27th National Olympic Academy Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors – Day 1

The Education and Training Committee of NOC Malaysia officially commenced the 27th National Olympic Academy Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, at the Sunway Lagoon Hotel, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur.

The four-day programme, scheduled from 5th to 8th May 2026, brought together 38 youths from 13 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), namely Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Korea, Timor-Leste, Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Vietnam. It also included representatives from 12 National Sports Associations (NSAs) affiliated with NOC Malaysia, namely Archery, Badminton, Baseball, DanceSport, Golf, Kabaddi, Lawn Bowls, Muaythai, Sailing, Squash, Taekwondo and Volleyball.

In her welcome address, Ms. Moira Siew See TAN, Chair of the Education and Training Committee of NOC Malaysia, warmly welcomed all Young Olympic Ambassadors from NOCs across East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. She encouraged participants to embrace and share the true spirit of Olympism by upholding the Olympic Values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship throughout the programme.

“We are delighted to have the Sunway Group of Companies on board this year to host the National Olympic Academy Session in the vibrant hub of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, with its exceptional facilities, including the Sunway Lagoon Hotel, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park and Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall” she said.

She also expressed her appreciation to Sr. Alexander NATUSCH JP, Director of the President’s Office of the Sunway Group of Companies and Mr. Alex CASTALDI, Chief Executive Officer of the Sunway Hospitality Group, who were present in support of the simple yet meaningful Opening Ceremony.

Mdm. Nurul Huda ABDULLAH OLY, Vice President of NOC Malaysia and a legendary Malaysian swimmer of the 1980s, was given the honour of officiating the Opening Ceremony.

In her opening remarks, she conveyed the warmest regards of Dr. Norza ZAKARIA, President of NOC Malaysia and highlighted the strategic partnership between NOC Malaysia and the Sunway Group of Companies, which has enabled the 27th National Olympic Academy Session to be held in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, an excellent example of collaboration between the private sector and the Olympic Movement in Malaysia.

Addressing the Young Olympic Ambassadors, she said: “You are the future of the Olympic Movement in Asia. Approach this week with passion, be kind to one another and most importantly, enjoy every moment of our National Olympic Academy”.

On behalf of NOC Malaysia, Mdm. Nurul Huda ABDULLAH OLY presented Certificates of Appreciation to Sr. Alexander Natusch JP and Mr. Alex Castaldi in recognition of their collaboration in organising this year’s programme.

A number of Young Olympic Ambassadors from foreign NOCs also presented tokens of appreciation to NOC Malaysia, which were received on behalf by Mdm. Nurul Huda ABDULLAH OLY.

Also present at the Opening Ceremony were Dr. Kim Fatt CHONG, Vice President of NOC Malaysia and Mr. Wan Hor FONG, Chief Executive Officer of NOC Malaysia.

In the afternoon, NOC Malaysia organised a corporate visit for the Young Olympic Ambassadors to MILO Malaysia in Bandar Utama. The group was received by Mr. Kerwin LIM, Sports Marketing Manager of the MILO Business Unit, who delivered a presentation on MILO’s long-standing role as a corporate partner of the Olympic Movement in Malaysia since 1956. At the conclusion of the session, Ms. Moira Siew See TAN presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Kerwin LIM.

The Young Olympic Ambassadors were then given a guided tour of the facility, where they sampled new MILO products and the iconic MILO van beverage, before joining Mr. Juan ARANOLS, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad and Region Head for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, for a commemorative group photograph.

The day concluded with a cultural excursion to Batu Caves in Gombak. The Young Olympic Ambassadors displayed great enthusiasm as they ascended the 272 steps, with Mr. Ibrahim RIZAAN from NOC Maldives being the first to reach the top. The group returned to the Sunway Lagoon Hotel in the evening, marking a successful and fulfilling start to their journey as Young Olympic Ambassadors.