SEA Games 2027 will bring long-term benefits to Sarawak

KUCHING, Sept. 19: SEA Sports Exhibition 2027 is expected to benefit Sarawak in the long term, especially through infrastructure development and sports talent, as well as strengthening the state's economic sector and tourism.

The Deputy Secretary of Government of Sarawak (Operations) embraced the Chairman of SEA Malaysia Sports Secretariat 2027 for Sarawak Cluster, Datu Hii Chang Kee, saying that the theme event is not only focused on competition but also opens up a wide range of opportunities which Sarawak can take advantage of in the long term.

He said that among the main benefits is the enhancement and improvement of sports facilities as well as infrastructure which can continue to be used after matches, including for national and international tournaments.

He said that SEA Sports is also a platform to enhance experience and talent development involving athletes, coaches, volunteers, sports associations as well as local organising committees in running large-scale tournaments.

"This promotion is not only about competitions, but also opens up space for us to take advantage of the variety of opportunities that have been created throughout the promotion period", he said when met at the Annual Meeting of Seconds towards SEA Games 2027 here, last night.

From an economic point of view, he said the attendance of over 20,000 visitors including athletes, technical officials, coaches, families and sports enthusiasts is expected to boost the hospitality, transportation, food & beverage, retail and tourism sectors locally.

At the same time, he said, the SEA Sports promotion is a platform to introduce Sarawak more widely to ASEAN society through the unique culture, diversity of society and hospitality of the people of the state.

He said the theme also has the potential to be a catalyst for efforts to strengthen Malaysian unity as well as strengthening ASEAN relations.

In this regard, Datu Hii urged the people of Sarawak to look at SEA Games 2027 as a joint theme and take the opportunity to contribute to its success.

He also called on the country's athletes, including those from Sarawak who have been elected to represent the Malaysian contingent, to take advantage of the one-year period to prepare as well as possible.

He said, the SEA Games 2027 provides an opportunity for national athletes to perform in front of family, friends and supporters from across ASEAN.

"This is an opportunity for us to denigrate Malaysia", he said.