The Korea Sports Council in Malaysia and the Korea Rowing Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 4 June 2026, at Dongseo University Malaysia Learning Center in Kuala Lumpur. This event formalizes their commitment to enhancing sports exchange between the two countries and provides a development fund of USD 3,000 to support rowing advancement in Malaysia.
The ceremony was attended by Kwon Dae-eun, President of the Korea Sports Council in Malaysia, Oh Se-moon, President of the Korea Rowing Association, Lee Han-il, Minister and Consul General of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia, former World-OKTA Chairman Dato Kwon Byung-ha, Seo Hae-gu, President of the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC) Malaysia Chapter, representatives from the Malaysian Sports Council, officials from the Malaysian Rowing Association, and notable members of the Korean community in Malaysia.
The event began with videos from both organizations and a congratulatory message from Yoo Seung-min, the President of the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee. This was followed by welcoming speeches, the signing of the MOU, the handover of a development fund, and a ceremony for presenting plaques.
Through the MOU, both groups agreed to work together in many areas, such as improving rowing as a competitive sport, exchanging youth athletes, building international sports networks, and developing sports talent. The audience warmly applauded when the USD 3,000 development fund was presented to the Malaysian Rowing Association.
In his welcoming address, President Kwon Dae-eun said, “Today’s agreement is not merely an exchange of documents — it is the starting point for Korea and Malaysia to draw closer through sport,” adding that he was committed to building a foundation for future generations to grow together through expanded youth exchange programs.
President Oh Se-moon described Malaysia as “a key partner that the Korean rowing community holds in high regard,” and pledged to broaden cooperation to include athlete and coach exchanges, youth rowing programs, and the co-hosting of international competitions. He also noted that “the development fund represents something greater than its monetary value — it is an expression of our shared will to grow together.”
Minister and Consul General Lee Han-il echoed this sentiment, stating that “sport is one of the most powerful bridges across language and culture,” and affirmed that the Embassy would actively support the further development of Korea-Malaysia sports and cultural exchange.
Plaque presentations took place during the ceremony, where the Korea Rowing Association honored President Kwon Dae-eun and Senior Vice President Dr. Seo Kyu-won, while the Korea Sports Council in Malaysia recognized President Oh Se-moon. Minister and Consul General Lee Han-il received a merit plaque for his contributions to sports exchange and the Korean community in Malaysia. Both organizations plan to establish regular exchange programs and joint projects to enhance Korea-Malaysia sports cooperation in the future.