Great Eastern Viper Arena 2017

Speech of Penang Chief Minister

Great Eastern Viper Arena 2017

25 March 2017, 8.00pm at Batu Kawan Stadium

 

Ladies and Gentlemen.

First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the eager participants of tonight’s inaugural Great Eastern Viper Arena 2017 in the beautiful state of Penang, the Pearl of the Orient. This Asia’s Biggest Obstacle Event, and what better place than to hold it in our premier stadium, the Penang State Stadium in Batu Kawan.

More than 120,000 participants have had the time of their lives at Viper Challenge’s numerous events, ever since their first one in 2013. For tonight, 10,000 participants all over the region including Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Johor, and KL had signed up and going to take on the challenge of the Great Eastern Viper Arena 2017.

For the 3rd consecutive year, Penang has been promoting Visit Penang Year, and this year, the theme being, ‘Where the excitement never ends’ is aptly showcasing vibrant and exciting events that include religious, cultural and arts happening throughout the year in Penang. Adding to this unending excitement, visitors to Penang can also experience the amazing new tourist attractions here such as Entopia, The Habitat @Penang Hill, The Top @KOMTAR, Penang Tech Dome and Design Village. In the next few months, we are also looking forward to having the inaugural Penang International Food Festival happening from 15th to 30th April to showcase why Penang street food is the best in the world.

Recently, CNN listed Penang as ‘One of the 17 best places to visit in 2017’ and TripAdvisor ranked George Town No. 10 in its 'Destinations on the Rise - Asia' for 2017. Last year itself, there were six international accolades that included Forbes, CNN, Lonely Planet and Los Angeles Times where Penang had been listed as one of the top and must-visit destinations, best for discerning and budget travelers as well as Penang Laksa was listed as one of the hottest street food.

So whilst you invest in your fitness that allows you to tuck in your stomachs and bellies, remember to tuck in all the delicious food afterwards.

With that, it is my absolute delight and privilege to launch the Great Eastern Viper Arena 2017 and all the best to all!