Penang boat race honours 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations

The Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta will honour the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations with a special event.

“This year is a dragon year and also the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.

“This year’s festival will feature a special friendship celebration event.

“We are honoured to collaborate with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang to mark this significant milestone, reflecting the deep and enduring ties between our two nations, ” said Penang state exco for tourism and creative economy Wong Hon Wai via a Facebook post.

He said that the event is more than a race; it provides visitors with the opportunity to dive into Penang’s vibrant cultural heritage while revelling in the thrilling atmosphere of the competition.

“In addition to the races, the festival is a cultural extravaganza, featuring traditional performances, local delicacies, and various activities,” he said.

The event will take place at Teluk Bahang Dam on the 23rd and 24th of November.

The Teluk Bahang Dam, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, serves as both a breathtaking venue for the dragon boat races and a site of remarkable natural beauty.

The Penang Dragon Boat race, with origins tracing back to the 1950s, began as a celebration of the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival.

Over time, it has grown into a prominent international sporting event, drawing teams from across the globe.

The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated for over 2,000 years, commemorates the esteemed scholar and poet Qu Yuan.

The Dragon Boat Festival honours Qu Yuan, a poet who drowned himself to protest against corruption.

Locals race boats to commemorate his sacrifice and deeds.

Teams from around the world, including China, Hong Kong, the UK, Australia, Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Chinese Taipei and Malaysian teams, come to Penang to compete.