SPORTS activities not only help students cultivate healthy lifestyles but also lay a solid foundation for their future development, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow shared this while attending as the guest of honour at the ‘Union Alumni Volleyball Tournament 2025’ at SJKC Union today.
“In an age dominated by technology, where children spend more time on electronic devices, the effort and joy they show on the sports field are truly invaluable.
“Volleyball underscores teamwork, as every point relies on mutual support and coordination among teammates.
“This mirrors societal development, where success is never the result of a single person’s effort but of collective collaboration.
“The event is not only a platform for students to showcase their volleyball skills but also an opportunity for alumni, parents, teachers, and the community to come together,” Chow said.
Chow added that sports go beyond physical competition, playing a vital role in fostering the holistic development of children. He also emphasised that the state government prioritises education and youth development.
“The Penang2030 vision aims to create a livable, vibrant, and people-centered society, with sports and education playing a key role.
“Whether through building more sports facilities or promoting sports programmes in schools, the government aims to provide the next generation with a healthier, more active, and competitive environment for growth.
“Although volleyball is less popular than badminton, basketball, or football in Malaysia, most schools in Penang have volleyball courts and include it as an extracurricular activity to cultivate students’ interest and skills,” he said.
Chow urged all sectors to continue supporting SJKC Union and its alumni so that students can strive for excellence in both academics and sports while gaining valuable experiences.
“Collaboration among schools, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the state government is encouraged to promote volleyball and potentially nurture future national players.”
Chow also thanked the organisers, Union School Alumni Association, along with the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency service centre and Padang Kota Village Community Management Council (MPKK) for jointly organising the event.
Also present were Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee, Padang Kota service centre chairman Ewe Chee Way, Union School Board vice-chairman Datuk Jenny, SJKC Union principal Loh Meng Yim, and Union School Alumni committee president Yeo Ah Huat.
Others present included members of the Union School Board of Directors, the Union School Alumni Committee, and the Union School Parents-Teachers Association (PTA).
Meanwhile, Yeo appealed to the state government to support the construction of additional roofed courts to enhance training facilities and cultivate future sports talent in Penang.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad