Consul-General Attends the TKR Merdeka Run 2026 Ceremony
2026/8/30
On August 30th, Mr Shinya Machida, Consul-General of Japan in Penang, attended the ceremony of the “TKR Merdeka Run 2026”, organised by the Penang Forward Sports Club at BSG Galleria in Penang. The event was held on the eve of Malaysia’s 69th National Day and attracted approximately 3,000 participants. TKR is a free community running event held regularly to promote health and interaction through sports.
The ceremony was attended by YB Mr Steven Sim, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives; YB Mr Daniel Gooi, Penang State Executive Councillor for Youth, Sports and Health; Prof Tan Sri Dr Tan Khoon Hai, Chairman of the Penang Chinese Town Hall; Dato’ Tom Khoo, Advisor of the Penang Forward Sports Club; Dato’ Lim Choo Hooi, Chairman of the Penang Forward Sports Club; as well as representatives from the government, sports organisations and the local community.
Dato’ Lim emphasised that sports serve as an effective bridge connecting people of different ages, races, professions and backgrounds, and stressed the importance of building a healthier and more united community. YB Sim noted that one of the important meanings of independence is “freedom”, including the freedom to cherish one’s own culture and religion, to choose one’s own friends, and to improve oneself. YB Gooi also highlighted the importance of mutual respect and of maintaining peace and unity within the community for Malaysia’s continued development.
Mr Machida interacted with the organisers and other participants at the ceremony and joined them in celebrating Malaysia’s National Day. The Consulate-General of Japan in Penang will continue to promote friendship between Japan and Malaysia, as well as with the people of Penang, through a wide range of opportunities for exchange, including sports and community-based activities.
The ceremony was attended by YB Mr Steven Sim, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives; YB Mr Daniel Gooi, Penang State Executive Councillor for Youth, Sports and Health; Prof Tan Sri Dr Tan Khoon Hai, Chairman of the Penang Chinese Town Hall; Dato’ Tom Khoo, Advisor of the Penang Forward Sports Club; Dato’ Lim Choo Hooi, Chairman of the Penang Forward Sports Club; as well as representatives from the government, sports organisations and the local community.
Dato’ Lim emphasised that sports serve as an effective bridge connecting people of different ages, races, professions and backgrounds, and stressed the importance of building a healthier and more united community. YB Sim noted that one of the important meanings of independence is “freedom”, including the freedom to cherish one’s own culture and religion, to choose one’s own friends, and to improve oneself. YB Gooi also highlighted the importance of mutual respect and of maintaining peace and unity within the community for Malaysia’s continued development.
Mr Machida interacted with the organisers and other participants at the ceremony and joined them in celebrating Malaysia’s National Day. The Consulate-General of Japan in Penang will continue to promote friendship between Japan and Malaysia, as well as with the people of Penang, through a wide range of opportunities for exchange, including sports and community-based activities.
