Tennis diplomacy: Event draws over 200

KUCHING: Over 200 tennis players and family members converged for the first ever Diplomatic Relations Friendly Tennis Tournament here.

Deputy Minister of Transport (Maritime and Riverine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep described it as a ‘memorable event’ as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Chinese-Malaysia diplomatic ties.

“This is something that is momentous and everybody is happy to have this occasion, once in a lifetime,” he told reporters at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) tennis ground on Sunday (July 28).

Henry took the opportunity to thank the Chinese Consul-General in Kuching, Xing Weiping, and SLTA president Datuk Patrick Liew who were present at the event.

Separately, Henry said that the State government takes the Chinese-Malaysia partnership seriously in terms of business, commerce, trade, education, technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“I think there is more, we heard a few days ago Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg saying that more Chinese investors are coming to Sarawak.

Henry who also participated in the two-day event from Saturday (July 27) commended the tennis facilities and its infrastructure.

”I tell you, you cannot find any other place like this. This is an international sport event for Sarawak. So many international events have been carried out here so as the Premier said, the world’s eyes are on us, Sarawak,” he added.

Also present at the event was Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.