Mini Chess Festival prepares young prodigy for global competition

New Straits Times

29-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Nine-year-old Nik Aimee Camilla Nik Ahmad Farouqi is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to making bold moves on the chessboard.
The youngest of four siblings, Nik Aimee recently took part in the Mini Chess Festival (MCF), a tournament organised by the Malaysian Chess Federation in collaboration with the New Straits Times Press (NSTP), held during the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair.
The event served as an important warm-up for Nik Aimee, who is preparing to represent Malaysia in two upcoming international tournaments — the Ashgabat 2025 International Chess Tournament in Turkmenistan from June 15 to 19 and the Eastern Asian Youth Chess Championship in China from July 20 to 30.
Speaking to NSTP, Nik Aimee said 6, upon observing her father and older brothers playing at home.
"My interest began when I watched my father play. I practised a lot with him and my older brothers.
"My passion grew even more after I became the Under-8 champion at the National Youth Chess Championship," she said when met at the World Trade Centre during the MCF.
Offering a total prize of RM20,00, there are four categories — children, adults, open and team tournament.
It was officiated earlier by Media Prima Bhd On-Air Presentation News and Current Affairs Division general manager Kamaruddin Mape.
Also present were Harian Metro Group Editor Husain Jahit, Malaysian Chess Federation president Akramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur managing director Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, asked whether she was nervous, Nik Aimee said she felt calm ahead of the two major tournaments, adding that it would not be her first time playing abroad.
"I have played in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and also Italy before," she said.
Her father, Nik Ahmad Farouqi Nik Abdul Aziz, 43, who is also a chess coach, said he recognised his daughter's potential early on, when she took second place in an under-7 tournament.
"We did not force her. I would just play chess in front of her. From there, we saw her interest and gave her exposure.
"Since then we have focused on helping her improve her performance.
"She represented Malaysia at the World Youth Cadet in Egypt two years ago, and again in Italy last year," he said.
Nik Ahmad Farouqi said the MCF was part of their preparations for the Turkmenistan and China tournaments.
"It helps her to maintain her performance and focus. I also ask her to track her own progress. These tournaments help us assess her current level and identify areas for improvement."
He added that the offer to compete in Turkmenistan came just a day ago, after MCF confirmed her selection as a national athlete based on her past achievements.
"It is not easy to get opportunities like this. Now the challenge is to prepare her mentally and physically.
"We want to push her to perform, but not to the point where she burns out. She knows she is carrying the national flag, and she takes that seriously," he said.
The upcoming tournament in China will see participation from 15 players aged nine and below, from countries including China, Japan, and Malaysia.
Nik Aimee is expected to represent Malaysia as one of its youngest competitors.
Meanwhile, her mother, Nik Aleena Nik Abdul Rahman, also 43, said the family was focused on supporting Nik Aimee in every aspect, including emotional well-being and school commitments.
"She is still a child, so there are days when she does not feel like training. We have to monitor her emotional state, energy levels and even her diet.