GELANG PATAH, Johor – The Chairman of the Johor State Committee for Youth, Sports, Entrepreneurial Development, and Cooperatives, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, has proposed that the Johor Golf Expo (JGE) be established as an annual or bi-annual event.
This initiative aims to further strengthen Johor’s position as an international-standard golf destination and promote the state on a global stage.
In conjunction with the Visit Johor Year 2025, the state will be promoted as a primary sports tourism destination, he stated during a Hi-Tea event held for the Johor Golf Expo 2024 recently. Also present was the Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd (KPRJ), Datuk Lukman Abu Bakar.
“Johor has 28 golf courses, including several that are internationally recognized. The golf industry not only has the potential to drive the development of the sports sector but also contributes significantly to the economy through sports tourism,” said Mohd Hairi.
He also shared the state government’s commitment to enhancing talent scouting in golf, particularly at the school level.
“Golf is a sport that builds focus and discipline. We plan to initiate talent scouting programs in schools to ensure that all segments of society, regardless of background, have the opportunity to delve into this sport,” he added.
Mohd Hairi emphasized that the golf industry in Johor has significant potential to drive economic growth in the state. According to him, sports tourism can open vast opportunities for other sectors such as hospitality, services, and food.
“Golf is not just a sport; it is a strong economic catalyst, especially with the support of the sports tourism initiatives we are planning to expand. The success of events like the Johor Golf Expo can enhance business in the hotel, restaurant, and service industries,” he explained.
This expo also serves as an important platform that connects industry players with the latest technologies and products, eliminating intermediaries. This adds significant value to the local golf industry.
“Sports tourism is one of the key pillars in our strategy to achieve the state’s KPI targets. Sports events like golf not only enhance the tourism sector but also contribute to the food and beverage industry,” he further stated.
Johor Golf Expo 2024 aims not only to highlight Johor as a preferred golf destination but also to play a role in youth talent development, economic growth, and strengthening the sports tourism sector.
The expo demonstrates that Johor is on the right track to continue becoming a respected hub for golf, not only in Malaysia but also at the regional level.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd (KPRJ), Datuk Lukman Abu Bakar, stated that the organization of this expo has been made possible through collaboration with Senibong Golf Resort, key industry players, the private sector, and the state government.
He noted that this collaboration is crucial because golf is not just a sport but also the core of an industry that brings positive change to all parties, from young golfers to local businesses.
JGE 2024 is organized by Champions Golf in collaboration with KPRJ Sports Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of KPRJ.