Perry Kuan Promotes Local Brand Protech at Borneo International Pickleball Open

Malaysian pickleball personality Perry Kuan was one of the familiar faces at the inaugural Borneo International Pickleball Open 2026 at The Good Club in Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu. The 26-year-old Penang native, a brand ambassador for Malaysian equipment maker Protech, played an invitation match after the opening ceremony alongside Sandakan player Amber Quek Siau Xue, an indoor cycling instructor, and spent much of the weekend meeting fans and fellow players.

Kuan, who has been playing for about two years and also runs a pickleball court in Penang, said he was proud to represent a home-grown brand and that the sport keeps gaining ground in Peninsular Malaysia. Protech Sports was the tournament's official equipment partner, and Kuan said he would turn up at any event in the country that chooses the brand. He was joined in Sabah by 2016 Olympic badminton silver medallist Chan Peng Soon.

Kuan admitted the turnout of more than 500 players from Malaysia, Singapore and beyond exceeded his expectations, and praised the venue's modern courts and the warmth of the Sabah crowd. The three-day event was co-organised by Borneo Kelab Rekreasi Pickleball and Megas Mind Creative & Development, with backing from the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Sabah Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia Sabah and the Sabah Pickleball Association.

Source: Warta Oriental