SMASHING SUCCESS: 50 YEARS AND BEYOND

The Star

22-04-2025

IN celebration of its 50th anniversary, AmBank Group will host the first AmBank Malaysia Pickleball Championship 2025 – a tournament that brings together community, culture and youth empowerment through sport.
The championship, taking place from May 30 to June 1, is expected to attract around 500 participants, ranging from first-time players to seasoned enthusiasts of all ages.
Hosted at Partner Pickle Nation and organised by SCORE Sports Management, the tournament harnesses the growing global and local appeal of pickleball.
Driven by the slogan, 'Malaysia Kita', the championship strives to go beyond competition to celebrate the nation's unique community values such as our diverse culture and language.
AmBank's is committed to driving meaningful impact among Malaysians, helping them recognise the importance of financial health, as well as their physical and mental health.
'We want to celebrate our 50th anniversary through an event that brings 'Malaysia Kita' together in action through sport and community,' said AmBank Group corporate communications and marketing head Shazman Shahid.
'This championship aims to unite an active community through a sport that's fun and uplifting.
'We hope this platform can champion healthier lifestyles, nurture youth sportsmanship and highlight the spirit of 'Malaysia Kita'.
'We also hope that in the foreseeable future, AmBank will continuously be associated with pickleball, as the official presenter of this sport among Malaysians from all walks of life,' he added.
SCORE Sports Management chief executive officer Patricia Tan added, 'At SCORE, we believe that sport should be accessible, inclusive, and inspiring.
'We're proud to collaborate with AmBank on this milestone event, bringing Malaysians of all ages and backg rounds together to discover pickleball.
'More than just a competition, this championship is a celebration of movement, unity and the power of sport to bring real, positive change to our communities,' she said.
Kids paddle up
On June 1, a dedicated youth coaching session will take centre court, encouraging young Malaysians to get active.
Led by experienced coaches and players, the two-hour session includes drills, exhibition matches and fun, team-based activities for beginners.
It introduces the sport in an approachable and exciting way, fostering confidence, connection and healthy habits in young players.
Youth participants are invited to experience the joy of the sport through such activities.
They will also forge new friendships and become part of a growing local sports culture in Malaysia.
Smash, serve, recycle
In line with AmBank's sustainability commitment, the championship includes initiatives that encourage waste reduction and recycling in sports.
One such activity is a sneaker recycling programme, where used sports shoes are collected and repurposed into materials for community running tracks or court surfaces.
This initiative raises awareness of circular design and environmental responsibility.
By encouraging Malaysians to rethink waste, AmBank uses sport as a platform to drive sustainable, socially responsible values.
Symbol of unity and vision
As AmBank celebrates 50 years of growth, this championship is a symbol of the bank's vision – one uniting communities, empowering youth and inspiring healthier lifestyles.
Ahead of the tournament, the public is invited to join the 'AmBank 50th Pickleball Relay Challenge' – a virtual event where participants symbolically 'pass the pickleball' across the country.
It will be a celebration of unity, teamwork and the rising popularity of this dynamic sport.
Join the relay, share your moment and rally the spirit of Malaysia Kita in the lead-up to the AmBank Malaysia Pickleball Championship 2025.
Registration is now open. Secure your spot today to be part of this tournament and celebration.
For more information, visit
www.ambankgroup.com or follow AmBank Malaysia's official social media channels.