SUNWAY CITY KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The 17th edition of the Skate Malaysia competition concluded on June 29, 2025, at Sunway Pyramid Ice, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, drawing over 600 athletes from seven countries. The event, which ran from June 25 to 29, was extended from its usual three-day format to five days due to significant interest in ice skating as a competitive sport, accommodating 1,700 programmes across individual, pair, and team events.
The competition brought together young and seasoned ice skaters from 20 ice rinks. Participating countries included Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, the Philippines, Singapore, and the USA. Skaters were evaluated based on various criteria depending on their programme, including their execution of manoeuvres, dance choreography, and musical interpretation.
Malaysian ice rinks demonstrated strong performances, securing the top two positions in the overall standings. Sunway Pyramid Ice successfully defended its first-place title, followed by Blue Ice Skating Rink @ KL East Mall in second. Thailand’s Sub Zero Sukhumvit took third place. Indonesian rinks, Oasis Centre Arena and BX Rink, ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.
The event also highlighted several individual performances. The top five best performances, listed in alphabetical order, included:
- Cassius Leong (8M) from Sunway Pyramid Ice (Malaysia)
- Chanice Low Xin Yu (12F) from Blue Ice Skating Rink, KL East Mall (Malaysia)
- Elizabeth Kim Niang Huai (11F) from Blue Ice Skating Rink, KL East Mall (Malaysia)
- Jenelle Sia Ee Xuenn (14F) from Sunway Pyramid Ice (Malaysia)
- Maneejan Wilairat (10F) from Sub-Zero Ice Skate Club Mega Bangna (Thailand)
The consistent hosting of Skate Malaysia for its 17th instalment underscores Sunway Pyramid Ice’s role as a platform for sports engagement, both locally and internationally.
Albert Cheok, Assistant General Manager of Sunway Pyramid Ice, Sunway Square Mall, and Sunway Giza Mall, commented on the event’s objectives. He expressed the organizers’ hope that their ongoing efforts would contribute to the development of ice skating as a niche sport. Cheok also mentioned plans to enhance efforts with the introduction of Perak’s first ice-skating rink in Sunway Ipoh Mall, slated for completion within the next two to three years. The overarching aim, he stated, is to make ice skating enjoyable as both a leisure activity and a competitive winter sport.
The annual competition receives support from the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ice Skating Association of Malaysia (ISAM). Beyond fostering resilience and appreciating the sport, Skate Malaysia has gained international recognition, facilitating exposure and collaboration within the ice skating community.
Jason Chin, Senior General Manager of Sunway Malls Selangor, noted the increasing interest and participation in ice skating over Sunway Pyramid Ice’s 28 years of experience, particularly its exponential growth following international recognition in recent years. He conveyed optimism for continued awareness and interest in ice skating, driven by a commitment to enhancing accessibility to winter sports.
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The opening ceremony of Skate Malaysia 2025 featured a parade where participants glided in with their respective country flags. National figure skater Jenelle Sia, a 14-year-old, performed with students from the Sunway Pyramid Ice Academy, providing an artistic welcome for guests and visiting delegations.
The Sunway Pyramid Ice Academy plays a role in training aspiring athletes, many of whom have gone on to participate in international competitions and become professional coaches. Since its establishment in 1997, the academy has trained 22,200 students and serves as a training ground for winter sports. As Malaysia’s longest-serving ice rink, Sunway Pyramid Ice has a history of hosting renowned athletes and international competitions, including Ice Hockey Championships.
