Latest news with #SibuInternationalPowerboatRace
Borneo Post
25-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tiong: Sibu International Powerboat Race can propel Sarawak tourism to global stage
Tiong (third left) admiring a remote control powerboat during the launch ceremony. SIBU (April 25): The 2025 Sibu International Powerboat Race offers a prime opportunity to attract global participants and elevate Sibu—as well as Sarawak—as a premier destination for international tourism and water sports, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. Speaking at the launch of the championship at Pulau Li Hua today, he highlighted the event's potential to position Sibu as a viable venue for world-class water sports competitions. 'This is a very good programme and has the potential to elevate our tourism sector. If possible, we should upgrade it into an international-level event,' he said. Tiong urged all stakeholders to work together in promoting the race not just locally, but globally. He also expressed openness to exploring the possibility of hosting Formula 1 powerboat races in Sarawak, provided organisers submit a well-structured and feasible proposal. 'Organising such world-class events will require close cooperation between the organisers, the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism and the state government,' he said. Tiong also noted that the Pulau Li Hua Waterfront holds significant potential to be developed into a landmark hub for water sports in Sibu. This, he said, would require strategic planning and cooperation across agencies. 'We need to engage with the Resident's Office, government agencies, and local NGOs to draft a comprehensive development plan for the necessary infrastructure and facilities,' he said, suggesting that the proposal be elevated to the state government and eventually to the Ministry of Economy for further consideration. The Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman also called on race participants to compete with professionalism and uphold safety. 'I hope no untoward incidents occur due to emotions. Compete professionally,' he said. Tiong estimated between 10,000 and 20,000 spectators would attend the three-day event, with over 3,000 recorded on the opening day. He expressed satisfaction with the strong public turnout and said he hopes next year's race will be held on a larger scale with even greater international participation. To support the organisers, Tiong also announced a RM200,000 grant for future activities. Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Digital and Hulu Rajang MP, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong; and event organising secretary Maria Nadja Jimmy. Sibu International Powerboat Race Tiong King Sing tourism
The Star
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Tiong wants to see more overseas entrants in Sibu powerboat race
SIBU: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for more international participants to enter the Sibu International Powerboat Race. Speaking at the opening of the three-day event here on Friday (April 25), he said the race was not only important as a tourist event but also served as a platform for the development of water sports among the youth. 'I hope we can bring in more international participants. "If the prizes are more attractive... more people will be interested. We want to make this a stage for young people to learn and compete at the international level,' he added. Tiong said increased foreign participation would help elevate the race to the status of a global event. He also gave his assurance that he would help in every way possible to boost the event's attractiveness to international crews. 'I know the application to the ministry is for RM500,000. I will try to help. We can sit down and discuss and see how to strengthen this event,' he said, adding that this year's race received an allocation of RM250,000 from his ministry. He also invited NGOs and international organisations to have a hand in future events, suggesting that the organisers begin meetings and planning sessions earlier to draw more tourists and overseas participants. This year's event at the Pulau Li Hua waterfront has drawn a total of 262 powerboat crews from Malaysia and Brunei.
