Petaling Jaya, 23 May 2017 – Today, the region’s largest ride hailing and multiservice platform, Grab sealed its role as the gold sponsor with the title Official Ride Hailing Partner for the upcoming 29^th SEA Games and 9^th ASEAN Para Games, also known as Kuala Lumpur 2017 (KL2017).

This sponsorship marks a significant milestone for Grab, who will be celebrating their fifth anniversary, as it is the first time a ride hailing service is sponsoring the largest gathering of SEA’s top athletes.

Representing Grab at the announcement and the exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding of the sponsorship was Mr. Sean Goh, Country Head of Grab Malaysia, while the Ministry of Youth and Sports was represented by YBhg. Dato’ Seri Zolkples Embong, Chief Executive Officer of MASOC (Malaysia Organising Committee).

Present to observe the exchange were YB Brig. Gen. Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Youth and Sports; Mr. Anthony Tan, Group CEO of Grab; YB Datuk M. Saravanan, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports; and Mr. Ng Keng Chuan, Deputy President of the Malaysia Paralympic Council.

“As a Malaysian homegrown company, we are beyond ecstatic to be part of this event. Firstly, our participation affirms our commitment to ensure all athletes, fellow tourists and supporters have access to safe, convenient and comfortable rides. Secondly, we want to help create an eco-friendly sporting event by reducing traffic congestion to and around the venues, thus reducing carbon emissions,” Goh.

In addition, Grab’s expansion to 12 major cities and towns such as Langkawi and Nilai in this year alone, coupled with their latest features such as GrabShare (on-demand car-pooling service), GrabChat (in-app chat system) and GrabPay (cashless payment option), will provide a seamless travelling experience. Supporters do not have to worry about directions, parking issues, price haggling and especially for tourist, communicating with their drivers.

YB Brig. Gen. Khairy Jamaluddin who is also the chairman of the Malaysia Organising Committee for KL2017 (MASOC) welcomes Grab’s involvement and sees the company as an ideal partner for KL2017.

“Indeed, the partnership with Grab is apt as KL2017 aims to be a truly Green Games and promote environmental awareness and sustainability practices among the public and sports fans alike. I encourage everyone to use public transportation during the Games to help reduce carbon emission,” said YB. Brig. Gen. Khairy.

This is the sixth time Malaysia has the honour of hosting the SEA Games and the third time for  the ASEAN Para Games. This is also a double celebration for our young nation as the 29^th SEA Games which takes place from August 19 to 30, 2017 and the 9th ASEAN Para Games from September 17 to 23, 2017 coincide with the nation’s 60^th year of independence. A total of 405 events in 38 sports will be contested in this year’s games by athletes from the 11 Southeast Asia countries.

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