Scrabble buffs square off in Penang showdown

The Star

2 days ago

DRAWING the Q, X or Z tiles in a game of Scrabble is a blessing, if you are a maestro at it.
These rare tiles can help you form words that rake in high scores in this generations-old game first created in 1938.
To help you score seven-letter bingos, use special websites and apps to make your mind adept at playing with anagrams.
These and many more tips came from Scrabble buffs at the Penang Open Scrabble Tournament here.
Out of 465 participants, 200 made it into the grand finals in the primary and secondary school categories and the open category.
'Of the rare tiles, my favourite is Z. It is a more versatile letter and you can make more words with it compared with others like Q or X,' said Leon Ng, 18.
That said, his proudest Scrabble move came when he scored a whopping 307 points with the word 'bouquets'.
'I love Scrabble. I've played thousands of rounds online over many hours for the past six years, with people from all over the world.
'It is more than just a game, it's a way for me to connect with others and, at the same time, challenge myself,' said Leon, a finalist in the open category this year after dominating the tournament in the secondary school category last year.
He honed his skills by using online tools, word study apps, and Scrabble quizzes.
(From left) Malaysia Scrabble Association acting president Mohammad Ali Ismail, Penang Scrabble Club former president Tan Khee Chiang, Ong, Jagdeep, Penang STEM chief executive officer Datuk Chung Chok Yin, Flextronics learning and development manager Sanjeet Mohan, PSDC senior technologist Tham Kok Kee and CKC representative Cheong Vi Hua after the tournament opening.
His personal best was a score of 740 points in official tournaments while online, he once raked in 900 points.
Another seasoned player, retiree Ng Chee Eng, 64, sees the game as the perfect mental workout.
'It keeps my mind alert. Scrabble isn't just for the young,' he added.
Held at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) Bayan Lepas, the two-day grand final was organised by the Penang Math Platform (PMP) with support from Malaysia Scrabble Association (MSA).
Event sponsors were CKC Food Industries Sdn Bhd and Flextronics Technology Penang that contributed RM11,000 to cover prizes, meals, workshops and logistical costs.
PMP general manager Johnny Ong said the tournament grew significantly even with it just in its second year.
'Last year, we had 340 participants. This year, we have 465,' he said.
Ong said players from Sabah, Pahang, Melaka, Selangor and Perak took part in the finals too.
More than just a battle of vocabulary, the tournament reflected Penang's unique approach of blending language mastery with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the pursuit of a future-ready generation.
Winners walked away with cash prizes, trophies and medals.
Ong said the MSA confirmed a new national participation record in this year's tournament.
He said the event highlighted Penang's broader vision of leveraging education to drive future economic growth.
'Penang STEM, a state-level initiative, has been instrumental in providing synergistic support for students through platforms like the PMP, Tech Dome Penang and Penang Science Cluster.
'Together, these centres have delivered hundreds of STEM-related programmes reaching hundreds of thousands of students and educators nationwide,' he said.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who launched the tournament, said English proficiency was critical for students as it was the global language of STEM.
'This aligns with recent calls from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to strengthen English language proficiency in schools,' he said.
'The state government continues to champion education as a core pillar of its Penang2030 vision to become a family-focused, green and smart state.
'Events like this tournament not only inspire young minds but also reflect the state's commitment to preparing its youth for careers in key industries such as electronics, aerospace, medical technology, and food innovation.'
Scrabble was invented by Alfred Mosher Butts, an American architect who loved word games.
The game gained popularity after entrepreneur James Brunot bought the rights in the late 1940s and made minor changes.
In the early 1950s, Scrabble became a household name.