KUCHING: A surge in youth participation is driving the rapid growth of chess in Sarawak, with Kuching Chess Association (PCBK) now setting its sights on establishing the state as one of Malaysia’s leading chess hubs.
PCBK President, Chuang Kuang Hong, said the encouraging response to tournaments reflects growing public interest in the indoor sport, citing the recently concluded OHH HAA Rapid Kuching 2026, which attracted 143 participants after registrations were fully booked within just two weeks.
He attributed the positive response to the collective efforts of schools, parents, coaches, clubs and associations in promoting chess across the state, adding that although PCBK was only established last year, participation has steadily increased, particularly among young players.
“We are already seeing more players, especially young people, participating in chess tournaments. This is a positive sign that the local chess scene is becoming more active, and we hope this momentum will continue to grow,” he said when contacted recently.
Youth participation continues to form the backbone of PCBK’s tournaments, with nearly 80 per cent of participants in the OHH HAA Rapid Kuching 2026 aged 18 and below.
Players between 13 and 18 years old alone accounted for about 45 per cent of the total field.
“This gives us confidence that the future of chess in Sarawak is very promising,” he added.
Looking ahead, Chuang said PCBK plans to organise more tournaments while introducing fresh ideas to further develop the local chess community, including a signature event scheduled for October.
He said the association also hopes to work closely with the government and corporate sector to organise larger competitions, invest in youth development, and strengthen Sarawak’s chess ecosystem.
“We aspire to elevate Sarawak as one of Malaysia’s leading chess hubs,” he added.
