Lee Kim Shin Hopes to Make Westlake Miri Badminton Open an International Brand Event

(Miri, 3rd) Sarawak Minister of Transport and Senadin State Assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin expressed his hope that the organizers will continue to expand the scale of the Westlake Miri Badminton Open in the future, attract more players, sponsors, and partners from at home and abroad, and develop the event into an annual international brand event.
He said that this year’s tournament achieved a breakthrough growth, attracting a total of 1,026 players to participate— a substantial increase from last year’s 589 participants. The number of categories also increased from 29 to 58, while participating countries and regions grew from 7 to 12. This fully demonstrates the international badminton community’s confidence in Miri and proves that Miri is capable of hosting large-scale international events.
He made these remarks last night at the closing and farewell dinner of the 2026 Westlake Miri Badminton Open.

Lee Kim Shin thanked the organizing Sinadin Badminton Club, the co-organizer Miri Badminton Association, Sarawak Badminton Association, various government agencies, committees, technical officials, volunteers, and all sponsors for their efforts in making the event a success.
He gave special thanks to the title sponsor, Westlake Tyres Co. Ltd, for their long-term support of the event, which demonstrates the business community's proactive promotion of sports development and its social responsibility in cultivating young talents.
He stated that the most special aspect of this year’s event was its full embodiment of inclusiveness: the youngest participant was only 8 years old, while the oldest was already 80, truly demonstrating the spirit that badminton is a sport for all ages and everyone can participate.
“The event also attracted 136 youth players, laying a foundation for cultivating more outstanding badminton talents in the future. At the same time, it allows veteran players to continue to shine on the court and promotes interaction among different age groups.”

Lee Kim Shin pointed out that as the scale of the event continues to expand, more volunteers, professionals, and technical officials will be needed in the future to ensure the smooth running of the tournament, while also cultivating more internationally qualified referees and technical officials to further raise the level of badminton in Sarawak.
He noted that in addition to the competition, this year’s event also provided practical assessment opportunities for 8 local referee candidates, and enabled a newly promoted Sarawak chief referee to accumulate valuable experience, which is significant for improving the technical standards of badminton officials in the state.
Lee Kim Shin said that with over a thousand players along with coaches, family members, officials, and supporters gathered in Miri, not only has this boosted the hotel, dining, retail, and tourism industries, but it has further promoted the development of sports tourism and strengthened Miri's position as a regional hub for international sporting events.

He added that Miri has excellent sports facilities, including a 36-hole international standard golf course and an 18-hole golf course, and has previously hosted international fishing competitions. In recent years, pickleball has developed rapidly and the city is also well equipped to host international pickleball events.
“Looking ahead, we hope to attract more international sports events to be held in Miri, further promote sports tourism and local economic development, and make Miri an internationally renowned city for sports and leisure activities.”
Due to needing to catch a flight, Lee Kim Shin was unable to attend the entire closing dinner, but he still congratulated all the winning players and thanked coaches, parents, referees, volunteers, and sponsors for their support. He also welcomed all domestic and foreign participants to visit Miri again in the future to experience the city’s rich tourism resources and its warm and hospitable culture.