By Brian Yip

Written on the 21st of September, 2026.

In terms of streaks, we’ve been on quite a roll recently. Most of my colleagues have given solid points on stuff with facts and figures. Admittedly, I think they are probably more well-versed than I am with serious topics like politics and the economy. It’s not throwing shade - I just happen to not really like stuffy facts and figures.

(This is super ironic considering I’m studying a science subject, but uhhh…pay it no mind for now? Heh.)

Nevertheless, it’s also good to focus on the lighter things. Malaysia is a country that excels not just as a diplomatic and economic influence, but a cultural one as well. This includes our traditions, stories…sports. And I’m happy that we’re receiving more recognition for it in recent years, especially our food!!

I want to talk about Malaysian sports. But not badminton or hockey. They are good choices but also well-trodden paths, given our strength with these two sports. No, I’m going to talk about something closer to me,

Chess.

Now obviously, we are not the best with this game. We’re not even the best in our region! But we have potential and a lot of resilience. Let’s talk about the current event which our national teams are participating in.

Every two years, FIDE – the global governing body of chess – hosts the Chess Olympiad to determine the best chess nation on the planet. We have two teams currently in Samarkand, Uzbekistan at the moment. Round 5 just ended yesterday, and we are going to have one more round today before the break. And we’re actually doing quite well at the moment!

Both teams are currently 3/5 in the event, which will have 11 rounds. Our men’s team beat Fiji, Honduras and Iraq, while the women’s team beat San Marino, Pakistan and Palestine. All things considered, this is already a very good result for both teams at the moment - especially for the men’s team who struggled last edition.

Again, we are not the strongest, but we really have good potential to shine. If the current results are not enough, then look at 2024! We defeated Portugal in a major upset in the men’s category. Meanwhile, our women’s team ended 7/11 and kept on par with the regular chess nations.

Individually, you may have heard of Yeoh Li Tian who is our first Malaysian GM. But he’s not our highest rated player. That would be IM Poh Yu Tian. His recent tournament in Dortmund, Germany ended with him placing 6th overall and tied 3rd with a 6.5/9 score. He beat the former super-GM (2700+) David Navara and held former Candidate GM Matthias Bluebaum to a draw.​

Of course, I’m stating a lot of facts and figures myself (ironic, once again). And yes, I am a chess fanatic. I care a lot about this sport and this job lets me share my passion with all of you out there. Still, it’s selfish for me to make this article solely about myself – a lot of other people also treasure this game. Why?

Maybe it’s because Malaysians are a really determined lot. It’s true that somewhere along the lines, we became a bit better with certain sports compared to others. That’s normal, and it’s also normal that we as a nation pursue that which we are good at. But I also want to highlight the gaps that people overlook.

Our strength and will to improve are present everywhere. I’m hard-pressed to find any place that shows this much more clearly than the Malaysian chess scene. The people here are some of the most hardworking I’ve seen – and it’s necessary since chess demands a lot of preparation and memory with openings, tactics and endgames. For some, this game is what they spend their entire lives pursuing.

As a competitor myself, I know how much heart we put into pursuing our craft. I’m no different. There was a round last year where I was completely winning but lost on time. And I smacked the chair in frustration! So close, yet so far.

I’ve met rivals and teammates that are even crazier than I am for chess. I’ve fought people that were absolutely sharp and disciplined with their approach towards the board. I’ve had games against people that were laughing like a madman the whole way through.

There is so much fire in their eyes. I can and will never deny that fact.

We may not be super present on the news. Nor are we well known. Still, I think it is that very fact that pushes all of us to work even harder and make an impact within this sport. And that has given us so many spectacular results on the global stage. Because if we’re going to make it on the headlines, then we better be the best at what we do, right? Not just to inspire those around us, but to prove to ourselves that we are capable. That we did this.

Chess has a lot of powerful messages. Amongst all of them, one message shines the brightest, and it can be described as a peribahasa.

Hendak seribu daya, tak hendak seribu dalih.

Someday, our efforts will pay off. We will take our place as amongst the best in the world. It may be a day or a year or ten. But it will happen – I’m sure of that.

As a Malaysian chess fan, I can’t wait.