Labuan Welcomes the World: BMAEX Sanda World Championship 2025 Kicks Off in the Pearl of Borneo

Labuan, Oct 15 – The island of Labuan just made history! Known affectionately as the “Pearl of Borneo,” this small but beautiful island officially stepped onto the world stage of martial arts with the grand welcoming dinner of the BMAEX Sanda World Championship 2025, held at the scenic Palm Beach Resort & Spa.

From October 15 to 19, Labuan becomes the beating heart of global Wushu Sanda, hosting its first-ever world-level Sanda competition — a massive leap for both the sport and the island’s growing reputation as a sports tourism hotspot.

Organized by the Labuan Wushu Association and sanctioned by the International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA Borneo), this powerhouse event also gets strong backing from BCG MMA Academy, Labuan Sport Kickboxing Association, and the Federal Territory of Labuan Sports Council.

🥋 A Promise Fulfilled – Bringing the World to Labuan

Leading the charge is none other than Grandmaster (Dr.) Alvin Chong, Asia President of the International Wushu Sanda Federation (IWSF) and the driving force behind BMAEX.

Dr. Alvin’s passion for martial arts and his vision for Labuan have finally collided in this historic championship.

“It was very challenging, but I had to break the barriers and keep my promise—to bring the world to Labuan through martial arts,” said Alvin in his speech.
“Hosting an event of this scale not only highlights Borneo’s capability in organizing world-level competitions, but also showcases Labuan’s growing reputation as a sports tourism hub.”

That “promise” he refers to? It was made exactly a year ago during the BMAEX Sanda Championship 2024, when Alvin boldly declared he would bring a world-level Sanda event to the island in 2025. And here it is — promise delivered.

🌎 A Global Gathering of Warriors

This isn’t just another tournament — it’s a fusion of cultures, fighting styles, and spirits. The championship features top Sanda athletes and officials from:

Malaysia | Brazil | Spain | France | Italy | Australia | USA | Philippines | Brunei Darussalam | Hong Kong

With an expected crowd of 5,000 live spectators and 15,000 online viewers from around the globe, the BMAEX Sanda World Championship 2025 is set to be one of the most electrifying martial arts showcases ever hosted on Borneo soil.

Uniquely this version of BMAEX will see the first time being held at BCG Academy’s new location. Since 2024, BCG Academy has made Palm Beach Resort & Spa its home. Making the academy the only martial arts gym in Malaysia have a beach front. Literally on the sandy beach of Batu Manikar.  

Visitors & Sanda exponent can surely feel the rush of Sanda action by the sea — where power meets the breeze of the South China Sea.

🎉 A Night of Honor and Celebration

The welcoming dinner was a night to remember — filled with energy, camaraderie, and the shared passion for martial arts that unites everyone in the room.

Among the distinguished guests were:
– Ms. Mastijah Binti Insuin, representing the Department of Youth and Sports W.P. Labuan
– Mrs. Jessie Ronitta Mohamad and Norjan Judin, from the Tourism, Culture and Arts Department, Labuan Corporation
– En. Zulhelmi bin Amran, Assistant Director of Labuan Sports Council

Their presence symbolized a strong collaboration between sports, tourism, and culture — a winning combo that can elevate Labuan as a global martial arts destination.

💪 More Than Just a Championship

Beyond medals and titles, the BMAEX Sanda World Championship 2025 represents something bigger — it’s about unity, resilience, and the shared spirit of martial arts that breaks borders and builds friendships.

BMAEX which was founded and organized for the 1st time in 2017, it was a dream and vision of Dr. Alvin to unite all martial arts & combat sports through one event. Thru the years, BMAEX has expanded to West Malaysia and also seen the 1st ever virtual event held in the Covid19 period.  Dr. Alvin and his team have set the bar high. Labuan is no longer just an island; it’s now a symbol of ambition and determination in Southeast Asian combat sports.