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From conquering ancient martial arts arenas to dominating the digital football pitch, Malaysians have been breaking records and making their mark this year
Here are 10 stories that show 2025 was a year for the Malaysian underdog.
1. Tan Cheong Min wins Malaysia's first-ever World Games Wushu Gold
Tan Cheong Min made history at the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, by winning the Gold Medal in the Nanquan and Nandao events, the southern-style barehanded and sword routines in Wushu.
While Malaysia has earned Wushu medals before, none had reached this level. Competing in the event, Tan dominated the field in the very birthplace of the sport.
2. Vincent Ong secures 5th place at the Chopin Piano Competition
At 24, Penang-born Vincent Ong became the first Malaysian laureate of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, placing 5th overall.
He also earned 2nd place in the Audience Award, capturing hearts worldwide beyond the judges' recognition.
3. Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan end a 41-year badminton drought
National badminton fans finally had a reason to cheer in Bangkok.
Malaysian women's doubles pair Pearly Tan and M Thinaah made history by winning the Thailand Open 2025 title.
They became the first Malaysian women's pair to lift this trophy since the tournament began, ending a 41-year title drought in this category.
4. Sarawakian student turns the 'Wau Bulan' into world-class fashion
Mohammad Faris Mohd Fairusham, studying in New Zealand, won the World of Wearable Art (WOW) competition with a wearable interpretation of the Wau Bulan.
Using rattan and repurposed gold curtain trimmings, his creation won the "Air" category and showcased Malaysian heritage on a global stage.
5. Yeoh Li Tian becomes Malaysia's first Chess Grandmaster
After decades of anticipation, Yeoh Li Tian earned the Grandmaster (GM) title at the KL Invitational Championship.
This milestone places him among the world's elite strategists and marks a historic moment for Malaysian chess.
6. Soh Wai Ching dominates the Shanghai Tower and sets four national records
Tower runner Soh Wai Ching reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking at the Shanghai Tower Run.
Back home, he set four Malaysia Book of Records titles in a single day, including the fastest vertical kilometre climb, proving he's unstoppable.
7. Malaysian students brought home 80 medals from the World Robot Games
The future is bright (and automated).
The Malaysian contingent at the World Robot Games 2025 in Taiwan didn't just compete; they conquered.
The team brought home a staggering 80 medals, proving that our students are world-beaters in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). One student alone, 13-year-old K Sachein, won six medals!
8. Malaysian pastry team wins Bronze at the Pastry World Cup
Chocolatier Fong Kah Mun, sugar expert Foo Yi Qing, and ice master Tyler Tan brought home Bronze at the 2025 Pastry World Cup in France.
Finishing just behind Japan and France, the team proved Malaysia's dessert skills are world-class.
9. Sarah Lois Dorai's short film on the Kelabit people screens in Hawaii
Filmmaker Sarah Lois Dorai took the fading oral traditions of the Kelabit people in Bario to a global stage with her documentary Songs of the Highlands, which was selected for the Hawai'i International Film Festival, a major win for indigenous storytelling.
10. Tuni Sundatang brings the 'Borneo Sound' to Los Angeles
Sabahan folk-rock band Tuni Sundatang won Best in Asia (Asian Folk) at the InterContinental Music Awards in Los Angeles, showcasing traditional instruments like the Sape.
Malaysian singer Heerraa also won Best in North America (Folk), cementing the country's global music presence.
