THE Penang government, through the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee (PETACE), remains committed to supporting a wide range of sporting events across the state, from grassroots competitions to major regional and international tournaments.
PETACE chairman Wong Hon Wai said such events play a crucial role in nurturing local sporting talent, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, while simultaneously stimulating tourism spending and economic activity in Penang.
He said this during the Penang CSC Dragon Boat Festival 2026, held recently at the Chinese Swimming Club Penang in Tanjung Bungah.
According to Wong, the Penang CSC Dragon Boat Festival serves as an excellent example of how sports, culture and tourism can be successfully integrated to benefit the local community while showcasing Penang’s unique identity to a wider audience.
“The festival demonstrates how sporting events can bring people together, preserve cultural traditions and create meaningful tourism experiences at the same time,” he said.
Wong also highlighted that Penang is preparing to host the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta from Nov 27 to 29 this year.
“We are looking forward to the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta this November, organised by PETACE, which will further strengthen Penang’s position as a leading dragon boat racing and sports tourism hub in the region,” he added.
Speaking on the Penang CSC Dragon Boat Festival 2026, Wong said the event was jointly organised by the Chinese Swimming Club Penang and the Penang Dragon Boat Association.
The festival featured highly competitive races in both the 12-crew and 22-crew categories, alongside a Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) competition that attracted participants from various local teams.
“The event is supported by the Penang government through PETACE, with a total of nine local teams taking part in the competition.
“It reflects Penang’s continued commitment to strengthening sports tourism while developing a sustainable grassroots sporting ecosystem under PETACE,” Wong said.
Race Results
12-Crew Category
- Champion: Dragon Ark B (00:54.00)
- First Runner-Up: Northern Dragon (Kanu Baling) (00:56.36)
- Second Runner-Up: Dragon Ark C (00:56.46)
22-Crew Category
- Champion: Dragon Ark B (00:49.26)
- First Runner-Up: PCC Paddlers (00:51.11)
- Second Runner-Up: Dragon Ark A (00:52.36)
SUP Category
- Champion: Muhammad Fadzil bin Mohd Lutfi (01:59.99)
- First Runner-Up: Tan Hooi Houng (02:00.10)
- Second Runner-Up: Louie Tan (02:16.16)
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of YB Wong’s office