2026-09-28
The Southeast Asian Games 2027 (SEA 2027), hosted by Malaysia, represent a flagship regional event. While offering significant opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development and regional cooperation, it also presents heightened risks to:
· Public procurement and infrastructure delivery
· Competition manipulation and illegal betting
· Money-laundering and illicit financial flows
· Cross-border coordination and information-sharing challenges
So it was timely that Sarawak State Government, which is co-host of the September 2027 Games, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organised a one day international conference followed by two days workshop in Kuching recently.
The Sports Law Association of Malaysia (SLAM) was involved as a strategic partner in making this conference a great success. Our speakers were invited to speak on a variety of issues, including mediation and arbitration, safeguarding in sports and involvement and experience at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
On the topic of "Corruption, serious and organized crime risks relevant to hosting and organization of International Sporting Events", the SLAM President highlighted key concepts and threats linked to the hosting major sports competitions and interlinkages between illegal betting, money-laundering and organized crime in sport.
Kudos to the Sarawak Integrity ad Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS), the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), UNODC and other stakeholders for this very important initiative.
