PREPARATIONS for Penang’s role as one of the host clusters for the 2027 SEA Games are progressing steadily, with engagement sessions involving sports associations and stakeholders reaching 85% completion.
Penang Stadium and Open Spaces Corporation executive director Mozakir Buyong Mokhtar said the state was currently focusing on coordinating with relevant agencies, sports bodies and stakeholders to ensure all requirements for the Games were identified and addressed early.
He said physical planning and logistical preparations were also being carried out ahead of the biennial sporting event.
“To date, engagement sessions with departments, agencies, sports associations and stakeholders have reached about 85%.
“At the same time, physical planning is progressing well, while logistical preparations are currently at the pre-implementation stage to ensure all requirements can be identified and coordinated early,” he said.
Mozakir said several venues had been identified for the Games, with preparations being carried out in stages.
Among the key venues are SPICE Arena and SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas, as well as the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) in Gelugor.
SPICE Arena is slated to host sepak takraw events, while SPICE Convention Centre will stage snooker and billiards competitions.
PWCC, meanwhile, has been identified as the venue for judo, boxing, table tennis and floorball events.
However, Mozakir said the organising committee was still awaiting details on the number of athletes who would be competing in Penang.
“The information is important as it will allow us to further refine logistical planning, particularly in terms of transportation, accommodation and the movement of athletes and officials throughout the Games,” he said.
On mobility planning, Mozakir said several major infrastructure projects were also being taken into consideration, including the Mutiara Line LRT project, the Juru Toll Plaza-Sungai Dua Toll Plaza traffic dispersal project and the expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA).
“We want to ensure all preparations are carried out in a structured manner while taking into account the actual needs of athletes, officials and stakeholders so that the Games can be organised smoothly when Penang hosts the events in 2027,” he added.
Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said the SEA Games would also provide Penang with a valuable platform to showcase the state not only as a tourism destination but also as a capable host for major international events.
“With the Games bringing athletes, officials, supporters, media and visitors to Penang, it will create greater exposure for our attractions, hospitality offerings, connectivity and overall destination experience,” he said.
Ashwin said the event would also allow Penang to showcase its event venues, convention facilities, accommodation and supporting infrastructure to a wider regional and international audience.
“From the business events perspective, the exposure and experience gained from hosting an event of this scale can strengthen Penang’s profile and demonstrate its capability to host high-value, high-impact events.
“This could potentially create opportunities for future conferences, exhibitions, corporate events and other international gatherings,” he said.
According to Tan Kok Liang, a tourism agency operator in George Town, the Games would provide a major boost to the state’s tourism sector, adding that it would be a major sporting event in the region.
Story by Edmund Lee