The 20th Malaysian Chess Festival 2025 – Full Guide

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    Overview The 20th Malaysian Chess Festival is set to take place from September 12th to 21st, 2025, at the KL Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur. This event is one of Asia's longest-running and largest international chess festivals, renowned for its diversity and inclusivity—there are tournaments for every level and age group, drawing participants from all over the world.

Event Schedule & Tournaments The festival spans ten action-packed days and features nine major tournaments:

  • SMS Deen Merdeka Open Rapid Team Championship (Sep 12–13)

  • DTCN Merdeka Junior (Under-12) Team Championship (Sep 12–13)

  • Merdeka Blitz Chess Championship (Sep 13)

  • DTCN Age-Group Chess Championship (U-6 to U-16) (Sep 14)

  • 20th Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open Chess Championship (Flagship, FIDE-rated, Sep 15–21)

  • Daniel Yong Chen-I Memorial Malaysia Chess Challenge (FIDE <2000, Sep 15–21)

  • DTCN International Seniors’ Open Chess Championship (Ages 50+/45+, Sep 15–21)

  • DTCN Malaysia Day Age Group (Open/U-8/U-10/U-12/U-14/U-18) (Sep 16)

  • Festival Blitz Chess Championship (Sep 21)

A downloadable detailed schedule is available on the official event registration portal.

Registration Information Participants can register online through the official DAT Chess Centre registration website.

  • Registration is open for both team and individual events.

  • Early bird discounts apply for major open competitions.

  • The festival is endorsed by the Malaysian Chess Federation and supported by FIDE.

How to Register:

  1. Go to the official registration site. https://datcc.net

  2. Select your preferred event(s), fill in the required details, and make payment.

  3. Check your payment status anytime online.

For specific questions, you may contact the organizing secretary, IA Hamid Majid, via WhatsApp at +6019 315 8098 or email aham@pc.jaring.asia.

Venue & Accessibility Venue: KL Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia How to get there: The mall is directly linked to the Universiti LRT station by a pedestrian bridge, ensuring effortless access for both local and international visitors. KL Gateway Mall is near the city center, with shopping, dining, and amenities just steps away.

Where to Stay The most recommended lodging is the KL Gateway Residence—located within the same building as the tournament venue. Key highlights:

  • 2–3 bedroom units from RM275 per night (as low as RM55/person for groups of five)

  • Full amenities: microwave, rice cooker, washing machine

  • Facilities: gym and swimming pool

  • Ideal for teams and families attending the festival

How to book: Use the “Lodging” section on the registration website and book early as demand is high.

Facilities The playing venue inside KL Gateway Mall provides:

  • A comfortable, air-conditioned tournament hall

  • Nearby rest areas and restaurants (in-mall)

  • Direct hotel access for convenient rest between rounds

  • Easy access to public transit (LRT)

Players and families can enjoy all the facilities of KL Gateway Mall, including retail shops and food courts for downtime between matches.

Who Can Join? Open to all ages and skill levels: from complete beginners to titled international masters and grandmasters. Special events for:

  • Teams (including juniors and corporate groups)

  • Age-group competitions (U-6 up to U-18)

  • Seniors (aged 50+/45+)

  • Prize categories for juniors, ladies, and best Malaysian finishers

  • FIDE-rated flagship event for those seeking international chess recognition and norms.

Prizes Significant cash prizes and trophies for main events (The Dato Arthur Tan Open offers top prizes of USD 3,000 / 2,000 / 1,000) Medals and certificates for all junior and age-group participants.

Past Festival Highlights Over 1,400 participants in 2024 from all around the globe. Malaysian prodigy IM Poh Yu Tian became the youngest-ever winner in 2024, signaling the event’s high level of competition and local talent development.

Useful Links

Tips & Recommendations

  • Register early! Entry lists fill up fast, especially in the Open and Junior events.

  • For the best experience, book accommodation within KL Gateway Residence for direct access.

  • Use the event’s web app to find or form teams for the Team Championships.

  • Bring your FIDE ID if you are aiming for the flagship rated events.

  • Check regular updates and results via the official blog and social media (Facebook, YouTube: GilaChess).

This festival is a landmark event in the chess calendar of Southeast Asia, combining competitive excitement, family-friendly amenities, and accessible urban convenience. Whether you play or watch, the Malaysian Chess Festival delivers a memorable chess experience for all!

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