(From left) Ahmad, Dr Sim, Lo and Afiq lead in a gesture during the event. KUCHING (Aug 30): The Sarawak Esports Association (SESA) has been urged to consider introducing e-chess as a new e-sports discipline in the state, bridging mind sports, technology and the growing e-sports industry. The belief is that e-chess could help develop strategic thinking, patience, discipline and decision-making skills among young people. “Besides games such as mobile (games) and Mobile Legends, SESA can consider introducing and developing e-chess as one of the e-sports disciplines in Sarawak. I believe e-chess can also be a good bridge between mind sports, technology and e-sports,” said Sarawak senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim in his speech during the PUBG Mobile OooHaa Sarawak programme at Batu Kawa Innovation Hub here on Sunday. He suggested that SESA work with chess associations and clubs to organise e-chess competitions at the community, school and youth levels. He had promised funding for the association next year to help to develop the discipline. Meanwhile, he reminded young e-sports players that gaming must be balanced with education, health, family and future career aspirations. “Gaming must have discipline. Learning, health, family, your future and career remain important. If you want to become a good e-sports player, you also need to have the discipline of an athlete. “Getting enough sleep is also important to maintaining mental sharpness and performance. I know some young people can spend hours gaming late into the night,” he added. He also highlighted good sportsmanship and emotional control during competitions. “I want to share an experience that affected me during the Sukma Selangor 2026 where I was saddened to see a player from Melaka shouting and displaying aggressive behaviour towards the Sabah e-sports team in an incident that went viral. “Such behaviour is uncalled for. It should not happen and is very immature, especially at a national sporting event watched by millions of Malaysians and potentially audiences around the world. “I do not want to see our young people behave that way. To all players, you must remain calm and be able to control your emotions. There is nothing wrong with celebrating a victory with your team, but do it with the right attitude, without insulting, belittling or showing aggression towards your opponents,” he stressed. The senator said Sarawak needed young people to become technology creators, digital entrepreneurs and future leaders. “In an increasingly digital world, we need the younger generation not only to be users of technology, but one day to be able to create technology, become digital entrepreneurs and leaders here. “Who knows, from the programmes we are running today, one of you may become a world e-sports player. Perhaps a local player from Sarawak will emerge, or perhaps a technology and AI innovator founded by a Sarawakian,” he said. Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang and SESA president Afiq Fadhli Narawi.

Yap inspects the works in progress at Lorong Sungai Tapang 4, Kuching. KUCHING (Sept 23): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has instructed that payment to the contractor for the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) project at Lorong Sungai Tapang 4 here be withheld pending full compliance with the contractual requirements. He issued the instruction to the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), the implementing agency, following a site inspection today with MPP officers, during which certain works were found to be unsatisfactory and not fully in accordance with the required standards. The project involves upgrading works to improve drainage infrastructure and address local drainage and flooding concerns. Yap said all outstanding deficiencies must be rectified and the project completed in accordance with the approved scope of works, contractual requirements and Bill of Quantities (BQ) before payment could be released. “Public funds must be spent responsibly, and projects funded under the RTP must be delivered according to the approved scope of works and Bill of Quantities,” he said in a statement. “Completion cannot simply mean that physical works have been carried out. The works must also meet the required specifications and standards,” he said in a statement. He stressed that payment should only be made after the outstanding works had been properly rectified and the project fully complied with the contractual requirements. “I have instructed MPP to ensure that payment is not made until the outstanding works have been properly rectified and the project fully complies with the contractual requirements. “This is about accountability and ensuring that every ringgit of public money delivers the intended benefit to the people,” he said. Yap thanked MPP officers for their continued monitoring and technical assessment of the project. He said he would continue to monitor RTP projects on the ground, work closely with implementing agencies and follow up on residents’ concerns until they were properly addressed. “We listen, we follow up, and we make sure the work is done properly,” he said.

Yap (fourth right) witnesses the handover ceremony marking the completion of Phase Two of the Kota Sentosa Town Square upgrading works. KUCHING (Sept 24): Development at the grassroots level must be driven by local needs and followed through until tangible improvements are delivered to the community, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap. He said this was reflected in two community projects in his constituency — the completion of the RM300,000 Phase Two upgrading of Kota Sentosa Town Square and the commencement of a RM50,000 landscaping project at the Mile 7 Sam San Kuet Bong Temple. The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy treasurer said development should not focus solely on major infrastructure projects, but also include smaller-scale improvements that directly affect residents’ daily lives. “Development must reach the community. It is about listening to local needs, following up and delivering improvements on the ground. “I will continue to work together with our community leaders and relevant agencies to make Kota Sentosa a better place to live,” he said in a statement. The Phase Two upgrading of Kota Sentosa Town Square, implemented by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), was carried out following feedback from the local community. The RM300,000 project included the installation of louvres and awnings, extension of the main hall floor area, installation of stage railings, and upgrading and replacement of faulty electrical wiring for the existing lighting system. Yap said the improvements would enhance the functionality, safety and comfort of the Town Square, which hosts various community activities and programmes. He said the completion of Phase Two continued earlier improvement works at the Town Square, adding that he would continue monitoring projects to ensure completed facilities delivered their intended benefits. The project was implemented by MPP, with MF Jaya Bina Sdn Bhd as the contractor. Yap thanked MPP and the contractor for their cooperation in completing the upgrading works, and said the RTP remained an important mechanism for addressing grassroots infrastructure needs. Meanwhile, Yap witnessed the commencement of a RM50,000 landscaping project at the Green Dragon section of the Mile 7 Sam San Kuet Bong Temple. He said the project, fully funded by him, was aimed at improving the appearance and surroundings of the temple section and creating a more pleasant and welcoming environment for devotees and the local community. Yap said community development should also include improving facilities and surroundings important to local communities, including places of worship and cultural spaces. “Whether it involves drainage, roads, public facilities or community and cultural spaces, I will continue to listen to the needs of the people and do my best to facilitate meaningful projects,” he said. He also thanked the temple management and community leaders for their cooperation in implementing the landscaping project. Yap said the two projects reflected his approach of responding to grassroots concerns and ensuring improvements were delivered on the ground.

