Sabah set for board game design competition
Josie Lai (third right) with organizing team of Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025.
KOTA KINABALU (April 22): The Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STTOS) has concluded the final submission phase of the Sabah National Boardgame Design Competition, setting the stage for the highly anticipated Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025 on June 21–22 at IMAGO Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu.
Organized in collaboration with XMultiSport Event (Sabah event company) and the Singapore-based tabletop engagement company #laiplayleow, this initiative leverages the growing appeal of tabletop games as engaging tools for promoting tourism, culture and trade. From souvenirs to storytelling, these games are designed to connect players with Sabah's rich natural and cultural heritage.
During a courtesy visit to Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and
Environment, the organizing team presented examples of Singaporean-designed board games to demonstrate how culturally themed gameplay can boost destination awareness and support tourism-related trade.
Josie highlighted that 'this initiative showcases Sabah's unique identity through board games while also serving as a valuable platform for Sabahan talent to shine in the creative industry.'
In attendance during the visit were Wendy Clare Stephen, Managing Director of STTOS; Hisyam Azmi, Marketing Manager for STTOS; Auther Kimon, Technical Director of XMultiSport Event; Perry Hussin, Liaison & Operations Manager of XMultiSport Event; and Benjamin Leow, Founder of #LaiPlayLeow.
A highlight of the competition has been the passion of participants including designer Tan Seng Hor.
'As a lifelong lover of games, I truly believe that locally designed board games can be a fantastic product for tourism: as a souvenir, a gift, and a marketing tool,' said Tan Seng Hor. 'That is why I fully embraced this opportunity and flew from Semenanjung to Kota Kinabalu to do the final presentation for this Sabah board game design competition.'
Out of the 23 participations, the winning entry will receive prize money and support to further develop and refine their game for showcasing at the June convention. This offers a platform for the creator to launch an
export-ready product and strengthen Sabah's profile on the regional tourism and trade stage.
Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and organized by STTOS with XMultiSport Event and #LaiPlayLeow.
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