Perry with Elaine.
KOTA KINABALU: Protech brand ambassador Perry Kuan from Penang is enjoying mingling with fans and players at the inaugural Borneo International Pickleball Open 2026 at The Good Club in Tanjung Aru, which ends tomorrow (Sunday).
The 26-year-old, regarded as one of Malaysia’s pickleball personalities, drew attention from fans during an invitation match yesterday, partnering Sandakan player Amber Quek Siau Xue, an indoor cycling instructor with X-Spinning Studio, following the opening ceremony.
Perry was among the early groups of players who took up the sport after pickleball spread from Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur and Penang a few years ago.
As a Protech ambassador, he endorses the Malaysian brand and owns a pickleball court in Penang, requiring him to travel regularly between Kuala Lumpur and his birthplace.
“Protech is a Malaysian brand, and I am proud to support a local brand. This is a great opportunity for me to promote a Malaysian product to a wider audience,” he said.
Perry, who has been playing pickleball for two years and has participated in numerous tournaments, said the sport was gaining popularity in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Playing pickleball is my hobby. It is a pleasure to be back here to represent Protech and support the Borneo International Pickleball Open 2026,” said Perry, who was appointed the brand’s ambassador two years ago.
“With celebrities and influencers around, it provides very good exposure for pickleball, both now and in the future,” he added.
Perry, who started out as a content creator, now runs his own creative agency, working with brands and others to help them gain exposure.
Accompanied by 2016 Olympic badminton silver medallist Chan Peng Soon, Perry said he always enjoyed visiting Sabah, praising the warm welcome he received from the local community.
“I have been here a few times. Like Sarawak, the crowd in Sabah is always welcoming, and this time is no exception. This is what I have experienced during my tours around Malaysia in recent years.
“I have also been to Kundasang and a few other places. Hopefully, I will climb your majestic mountain one day and make a date with Sipadan, a diving paradise,” he said, referring to Mount Kinabalu.
Perry also expressed Protech’s appreciation to organising chairwoman Datin Elaine Fong Yee Ling, Director of Megas Mind Creative & Development, for selecting Protech Sports as the official equipment partner for the tournament.
“I was invited by Datin Elaine to take part, and this is my first participation in an event of this nature in Sabah.
“Anytime, as long as Protech is still around, I will be there whenever a tournament chooses Protech, wherever it is held in the country,” he said.
Describing The Good Club’s designated pickleball court as an excellent venue with modern facilities, Perry praised the co-organisers for attracting more than 500 participants from Malaysia, Singapore and other countries.
“It is beyond my expectations. I thought there would be fewer people for pickleball, but surprisingly, the response has been very good. The turnout is impressive, and overall, the welcome has been very warm, as usual,” he said.
The three-day competition is co-organised by Borneo Kelab Rekreasi Pickleball and Megas Mind Creative & Development, with support from the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Sabah Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia Sabah, Explore Sabah, Sabah Pickleball Association and official strategic partners I-World Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd and Sense Vacation.