     Dr Sim (fifth right) receives a memento from Tan during the event in Kuching, while others look on. KUCHING (Aug 29): Local authorities in Sarawak have been urged to benchmark themselves against international standards, expanding their focus beyond basic infrastructure maintenance and routine public services as part of the state’s ongoing nation-building efforts. Speaking at the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) 70th Anniversary Dinner at a hotel here on Friday night, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said local councils should learn from Sarawak institutions that had achieved international recognition. The Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government cited the Sarawak Heart Centre and Sarawak General Hospital’s clinical research facilities as examples of local institutions that had raised their standards to an international level. “Learn from them, so that we can innovate, improve and make ourselves an international benchmark here in the jungle of Borneo,” he said. In line with this, he highlighted MPP’s achievements, including its participation in UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative and its recent inclusion in the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities. He also stressed the importance of inclusive development, saying local councils should ensure public spaces and facilities were accessible to persons with disabilities. “We don’t want a situation where you go to a shopping centre and there are no wheelchair-accessible ramps,” he said. Citing Batu Kawa Riverbank Park, Dr Sim said local authority projects should create spaces where people of different ethnicities and age groups could interact and participate in activities together. “That is nation-building at its best,” he added. He said local councils should also identify abandoned or underutilised spaces and explore ways to turn them into productive community and recreational assets. “Abandoned places can be rejuvenated and appropriately restored for modern use. That is what Sarawak nation-building is about: creating value,” he said. Also present were MPP chairman Tan Kai, Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, and other distinguished guests.

Sydney: Kuching has achieved a significant international milestone after being unanimously elected as the Convenor and Chair City of the Alliance for Healthy Cities (AFHC) for the 2028–2030 term at the 11th General Assembly of the Alliance for Healthy Cities. Kuching has also been officially confirmed as the host city for the 12th AFHC Global Conference in 2028, bringing the international gathering of healthy city leaders, policymakers, experts and practitioners to Sarawak. Kuching was jointly represented at the General Assembly by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Sarawak, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), reflecting the strong collaboration among the agencies in advancing the Healthy City agenda for Kuching. The Kuching delegation was represented by EPU Director Datu Ir. Ts. Awg Muhammad Fadillah bin Awg Redzuan; Mayor of Kuching North Dato Hilmy bin Othman; Mayor of Kuching South Dato Wee Hong Seng; and Deputy Chairman of Padawan Municipal Council Cr Mahmud bin Dato Sri Haji Ibrahim. The unanimous election is a significant recognition for both Kuching and Sarawak, particularly as AFHC currently brings together 181 member cities and organisations committed to promoting healthier, more sustainable and people-centred communities. As Convenor and Chair City for the 2028–2030 term, Kuching will have the opportunity to play a greater leadership role within the AFHC network and strengthen cooperation with cities across the region. The recognition also provides an important international platform to further position Kuching and Sarawak in the areas of healthy cities, sustainability and community wellbeing. The achievement belongs not to any single council or agency, but to Kuching and Sarawak as a whole. The election reflects the confidence of AFHC members in Kuching and Sarawak's collective commitment to building healthier and more sustainable communities. It also highlights the close cooperation among EPU, DBKU, MBKS and MPP in advancing the Healthy City agenda across Kuching. Hosting the 12th AFHC Global Conference in 2028 will provide Kuching with an opportunity to showcase Sarawak's initiatives, experiences and progress to an international audience, while also enabling the city to learn from other cities, exchange good practices and strengthen international cooperation. The recognition should serve as further encouragement for all parties to continue strengthening initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles, inclusive communities, environmental sustainability and better urban living. Kuching's appointment as Convenor and Chair City for 2028–2030, together with its selection as host of the 12th AFHC Global Conference, marks another important step in strengthening the city's international profile and its commitment towards becoming a healthy, sustainable and people-centred city. #agefriendlycitiesandcommunities #PadawanMunicipalCouncil