THE Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta is set to make an explosive return this year at the Teluk Bahang Dam from Nov 23 to 24.
Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the event is generating heightened anticipation, coinciding with the Year of Dragon and the 50th anniversary of the Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. This milestone is set to make this year’s regatta a unique and meaningful affair in Penang.
Given the shared diplomatic relations that were formed five decades ago, this year’s programme will feature the collaboration with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO).
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described this year’s dragon boat event as a timely one to celebrate the special friendship with China, reflecting the deep and enduring ties between the two nations.
“We are also delighted to collaborate with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office as this partnership is aimed at encouraging more teams from Hong Kong to join the festival, further enriching the event with diverse participation and strengthening regional ties.
“Over the past four decades or so, the affair has grown from a local event to an internationally recognised competition, reflecting the resilience and spirit of Penang’s diverse community.
“This milestone anniversary is a testament to the festival’s enduring legacy and its importance in promoting cultural heritage and unity,” Wong said in his speech during a media conference in Komtar today.
This year, Wong said the state looks forward to welcoming teams from countries such as China, Australia, Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and many others.
Given that the event will be held during the monsoon season in November, Wong mentioned that the chances of a low water level scenario at the Teluk Bahang Dam are quite unlikely.
However, the Penang government is working on a contingency plan to prevent any potential drop in the dam’s water level.
Ding Qiao, the acting consul-general of the People’s Republic of China in Penang, expressed hopes for deeper cooperation between Penang and China, with increased participation from both regions in future events.
“We need to hold fondly on this friendship that was forged some five decades ago. Moving forward, we hope to receive wider participation from the two nations, especially in such heritage and culturally-driven events,” she said.
Also present during the media conference was the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Jakarta) assistant director Jackson Chan.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud