🇸🇬 Team Singapore Arrives in Manila for the 21st Asian Xiangqi Individual Championship
The Singapore Xiangqi contingent has arrived in Manila and is ready for the 21st Asian Xiangqi Individual Championship, which gets underway today, 3 October, at the Manila Hotel.
Led by Team Manager and Permanent Honorary President Lim Kwan How, the Singapore contingent comprises Justin Lim, Fiona Tan and Lim Chau Sian.
After making the journey from Singapore, the trio have arrived at the competition venue and are ready to take on strong opponents from across Asia. The championship brings together players from 20 member countries and regions of the Asian Xiangqi Federation, making it a major gathering of talent from across the region.
The Men’s Division features 24 players and will be contested over six rounds of Swiss-system play, followed by a championship final. The Women’s Division features 11 players over five rounds. Games are played under the World Xiangqi Rules, with a time control of 45 minutes plus 20 seconds per move.
The first round begins today at 2:00pm (Manila time), marking the start of five days of competition.
We wish Team Singapore every success as they take to the boards on the Asian stage! 🇸🇬🩢
Last night, the Singapore Xiangqi General Association celebrated its 92nd Anniversary, the Inauguration Ceremony of its 40th Executive Committee, and the Prize Presentation Ceremony for the 4th “擎天杯” King of Xiangqi Championship. Past and present leaders, players and guests gathered to mark another milestone in SIXGA’s history.
Ninety-two years represents both a long history and a legacy passed from one generation to the next.
The evening began with an address by Permanent Honorary President Mr Sun Jingting. This was followed by the inauguration of the 40th Executive Committee, with Dr Kong Jing Wen formally assuming office as the 40th President of the Singapore Xiangqi General Association and, together with the new Executive Committee, taking up the responsibility of leading SIXGA into its next chapter.
The 40th Executive Committee will continue to work towards three key goals: bringing Singapore Xiangqi onto the international stage, developing the next generation, and elevating the status of Xiangqi in society.
We hope to see more Singapore players competing on the international stage; more young people growing through Xiangqi, not only as stronger players but also as better individuals; and Xiangqi moving beyond community chess tables into schools, professional platforms and wider society.
On this special evening, we also paid tribute to the many seniors and friends who have supported SIXGA over the years.
Our special appreciation goes to former President Mr Lim Kwan How, who, together with generations of predecessors, helped build a strong foundation for Singapore Xiangqi. During the evening, Mr Lim was conferred the title of “Permanent Honorary President” in recognition of his longstanding contributions to Singapore Xiangqi.
Mr Boo Han Ting, Secretary-General of the 39th Executive Committee, and Mr Yi Hui Liew, Treasurer of the 39th Executive Committee, were each presented with the “Outstanding Contribution Award” in appreciation of their contributions during their term of office.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Permanent Honorary Presidents Mr Sun Jingting, Mr Lee Sit Seng and Mr Charles Oon; Honorary Presidents Ms Liang Peiling, Mr Leung Kai Wan, Mr Goh Test Soon, Mr Kho Long Huat and Mr Loh Chin Hwee Philip; our Master of Ceremonies and Honorary President Mr Chen Xunguang; and Honorary Adviser Ms Jennifer Lim, for their longstanding support and contributions to SIXGA.
We would also like to thank the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the evening, Mr Jacky See Yew Peng, as well as all members of the 40th Executive Committee, our players, parents, sponsors, partners, and everyone who has continued to support the Singapore Xiangqi General Association.
The Prize Presentation Ceremony for the 4th “擎天杯” King of Xiangqi Championship was also held during the evening. Congratulations to Mr Alvin Woo Tsung Han for emerging from a strong field to claim this year’s “擎天杯” title!
The celebrations continued with a charity fundraising segment and cultural performances, bringing a memorable evening for the Singapore Xiangqi community to a fitting close.
Our predecessors paved the way for us. The 40th Executive Committee will continue to extend that path for the next generation.
Through this Xiangqi board, let the world see Singapore Xiangqi.
Thank you to Lianhe Zaobao for shining a spotlight on Xiangqi in Singapore and on the next generation of young players.
AI can calculate faster and further, but Xiangqi has never been just about finding the “best move”. It teaches our young players to think independently, face both victory and defeat, respect their opponents, and have the courage to make decisions amid uncertainty.
This is why the Singapore Xiangqi General Association remains committed to youth development. We hope to introduce Xiangqi to more young people, provide pathways from schools to competitions and from the local to the international stage, and pass on the culture and wisdom of Xiangqi from one generation to the next.
This November, we look forward to seeing our young players compete and learn alongside players from around the world at the 2026 World Xiangqi Tournament Series in Singapore!
Read the Lianhe Zaobao feature: “When AI Can Calculate Further, Why Do Young Xiangqi Players Still Make Their Move?”
Selection Criteria for World Cup Rapid Xiangqi Event
Thank you to all who have registered your interest in this event.
7 adult players (5 males and 2 females) have been selected using the following criteria.
The players must have achieved at least a top 3 position for any of the following competitions within the past 3 years (2024-2026): • 孙文广全国个人赛（男：A组，女：女子组） • 擎天杯棋王赛 • 图龙杯 • 蔡厝港个人公开赛 • Pesta Sukan
They will then be ranked according to the latest rating score (等级分).
In addition, 3 youth players who have also been selected.
We have privately reached out to the selected players so they can make preparations for this tournament.
Honoured to attend the official opening of the North Zone Xiangqi Club’s clubhouse in Ang Mo Kio.
We applaud Mr Goh Teck Soon for promoting xiangqi in the community and initiating the first friendly match between the North and East Zone Xiangqi Clubs. We also thank the residents’ community for providing a space where players can meet on weekends—not only to sharpen their minds through xiangqi, but also to build friendships and strengthen social connections among seniors.
May the clubhouse continue to bring players of all ages together and keep xiangqi thriving in our community.
Dr Kong Jing Wen President Singapore Xiangqi General Association
“A Brief Overview of the Origins of Xiangqi and Its Development in Asia”
Honoured to join so many Xiangqi enthusiasts today for an insightful and inspiring sharing by Mr Lim Kwan How.
From the origins of the word “象” in Xiangqi to the stories behind the different characters used on the chess pieces, I came away with a deeper appreciation of the history and culture behind the game.
Xiangqi is more than winning and losing — it carries history, wisdom and culture. Glad to learn together, appreciate its beauty, and continue passing this rich tradition on.
2026 World Xiangqi Tournament Series to be Held in Singapore from 10–15 November
The Singapore Xiangqi General Association (SIXGA) is honoured to co-host the 2026 World Xiangqi Tournament Series with the World Xiangqi Federation (WXF), to be held in Singapore from 10 to 15 November 2026.
The official event website is now live. International players and guests may visit the website for tournament information, registration, accommodation details and other important updates.
The tournament series features three prestigious world events, including the 5th World Xiangqi Open Tournament, which has traditionally been held in Europe. Its debut in Singapore marks a significant milestone for both the tournament and the continued development of Xiangqi in Singapore.
We look forward to welcoming players, arbiters, officials and guests from around the world to Singapore for an exciting week of world-class competition, friendship and cultural exchange, as we celebrate and advance the global development of Xiangqi together.
