DETERMINATION, resilience and unwavering spirit took centre stage at The TOP Komtar as Penang celebrated two Paralympic gold medallists, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to athlete development and preparations for SEA Games 2027.
Leading the celebrations was tandem cyclist Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais, 28, whose journey from visual impairment to regional sporting glory captured hearts at the event.
The Bagan-born athlete, who has been visually impaired since birth, clinched two gold medals and one silver at the 2025 Para ASEAN Games in Thailand, triumphing in the Women’s B Road Race and Individual Pursuit. She received RM9,000 under the state’s Sports Excellence Incentive Scheme (SKIMAS).
“I am truly grateful for the incentives from the Penang government and the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP).
“This recognition motivates me to train harder and aim for another gold in 2027,” she said during an interview earlier.
Azlia, who switched from athletics to cycling in 2017 following a talent search, trains daily under the MSNPP, balancing long road rides, track sessions and gym work.
“I enjoy cycling very much, and winning gold gives me the motivation to keep improving and pushing my limits,” she added.
The spotlight then turned to seasoned para-bowler Mohd Suhairi Abd Kadir, 47, who received RM3,000 under SKIMAS after winning gold in the men’s doubles and silver in singles.
Competing under the B1 category for totally blind athletes, Suhairi has been active in the sport since the early 2000s while working full-time as a massage therapist in Kuala Lumpur.
“This incentive will help support my training expenses and preparations for upcoming competitions,” he said.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by para-athletes, particularly in funding and support.
“I hope the state government can continue strengthening support for para-athletes so we can keep representing Penang and Malaysia proudly,” he added.
The celebration of sporting excellence was complemented by the state government’s broader commitment to strengthening Penang’s sports ecosystem.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the event brought together three key agendas, incentives under the Penang Athlete, Career & Education (PACE) programme, recognition of Para ASEAN athletes, and the appointment of the organising committee for the SEA Games Malaysia 2027 Penang cluster.
“The PACE programme is a strategic approach that not only focuses on achievements in competition but also emphasises academic development, career planning and the long-term wellbeing of our athletes,” he said.
Chow revealed that Penang has achieved 90% progress in developing 10 new sports and recreational facilities.
“This reflects our commitment to high-performance sports while also cultivating an active and inclusive lifestyle among the people of Penang,” he added.
As Penang prepares to serve as a host cluster for SEA Games 2027, Chow stressed the importance of thorough preparations.
“This responsibility must be carried out with commitment, professionalism and integrity. Hosting the games will strengthen sports development and stimulate tourism, hospitality and supporting industries while leaving a lasting legacy for our people,” he said.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen described the incentives as a reflection of the state’s dedication to athlete welfare and development.
“Today, 121 athletes are receiving support under the PACE programme, covering tuition incentives, higher education assistance, SPM incentives, sports scholarships and athlete welfare schemes,” he said.
He added that the RM12,000 SKIMAS incentive awarded to the two Paralympic athletes recognises their achievements in bringing pride to Penang and Malaysia.
“Their success proves the capability and competitiveness of our athletes on the international stage and serves as inspiration for others to excel,” he said.
Gooi also highlighted Malaysia’s strong performance at the SEA Games Thailand 2025 and Para ASEAN Games 2025.
“I hope these initiatives will continue to strengthen our sports ecosystem while ensuring athletes’ education, welfare and career pathways remain secure beyond their competitive years,” he said.
Also present earlier were Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, and MSNPP director Harry Chai Heng Hua.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan