KUALA LUMPUR – The number of events for the 2027 SEA Games could be expanded, says Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, as Malaysia prepares to present its hosting plans to the SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) in Bangkok next week.
Tan Sri Norza said Malaysia is taking proactive steps ahead of hosting the regional event, which returns to the country just 10 years after the 2017 edition — a much shorter cycle than previous 20-year intervals.
“On behalf of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, we wish to thank the government for agreeing to host the 2027 edition,” he said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.
“The SEA Games will return to Malaysia after only a decade, and the Federation’s confidence reflects our strong reputation as a capable host nation.”
He said Malaysia will brief SEAGF delegates in Bangkok in eight days, after which the SEAGF chairmanship will be handed to Malaysia, with Norza assuming the role.
He also addressed speculation over the number of sports, noting that while 38 have been proposed, the SEA Games Charter requires the final list to be confirmed 20 months before the Opening Ceremony, placing the deadline in late 2025 or early January 2026.
Engagement with national sports associations is ongoing to assess potential additions, he added, while acknowledging strong cooperation between the federal and state governments, particularly Sarawak, Johor and Penang in preparing venues.
Meanwhile, the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) confirmed that the 2027 SEA Games will be held September 18 to 29, with Sarawak hosting the Opening Ceremony and Kuala Lumpur the Closing Ceremony.
KBS said the dates were chosen strategically as September 18 falls during the university break and the period typically precedes the monsoon season, offering more stable weather for outdoor events.
The Games will also take place after National Day and Malaysia Day, avoiding clashes with major national or regional events.
The announcement was made by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh after chairing the second meeting of the Malaysia SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) for the 34th SEA Games and 14th ASEAN Para Games in Putrajaya.
Malaysia will, for the first time, adopt a four-cluster hosting model. Sarawak will serve as the main hub with 17 sports, including aquatics, weightlifting, basketball and bowling.
Kuala Lumpur will stage 14 sports, such as badminton, cycling, equestrian, hockey and ice skating. Penang will host six sports, including sepak takraw, snooker and billiards, and boxing, while Johor has been designated as the football centre.
Hannah said the sports were selected based on SEAGF requirements, venue suitability and national considerations, including core sports, the Road to Gold programme and the Podium Programme. OCM and MASOC will present the full proposal of 38 sports to SEAGF on December 8 in Bangkok.
The 14th ASEAN Para Games will follow October 17 to 23, 2027, in Kuala Lumpur, featuring 18 sports, including aquatics, badminton, cerebral palsy football and vision impairment football.
KBS also announced the launch of the official logo and mascot design competition for both Games, open to all Malaysians.
The winning entry will receive RM8,000 and a certificate, with RM5,000 and RM3,000 awarded to the second- and third-placed designs. Entries close December 31, 2025. – December 5, 2025