract over 400 participants from more than 20 chess federations.
“Following successful editions in Bangkok (2023) and Vientiane, Laos (2024), the 2025 tournament in Penang is poised to be a celebration of not just skill and strategy, but also of cross-cultural friendship and regional unity.
“As Penang welcomes players, coaches, and families from across the region, the championship stands as a beacon of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and shared aspiration.
“Thus, we are truly honoured to host the 23rd edition here in Penang, a city that reflects the spirit of ASEAN itself,” See said.
Meanwhile, Wong said Penang is proud to be the chess capital of ASEAN this July.
“And there is no better place than George Town — a Unesco World Heritage Site — to host such an event. Imagine walking from a high-stakes chess match straight into a world of vibrant food, culture, and history.
“This is not only a great honour for Penang, but for Malaysia as a whole, especially as Malaysia became the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
“Chess is more than a game. It is a battle of wits, a test of foresight, patience and creativity. It’s where strategy meets story and every move writes a new chapter.
“Let’s make this tournament unforgettable not just for the winners, but for the friendships formed, the stories shared, and the community we build,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting