SEA Games 2027 A Catalyst For Sarawak’s Sports Legacy
KUCHING: Sarawak intends to ensure that hosting the SEA Games Malaysia 2027 will not only be a success as a co-host, but will also leave a long-term legacy through upgraded sports facilities, strengthened associations, and the expertise development of technical officials, volunteers, and management personnel.
Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) and SEA Games Malaysia 2027 Sarawak Cluster Secretariat Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee stated that this legacy is among Sarawak’s key objectives as co-host of the games.
According to him, a successful hosting should not be measured solely by the smooth execution of events, but must also account for long-term benefits that Sarawak can enjoy after the games conclude.
“After the games, we will have better sports facilities, such as the Sarawak Stadium which was recently upgraded for the opening ceremony.
“We will also have stronger sports associations following this experience, alongside more experienced officials, volunteers, and technical personnel,” he said.
He said this during the Launching Ceremony of the One-Year Countdown to the SEA Games Malaysia 2027 here on Friday.
The ceremony was officiated by the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Datu Hii added that the experience gained throughout preparations and hosting will also enhance Sarawak’s capability to handle larger international sporting tournaments in the future.
He noted that the SEA Games 2027 must be leveraged as a platform to build capacity and expertise in managing international sports events, in addition to strengthening existing sports infrastructure.
According to Datu Hii, the scale of hosting demands meticulous preparations and continuous coordination among all parties during the remaining one-year period leading up to the games.
“With one year remaining, the work ahead of us will be very intensive. Preparations must continue with strong coordination, close cooperation, and a shared sense of responsibility,” he said.
In the meantime, he stated that the SEA Games 2027 Torch Run will commence in Limbang before traversing all 12 divisions across Sarawak, culminating in Kuching ahead of the games.
According to him, the Torch Run is not merely a symbolic journey, but serves as a vessel to unite communities and foster a sense of shared ownership among Sarawakians toward hosting the SEA Games 2027.
“This is not a government event, but an event for all Sarawakians to be proud of,” he added.
The SEA Games Malaysia 2027 is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 29, 2027, with the opening ceremony held at the Sarawak Stadium on September 18.
Sarawak will serve as the venue for 18 out of the 43 contested sports, featuring approximately 281 out of 480 overall events throughout the games.
