MIRI: The Xiang Qi Miri 2025 Championship, held at Wisma Hopoh Miri received an encouraging response, further strengthening efforts to promote the traditional Chinese chess game within the community, especially among the younger generation.
The opening ceremony of the event was officiated by community leader, Penghulu Chai Kuen Ming, who represented the Minister of Transport and Senadin assemblyman, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
The event was jointly organised by the Xiang Qi Miri Association and the Hopoh Miri Youth Association.
Lee in his text of speech, which was read out by Chai, emphasised that Xiang Qi is not only a competitive game but also a cultural heritage filled with noble values.
“Xiang Qi not only tests intelligence and strategic thinking but also reflects real-life challenges, including the decision-making process and personal resilience,” he said at the event held on Saturday.
He also urged the younger generation to view Xiang Qi as an intellectual challenge that could help shape sharper and more creative minds.
“I hope this championship will serve as a platform to attract more young people to Xiang Qi.
“This is a heritage that must be preserved and passed down to future generations,” he added.
He noted that Xiang Qi is gaining international recognition, including being an official event in the SEA Games and Asian Games.
He also hoped that the Xiang Qi Miri Association would continue working towards making Xiang Qi an event in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) to enhance its status and influence.
Also present at the event were Wong Xin Zhang, chairman of the Xiang Qi Miri Association, and Lau Siih Ngie, advisor of the Xiang Qi Miri Division Association.
