GEORGE TOWN, November 30 – The Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 made a vibrant return to Straits Quay Marina, gathering 54 teams and over 1,600 paddlers from 11 regions including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the event, highlighting that Penang is “not just a host, but truly a home to dragon boat racing,” tracing the state’s legacy with the sport back to the 1950s. He emphasised that bringing the regatta back to the coastline has reconnected the festival with its cultural origins, while also generating significant economic benefits for Penang’s tourism and local businesses.
State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) YB Wong Hon Wai, who also chairs the organising committee, said the regatta underscores Penang’s growing strength as a global event destination. He noted that through Penang Major Events, the state is committed not just to attracting international events, but sustaining those with deep cultural and economic impact.
He expressed appreciation to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, E&O Group, the China Consulate-General in Penang, and all partners whose contributions have elevated the event’s international standing.Both Chow and Wong reaffirmed the state’s vision of shaping Penang into an active, connected, and globally relevant city.
With strengthened air connectivity and expanding international partnerships, heritage events like the Dragon Boat Regatta continue to play a crucial role in defining Penang’s identity on the world stage. The presence of dignitaries including MBPP Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Consul-General Zhou You Bin, and E&O Executive Chairman Datuk Seri Tee Eng Ho further reflected the event’s significance as a cultural, sporting, and tourism highlight of the year.
