THIS year, the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta is made even more special by the participation of three teams featuring para dragon boat athletes.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai announced that the event will return to Penang at the same venue, Straits Quay Marina, from November 28 to 30, from 8 am to 4 pm.
Wong said that over 55 teams from 10 countries and regions have registered for this year’s regatta.
“While the Penang Bridge International Marathon has embraced corporate social responsibility (CSR) to promote social inclusion, the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta will also carry forward the same spirit.
“For the very first time, we will have three teams consisting para dragon boat are joining the competition. They are: Darkness Fighters Dragon Boat team (Hong Kong), Pink Power (Hong Kong) team, Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat team (Hong Kong) and PADS Adaptive Dragonboat Racing team (Philippines).
“This is a powerful reminder that dragon boat racing and sport itself, belongs to everyone. It is not just about strength and speed, but about resilience, teamwork, and the courage to push boundaries.
‘We want it to send a clear message that no one is left behind, and everyone can find a place on the boat. Inclusivity is not only about who races, but also about who watches, who celebrates, and who feels welcome.
“This is Penang’s way of showing that sports tourism is not just an industry, but a platform for unity, empowerment, and shared joy,” he said while adding that the theme for this year’s regatta is inclusivity.
Apart from that, Wong shared that Hong Kong has one of the richest dragon boat traditions in the world, and their teams are known for their skill, spirit, and passion.
“Their presence here in Penang is not only a boost to the level of competition but also a reflection of the strong ties between Penang and Hong Kong.
“Penang and Hong Kong share a natural connection as dynamic, multicultural destinations with deep traditions and modern energy.
“And we are proud that our partnership has also received strong support from the Hong Kong government,” he said.
Speaking about the venue, Wong said that hosting the regatta at Straits Quay brings the races closer to the community, allowing families to gather by the waterfront, enjoy the restaurants and shops, and experience the excitement of the competition in a festive atmosphere.
“ We are also greatly encouraged by the incredible participation we have seen this year from both local and international teams. We are especially excited to welcome a new team from Liechtenstein, marking their first-ever participation in our event.
“Other than that, this year, teams from Australia are also participating. This year, we expect some 80,000 to 100,000 visitors to join the event.
“It is truly inspiring to see teams from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries coming together here in Penang to celebrate the same tradition, united by the same spirit of competition and camaraderie,” Wong said.
Wong also shared that the regatta is not just a sporting event, but also a catalyst for economic activity, supporting our local businesses and showcasing Penang as a world-class destination.
“When we talk about dragon boat racing in Penang, we are not just talking about a sport. We are talking about something that is deeply woven into our history, our culture, and our community,” he added.
The Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O) is both the platinum sponsor and the venue sponsor for Straits Quay Retail Marina.
The Penang International Dragon Boat Race began in 1979, three years after the first race in Hong Kong and was first held at Gurney Drive.
Later the race moved to Teluk Bahang Dam, becoming a popular annual event for decades. In 2024, a new chapter began as the regatta was held at the Straits Quay Marina.
Also present were E&O executive chairman Datuk Seri Tee Eng Ho, EMICO chief executive officer Francis Lim, and other dignitaries.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter