KUCHING: Chess is a powerful tool for building discipline, resilience and strategic thinking among young people, said Member of Parliament for Tanjong Manis, Dato Ir Yusuf Abd Wahab.
In a press statement, Dato Ir Yusuf who is also Kuching Division Chess Association (PCBK) advisor, said the game offers youth a positive and constructive activity.
"Chess is far more than just a game played on a 64-square board. Through chess, our young people learn strategic thinking and decision-making, discipline and patience, and mental resilience," he said.
He made the remarks while officiating the closing of the Chess Tournament Competition 2026: Yusuf Cup at the Sarawak State Library on Saturday afternoon where the tournament was organised PCBK.
The event was held in conjunction with Wak Festival 2026 and attracted 200 participants.
Competitions were held in the U12, U18, institutions of higher learning (IPT), veteran, government servant, para players, female, PCBK members, overall and team categories.
Also present were PCBK chairman Chuang Kuang Hong, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Chairman Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen and CIDB Sarawak Director Ts Rosmen Ag Hassan.
Dato Ir Yusuf congratulated PCBK and the organising committee for staging a tournament of such scale.
He said he was deeply touched that the tournament carries his name, adding that he sees it as a responsibility to continue supporting chess and nurturing young talent.
He also thanked parents and family members for their encouragement and sacrifice, which he said play a vital role in nurturing young players.
Dato Ir Yusuf said chess is also a platform for community building, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering friendships and strengthening community spirit.
He urged PCBK to maintain its momentum by organising high-quality tournaments, developing more skilled players, and training qualified arbiters and coaches.
To the participants, he said not winning does not mean failure, as every game offers valuable experience and a chance to learn.
"Take those lessons, keep practising, and come back even stronger next time," he said.
He also extended his gratitude to the sponsors, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, the organising committee, arbiters, volunteers, parents and participants.
Dato Ir Yusuf later presented souvenirs to the sponsors, while Datuk Dr Abang Rauf presented certificates to the veteran players.
Meanwhile, the winners based on categories were:
- U12: Fudelis Fyron Frankie (champion), Xander Low Zern Thung (first runner-up), Megan Ho (second runner-up)
- U18: Clement Ung Chee Cheng, Hii Shieng Jie, Jason Phua Kie Ern
- IPT: Benedict Lim Kuan Xun, Azrul Aziman Azmin, Amir Muzakkir Azmi
- Veteran: Zulkarnain Motosen, Jeperi Reduan, Basri Laperei
- Government servant: Khairul Amal Khalid, Morsin Ahmad, Mohd Iqbarulhazim Husaini
- Para players: Ethan Tan Yi Chen, Aqeel Zharif Mohd Khairun Masir, Adib Suharman
- Female: Ung Hui Pin, Ambreal Chemenda Kamal, Elaine Chieng Shu Qi
- PCBK members: Jonas Lee Sze Hao, Isabella Salsabella Ishak, Joshua Ting Shin Wen
- Overall: Hendra Supriyadi (champion), Edmund Goh Guang Yi (first runner-up), Syed Ilyas Syed Muhammad Yusuf (second runner-up)
- Team: Team Liquid (champion), The Apex Trio (first runner-up), Three Brain Cells (second runner-up)
