GEORGE TOWN, April 26 — Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Penang EXCO for Youth, Sports and Health YB Daniel Gooi Zi Sen expressed strong confidence in Penang’s potential to deliver gold medals in snooker and billiards at the 2027 SEA Games. Speaking at the official launch of the Northern Region Billiards and Snooker Academy in Bayan Baru, they highlighted the state’s long-standing excellence in cue sports and the critical role of the new RM1.8 million training facility in nurturing future national champions.
“With this academy, we are optimistic that Penang will contribute significantly to Malaysia’s medal tally,” said Hannah, while YB Daniel emphasized the state’s commitment to strengthening youth development through high-performance sports infrastructure. YB Daniel Gooi commended the collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council, the Public Works Department, and the Penang Snooker and Billiards Association (Baru), noting that the academy will serve as a strategic platform for talent discovery, skill-building, and character development.
He further announced Penang’s readiness to co-host snooker and billiards events at the 2027 SEA Games, describing the opportunity as a major step forward for the state’s sporting landscape. “This academy positions Penang as a cue sports hub for the northern region and beyond,” he added. Both leaders also addressed challenges in expanding such facilities nationwide, citing high costs and licensing issues due to some local authorities still classifying cue sports as entertainment.
Hannah Yeoh reaffirmed the ministry’s support, including issuing confirmation letters to facilitate licensing, while YB Daniel called on associations and education departments to work together in identifying and grooming more young talent. With over 300,000 active cue sports players across the country, they believe Malaysia is well-placed to rise in the regional and global snooker and billiards scene.
2027 SEA Games
Bayan Baru
Billiards and Snooker
Cue Sports
Cue Sports Hub
Cue Sports Players
Daniel Gooi Zi Sen
Education Departments
Hannah Yeoh
High-Performance Sports
Malaysia
Ministry of Youth and Sports
National Champions
National Sports Council
Northern Region Billiards and Snooker Academy
Penang
Penang EXCO for Youth
Penang Snooker and Billiards Association
Policy Reform
Public Works Department
SEA Games Medals
Snooker
Snooker and Billiards
Snooker Bayan Baru
Snooker Penang
Sports and Health
Sports Collaboration
Sports Infrastructure
Sports Licensing
Talent Development
Youth and Sports Minister
Youth Development
