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 โnot just a host, but truly a home to dragon boat racing,โ tracing the stateโs 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 Penangโs 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 Penangโs 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 eventโs international standing.Both Chow and Wong reaffirmed the stateโs 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 Penangโs 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 eventโs significance as a cultural, sporting, and tourism highlight of the year.
