SIBU: Facing diverse challenges, civil servants need to prioritise physical and mental health.
Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau Kiong Yieng said that the Lanang Cup 2025 Civil Servants Pickleball Tournament is not only about promoting a healthy lifestyle, but also serves as a crucial platform for fostering interaction and camaraderie among civil servants.
“In today’s fast-changing and multifaceted world, civil servants must not only focus on job performance but also pay attention to physical and mental wellbeing. Events like this can improve physical fitness while nurturing team spirit, cooperation, and positive sportsmanship,” she said at the tournament’s opening ceremony held at the IPSS Academy in the UTC building here recently.
Lau was represented by her private secretary, Stanley Chew, who delivered her speech.
A total of 17 teams from various government departments and agencies from the Central Region participated in the tournament, hosted by the Lanang Pickleball Club (LPC) and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The Lanang MP emphasised that the significance of the tournament lies not in victory alone, but in the process of participation, forming friendships, and building unity.
She urged all participants to embody a strong sporting spirit, mutual respect, and promote friendly and respectful competition.
Announcing that she will host a similar tournament, the “Civil Servants’ Alice Lau Cup”, expected to be held in October this year, Lau expressed hope that more agencies would participate to foster a culture of health and cooperation among civil servants.
Earlier, organising chairperson Siti Harrysah Ali said that the participation of various departments provided not only a platform for healthy competition but also helped promote civil servants’ health awareness.
She added that the tournament adopted a “challenge format”, with the winning team receiving a challenge trophy annually.
LPC President Daniel Iing Shii Ngie emphasised that the tournament goes beyond competition — it serves as a valuable platform for building friendships and promoting teamwork among civil servants across all sectors.
“We are deeply honoured to bring together our fellow civil servants in an atmosphere of unity and healthy competition,” he said.
He extended heartfelt thanks to all contributors — the sponsors, organising committee, volunteers, and especially the participants who brought the event to life with their enthusiasm.
“May this tournament create lasting memories and inspire a spirit of collaboration and healthy living among all public service personnel,” Iing concluded.
Among those present was Sibu Divisional Youth and Sports Officer, Terrence Tan.
