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New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PM makes surprise visit to MCF Chess event for grandson
KUALA LUMPUR: Amid a packed schedule, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today made a brief but meaningful stop to support his grandson, Sulaimaan Mohamad Khairul, at the Mini Chess Festival (MCF), held in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair. The thirteen-year-old Sulaimaan is competing in the inaugural MCF, organised by the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) and the New Straits Times Press (NSTP), at the World Trade Centre (WTC). He is taking part in the Under-18 category of the MCF Open Rapid Team Chess Tournament. Upon arrival, Anwar was welcomed by NSTP Business Development and Special Projects Manager Tengku Kaifi Mirza Tuan Cherit and Berita Harian News Editor (Features and Religion) Nazmi Yaakub. The prime minister, who spent around 10 minutes at the venue, was also seen engaging warmly with participants and spectators. His presence sparked excitement among the young chess players, many of whom took the opportunity to greet him and snap quick photos. Sulaimaan, when met, said he joined the competition organised by NSTP and MCF with the aim of winning it. The eldest of four said he learned how to play chess at the KL Chess Academy in 2020. "Every year, I also take part in chess tournaments," he said. Sulaimaan's father, Mohamad Khairul Ahmad Jahudi, 45, said he was proud and happy with his son's achievement in participating in the chess competition. He said he also wanted his son to build character and experience the ups and downs of competing. "The highs and lows, the wins and losses are valuable experiences he can carry with him in life," he said. Speaking to NSTP reporters later, Tengku Kaifi said Anwar's visit was a meaningful gesture that affirmed NSTP and MCF's efforts in promoting educational and intellectual development among youth through chess. "Chess enhances strategic thinking and problem-solving skills and is a healthy form of competition that has a positive impact on students. "As such, we feel excited, appreciated and encouraged that what we are trying to promote to the public has been acknowledged by the prime minister himself. "It shows that he (Anwar) also supports efforts by the wider community to educate students and further strengthen their thinking skills through learning chess," he said. With four categories, children, adults, open, and team tournament, MCF has attracted more than 200 chess enthusiasts of all ages, offering a total prize pool of RM20,000. The festival, held from May 28 to June 1, involves different tournaments, including the Open Blitz, National Youth Blitz, Open Rapid Team, National Youth Rapid, and Open Rapid. Meanwhile, before visiting the tournament, Anwar also stopped by the NSTP booth at the book fair, where a selection of NSTP publications, New Straits Times, Berita Harian, and Harian Metro, was available to visitors.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Mini Chess Festival prepares young prodigy for global competition
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.
