KUCHING – The successful conclusion of the GEMAPUTERA XVIII Sarawak 2026 Games has served as a powerful testament to the unifying power of sport and the organisational capability of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
The event brought together members of State Economic Development Corporations (PKEN) from across Malaysia, reinforcing bonds within this national network while showcasing Sarawak’s capacity to manage large-scale sporting fixtures.
This edition of the games held particular significance, as it marked the return of the tournament to Sarawak after a hiatus of thirty-two years. The last time the state hosted the event was in 1994, making this recent gathering a momentous occasion for local organisers and participants alike.
The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, highlighted this milestone in his address, noting the honour bestowed upon the SEDC to once again serve as the host.
The closing ceremony, held at Wisma Melayu, featured a speech delivered on behalf of the Premier by the Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. He emphasised that the value of the tournament extends far beyond the competition for medals and trophies.
Instead, he described the games as a vital bridge for unity, strengthening relationships among communities from diverse backgrounds and regions.
“We can build bridges that connect two river banks and we can build roads that connect cities and towns, but what is more important than that is building bridges that connect people to people,” he stated. This sentiment underscored the broader social objective of the event, which aims to foster camaraderie and mutual understanding among the various state economic bodies.
The spirit of the competition was encapsulated by the theme ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’. While rooted in the cultural heritage of the Dayak community, the phrase translates to a universal message of resilience, encouraging participants to keep trying and never surrender in the face of challenges.
The Premier praised the dedication of all parties involved in realising this vision, noting that the theme resonated deeply with the athletes’ determination throughout the week.
Over the course of seven days, more than 1,000 athletes and officials from fourteen different State Economic Development Corporations converged in Kuching.
They competed in a variety of sporting events, demonstrating high levels of skill and sportsmanship. The influx of visitors also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and networking among the corporate entities represented.
In the final standings, the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) emerged as the overall champion, securing the top title after intense competition.
The host, SEDC, performed admirably to claim the runner-up position, a result that was celebrated by local supporters. The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) completed the podium by finishing in third place overall.
Looking ahead, the torch has been passed to Johor Corporation (JCorp), which was officially announced as the host for the 19th edition of the GEMAPUTERA Games.
The next tournament is scheduled to take place in 2028, giving the Johor team ample time to prepare for what promises to be another significant gathering of state economic leaders and athletes.
The success of GEMAPUTERA XVIII not only highlights Sarawak’s logistical prowess but also reinforces the role of sports in fostering national unity.
By bringing together individuals from different states under one roof, the event has strengthened the collaborative spirit among Malaysia’s key economic development agencies.
As the participants return to their respective states, the connections formed during these games are expected to endure, contributing to stronger inter-state cooperation in both economic and social spheres.
