#LaiPlayLeow and Sabah Tourism Join Forces For National Board Game Design Competition

Josie Lai (third right) with Benjamin Leow (third left) #LaiPlayLeow organising team of Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025.

Kota Kinabalu is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for an event that highlights both the board game community and Sabah's rich cultural heritage. The collaboration between the Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STTOS) and #laiplayleow has given rise to the Sabah National Boardgame Design Competition. This initiative aims to promote tourism through the medium of interactive gaming.

As board game enthusiasts look forward to the Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025, taking place from June 21 to 22 at IMAGO Shopping Mall, anticipation is at an all-time high. This event will not only showcase local talents but also demonstrate how board games can connect culture, trade, and tourism in meaningful ways.

The Importance of Board Games in Promoting Culture

Board games have gained popularity as tools for both entertainment and cultural storytelling. The partnership between STTOS and #laiplayleow harnesses this aspect by linking local board game designers with tourists. This connection provides visitors with an interactive way to engage with Sabah’s unique heritage.

In a recent discussion with Datuk Josie Lai, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, the organizing team presented various Singaporean-designed board games. This demonstration highlighted how games can effectively raise awareness of different destinations, showcasing their potential as marketing tools for Sabah's tourism sector. Studies show that 60% of travelers prefer experiences that provide cultural insight, making board games a fitting medium.

Josie emphasized that board games play a crucial role in sharing Sabah's identity. By incorporating cultural stories, they entertain and educate players about the region's history and environment. For instance, a game that features local wildlife or historical figures can spark interest and knowledge about Sabah among players.

Josie Lai trying out some board games

Engaging Local Designers

An exciting aspect of this competition is the participation of local designers passionate about gaming. One standout participant is Tan Seng Hor, who traveled from Semenanjung to Kota Kinabalu to share his perspectives.

Tan believes that locally designed board games provide tourists with a unique souvenir that they can take home. He said, "Board games can be a fantastic product for tourism. They serve as souvenirs, gifts, and marketing tools." This sentiment echoes the views of many participants eager to showcase their creative talents.

The competition not only recognizes local designers' skills but also fosters a collaborative community. By sharing ideas and techniques, designers can innovate, stimulating Sabah's creative industry and strengthening the bond between tourism and local culture.

Delving into the Competition

The Sabah National Boardgame Design Competition invites participants to unleash their creativity and develop games deeply rooted in local culture. Each submission reflects Sabah's rich biodiversity, vibrant traditions, and historical significance.

Supporting local talents through this initiative also helps elevate the visibility of the competition beyond the state. It provides a platform that could place Sabah on the global board game map, creating new opportunities and boosting tourism in the area. A survey of game developers showed that 70% believe their games can drive increased interest in local tourism.

In a world where travelers seek unique and memorable experiences, the collaboration between the Sabah Tourism Board and #laiplayleow exemplifies the game-changing potential of board games.

Sabah National Tabletop Con Poster

Celebrating Creativity and Community Engagement

The Sabah National Boardgame Design Competition represents more than just a contest; it is a celebration of creativity and community involvement. As the countdown to the Sabah National Tabletop Con 2025 continues, the local board game community is positioned to make a significant impact on the tourism landscape.

This collaboration not only highlights Sabah's cultural heritage but also encourages a new generation of board game designers. Their creativity can captivate audiences both locally and internationally. As the event draws nearer, participants and visitors alike will have the chance to immerse themselves in an experience that blends storytelling, play, and culture.

The vibrant energy surrounding the competition and the involvement of passionate local designers signal a promising future for tabletop gaming in Sabah. The combination of tourism, culture, and the board game community offers exciting opportunities for exploration and engagement.

This board game design competition is set to enhance appreciation for Sabah’s unique offerings.