The upcoming 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) will be hosted by Malaysia. This will the sixth time Malaysia hosts the prestigious biennial sporting event, after hosting the event in 2001. There will be 4,888 athletes from 11 countries competing against each other in 39 sports categories and 404 events from August 19 to 30. However, the conduct of the SEA Games poses both an opportunity and a threat to the hosting country.
SEA Games to boost tourism
Major sporting events like SEA Games will have a positive impact on the tourism sector. This is driven by the fact that tourists from all over ASEAN is expected to land in Malaysia to watch the SEA Games. Apart from watching the SEA Games, tourists would also take this opportunity to visit other places around Kuala Lumpur like the National Museum, National Zoo, Chinatown, Little India and many more. This will also boost the retail industry as tourists are expected to spend money. Besides tourists, sports personnels from the SEA Games are inclined to do the same.
According to the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Malaysia recorded a total of 22.1 million tourists from January to October 2016, an increase of 4.4% compared to 21.1 million tourists in the same period in 2015. The ASEAN and East Asia markets recorded growth of 6.3% and 14.6% respectively. The top 10 arrival points of tourists to Malaysia from January to October 2016 were Singapore (11 million), Indonesia (2.5 million), China (1.8 million), Thailand (1.5 million), Brunei (1.1 million) and the Philippines (348,271). In 2017, Malaysia is scheduled to organise and host several events to promote ASEAN such as ASEAN Celebrity Explore Quest 2017, 29th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN Para Games 2017 and ASEAN Fashion Show.
InterPacific Securities head of research Pong Teng Siew said the event will also have an impact on the advertising sector, food and beverages as well as hospitality sector. Advertising revenue is expected to see spike as more promotional activities will be done by food and beverage outlets to promote their products in view of the SEA Games.
It is also expected to instil sportsmanship and boost relationship among the ASEAN member countries.It will also serve as a platform to share the unique culture in Malaysia to the ASEAN member countries.
SEA Games to pose terrorist-attack threat
Additionally, the SEA Games would also be seen as a platform for other ill activities such as a terrorist-attack threat. In view of this, the Malaysian government has taken various measures to ensure both the safety and security of the atheletes, officials and general public. Security and safety is the key step in ensuring the success of the sporting event. "Security is essential and a major priority for the government and the police force will be visible in this matter," Pong added.
Malaysia's inspector general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has assured that 12,000 police personnel will be deployed throughout the SEA Games. Members of the special forces will be stationed at every games' venue while athletes and officials will be escorted there from their hotels. For added security, X-ray scanners and radiation detectors will also be used at the venues.