HONG Kong’s Pink Power, a cancer survivors’ dragon boat team, is competing in the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 with renewed purpose following the recent deadly Tai Po fire.
Team participant Ng Tze Hou, the only Malaysian in the Hong Kong squad, expressed sorrow over the tragedy in which 94 people, including a firefighter, were reportedly killed.
“Most of us live far from the Wang Fuk, so we are safe, but the news is devastating. Our prayers are with the survivors,” he said.
Ng said the team is racing not only to compete but to honour both cancer survivors and the fire victims.
“All the teams come here to win — that’s the aim. But we are also here to pay tribute to the cancer survivor community and the victims of the fire,” he added.
Pink Power began under a cancer survivors’ fund before becoming self-funded. The team now has about 100 members, with 30 competing in Penang.
“We train twice a week for two hours. Our coach Frank is an ex-Hong Kong representative, and we have several former reps on the team,” Ng said
This marks Pink Power’s second appearance in Penang, with some family members travelling with the team.
“Thanks for the support. I’m honoured to be here as a guest,” Ng said.
Coach Frank Chu also hopes that his team can perform well in this outing.
The event also embraces inclusivity, with two other teams made up of visually impaired athletes and participants with physical disabilities taking part.
Despite rainy weather this morning, the regatta began smoothly with the Tug of War (International Premier Open), featuring 15 teams at Straits Quay.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who visited the site to inspect preparations and cheer on participants, said he was moved by the resolve of the Hong Kong paddlers.
“The tug-of-war event is a unique sport combining two ancient cultural elements — dragon boats and tug-of-war. The combination preserves tradition while developing into a sport that requires strength, skill and teamwork,” he said.
Wong said the atmosphere was filled with energy, splashing water and loud cheers, creating a distinctive spectacle.
He noted that the tug-of-war event was introduced in 2023, when he took over as organising committee chairman, and has since grown in popularity.
“It has been retained for two consecutive years and is now one of the event highlights,” he said.
Scheduled from Nov 28 to 30 at the Straits Quay Marina, the event has drawn 54 teams from over 11 countries and regions, with an estimated 1,600 participants.
The teams hail from Australia, China (including 10 from Hong Kong), Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines, Liechtenstein, Chinese Taipei and Malaysia.
For further info, visit www.penangdragonboat.gov.my
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting