Memorable for Sabah duo

Kota Kinabalu: For one Sabahan, the RM12,000 he saved to experience the 2024 Olympics in Paris was worth it.

Yap Ken Vun, a 36-year-old HR executive from Tenom, said attending the games in person beats watching world-class athletes compete from the comfort of the living room telly.

He began planning his journey three years ago when he missed the Tokyo Games because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I joined the draw for the Olympics tickets, but was unlucky. When the official tickets opened on first-come-first-serve, I managed to get one ticket for the badminton semifinals,” he told Daily Express.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sinyi Group Founder, Chou Chun-Chi, Wins 2024 Asia Pacific Enterprise Award and Expands Sustainable Tourism Ventures in Sabah, Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu: The 2024 Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards, hosted by Enterprise Asia, aims to recognize the most outstanding business leaders and organizations in the Asia-Pacific region.

He then carefully managed his expenses to make the trip possible, saving up to RM500 monthly by doing part-time work, including delivery services.

“I checked on Skyscanner to compare flight prices and bought a round-trip for RM3,200. For transportation in Paris, I bought a one-week pass which cost me around 70 euros (RM367).

“For accommodation, I stayed at a budget hotel and spent around RM1,800 from July 31 to August 6. My leave was until Aug 7, and I returned to work on Aug 8,” he said.

“The accommodation costs were especially high during the Olympics, three to four times the normal price in Paris. So I decided to share the cost with another Malaysian supporter.

Yap

In all, the trip cost Yap who is single more than RM12k, including food and the last-minute RM2,000 tickets to watch three Malaysian badminton team’s matches.

He also decided to play ambassador while there by wearing the traditional Kadazan Dusun outfit when attending the games, which became a hit on social media.

“People asked me about the outfit and I explained where I came from using Google Maps. I even performed a simple Sumazau dance at the Eiffel Tower Olympics Rings,” he said, adding he found the atmosphere in Paris, surrounded by supporters from all over the world breathtaking.

Meeting fellow Sabahans in Paris who were surprised to see him in traditional attire was a proud moment for Yap.

Yap also had the opportunity to see top athletes in action, including Malaysia’s Azeem Fahmi in the 100m race, USA’s Noah Lyles and Sweden’s Armand Duplantis in the Men’s Pole Vault.

Another Sabahan who did not go unnoticed in Paris was Angie Yan Jia Chi, who represented Malaysia in the Muaythai showcase.

Alongside fellow Muaythai athlete Rifdean Masdor, the two representatives from Malaysia aimed at promoting Muaythai to a global audience, with the ultimate goal of securing the sport’s place in future Games.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been chosen to participate in the Muaythai showcase, part of the Paris 2024 Olympics side programme,” she told Daily Express.

She also thanked those who supported her along the way.

“The experience was not only a personal achievement but also a chance to inspire and connect with people from around the world,” she said.

In 2022, she clinched the gold in the Maeymuay category at the Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) games, followed by another gold at the (International Federation of Muaythai Associations) IFMA Junior World Championship in Kuala Lumpur.

In 2023, she earned gold at both the IFMA Senior World Championship in Bangkok and the Junior World Championship in Turkey, both in the Waikru Solo category. The same year, she triumphed at the World Combat Games in Riyadh.

Most recently, in 2024, Angie secured gold at the IFMA Senior World Championship in Patras, Greece, and at the National Muaythai Championship, further solidifying her status as one of Malaysia’s top Muaythai athletes.

While Muaythai was not considered for inclusion in the Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028 Games, the sport is now aiming for inclusion in the 2032 or 2036 Olympics.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.

* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00