SEA Games 2027 is the trigger for a new phase of Sarawak sport development

KUCHING, Sept. 18: SEA Games 2027 should be a catalyst for a new phase of sports development in Sarawak, not just the success of organizing international events.

Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the funding should be used to strengthen the state's sports ecosystem including root development, athlete preparation, training, sports science and technical expertise.

He said that the theme should also be a source of inspiration for the new generation of Sarawak to venture into sports and dare to compete at the highest level.

"The real value of SEA Sports promotion is not only measured by what happens during the course of the event, but also by what is left after the last event ends", he said while delivering a speech at the Annual Second Countdown Council Towards SEA 2027 Cluster Sarawak Games here tonight.

Sarawak will be one of the four host clusters along with Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor for the 34th Malaysia SEA Games 2027, which runs from 18 to 29 September 2027.

Abdul Karim said that the improvement of sports facilities to deal with the issue is a long-term investment in strengthening Sarawak's sports capacity as well as its ability to host national and international competitions in the future.

He said the facilities and expertise developed should continue to benefit athletes, sports associations and communities after the end of the season.

At the same time, he said SEA Games 2027 also opened an opportunity to introduce Sarawak to visitors from across Southeast Asia, as well as stimulate the tourism, hospitality and local business sectors.

"When athletes, officials, supporters and visitors come to Sarawak, we want them not only to enjoy our sports facilities but also feel the culture, diversity, hospitality and uniqueness of Sarawak.

"At the same time, we want to create opportunities for local businesses, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as entrepreneurs", he said.

Abdul Karim said the next 12 months are crucial to ensure that all plans are translated into full preparation and level of preparedness.

He also stressed the cooperation of all parties to ensure that SEA Games 2027 not only succeed in terms of sponsorship, but also leave a long-term legacy to Sarawak. -TVS