BANGKOK: Sarawak, together with Johor and Penang as host states for the SEA Games 2027, strengthened early preparations by joining Malaysia’s 59-member delegation for the Thailand SEA Games 2025 Benchmarking Visit in Bangkok.

The delegation comprised representatives from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), the Malaysian SEA Games Organising Committee Secretariat (MASOC), as well as state government officials and local authorities from all three host states.

The five-day visit aims to gain insights and identify best practices from the Thailand SEA Games Organising Committee (THASOC) to support Malaysia’s readiness as host of the 34th SEA Games in 2027.

MASOC Chief Executive Officer for the Malaysia SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2027, Abdul Rashid Yaakub, said the Thailand SEA Games 2025 should serve as a key reference point to ensure Malaysia’s preparedness in management, logistics and operations.

“This delegation has the opportunity to observe first-hand the organisational structure and operational framework for the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand.

“The best practices gained will guide us in command centre management, on-site operations, technical planning, transportation, logistics, media operations and volunteer coordination across regions, states and districts,” he said during a briefing to the delegation on Thursday.

Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operations), Datu Hii Chang Kee, urged all liaison officers appointed by the Sarawak Government to fully utilise the visit to conduct detailed observations and identify the preparations required to ensure Sarawak’s readiness as one of the SEA Games 2027 host states.

The Thailand SEA Games 2025 will take place from 9 to 20 December 2025, featuring 50 sports across several key locations including Bangkok and Chonburi.

The event is expected to serve as an important reference for Malaysia in ensuring the smooth and successful staging of the SEA Games 2027, which will be held simultaneously in Sarawak, Johor and Penang.

Sarawak’s delegation also included Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Sports Corporation and Sarawak Sports Council Director, Khairul Nizam Morshidi, as well as representatives from each working committee for the SEA Games 2027 in Sarawak.

The briefing was also attended by Johor Deputy State Secretary (Youth, Sports and Volunteerism), Dato’ On Jabbar, Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Permanent Secretary, Morshidi Frederick, and Penang State Sports Council Director, Harry Chai. -UKASnews

Translator: Alezxandria Kapple