ASEAN + Age Group Opening Ceremony

Youth, Sports, and Health State Exco YB Yesterday, the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championship opened with a ceremony officiated by Daniel Gooi.

The Berjaya Hotel Penang is the venue for the competition.

The tournament has drawn a truly international crowd, with around 400 players representing a total of 21 different countries. These countries include the United States, China, Russia, India, South Korea, Japan, and other dialogue partners, as well as ASEAN member states.

Ignatius Leong, the founding president of the ASEAN Chess Confederation, Ashwin Gunasekaran, the CEO of the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Philip Chan, the deputy secretary general of the Asean Chess Confederation, Sahapol Nakvanich, the president of the ASEAN Chess Confederation, Madam See Swee Sie, the president of the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships, and Amran Taib, general manager of the Berjaya Hotel Penang, were also in attendance.

Gooi welcomed authorities and participants to Penang in his introductory remarks.

"Chess is more than just a strategic game; it's a way to develop discipline, sharpen the mind, and promote healthy competition. In addition to encouraging regional sportsmanship, I have no doubt that this competition will improve diplomatic relations and understanding between the competing nations.

“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.