SEA Games 2027: Malaysia needs 14,000 volunteers, applications open on 5 December, says MASOC
MASOC wants about 14,000 volunteers for the 2027 SEA Games and 5,000 for the ASEAN Para Games. Applications open on 5 December to all ages, including people from overseas.
Malaysia will start recruiting volunteers for the 2027 SEA Games on 5 December. The Malaysia Organising Committee (MASOC) says it needs about 14,000 people across the four host clusters. Another 5,000 are needed for the ASEAN Para Games, which follow in Kuala Lumpur a few weeks later.
MASOC chief executive Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub, who also heads the ASEAN Para Games 2027 secretariat, gave the figures in an interview with Bernama on Thursday 8 October.
Where the volunteers will be needed
The 2027 SEA Games will be held from 18 to 29 September 2027 in Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Johor and Penang. MASOC's estimates for each cluster:
- Kuala Lumpur: 5,000 to 8,000 volunteers
- Sarawak: 5,000 to 6,000 volunteers
- Penang: about 2,000 volunteers
Johor's figure was not reported separately.
The 2027 ASEAN Para Games run from 17 to 23 October 2027 in Kuala Lumpur and need about 5,000 volunteers. Abdul Rashid said some of these roles may need specific skills, such as experience assisting athletes with disabilities.
Who can apply
Applications for both Games open on Saturday 5 December 2026. They are open to people of all ages, including applicants from outside Malaysia.
MASOC particularly wants international students who speak the languages of the participating countries, so they can help visiting delegations. About 1,000 people have already registered interest through government programmes such as MADANI Kita, before the official window opens.
Volunteers will get official clothing. MASOC is also considering help with accommodation, food and transport during the Games.
A big Games and a tight budget question
The 2027 edition will be large. In July, 43 sports were confirmed for the programme after five more were approved. Penang is one of the cluster states preparing to host six sports.
Funding has been a recurring issue. Budget 2026 allocated RM580 million to sport, which included money to prepare for the 2027 SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games and related events. On Thursday, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari was asked whether his ministry had requested more money for hosting. He said the answer would come in Budget 2027, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tables in the Dewan Rakyat today, Friday 9 October.
Hosting as a showcase
Abdul Rashid pointed to Malaysia's recent hosting of a Formula 1 race at the Sepang International Circuit as evidence that the country can stage major events. He said he expects many Malaysians to sign up.
Volunteers usually make up most of the people working at multi-sport Games, in jobs such as venue operations, transport, accreditation and spectator help. With about 19,000 places across the two events, MASOC's recruitment drive is likely to be one of the biggest sports volunteer campaigns Malaysia has run.
Key takeaways
- MASOC needs about 14,000 volunteers for the 2027 SEA Games, held from 18 to 29 September 2027.
- About 5,000 more are needed for the ASEAN Para Games in Kuala Lumpur from 17 to 23 October 2027.
- Applications for both Games open on 5 December 2026 to people of all ages, including those from abroad.
- About 1,000 people have already registered interest through government programmes such as MADANI Kita.
FAQ
When can I apply to volunteer for the 2027 SEA Games? Applications open on 5 December 2026. MASOC says people of all ages can apply, including applicants from overseas.
Where will the 2027 SEA Games be held? In four clusters: Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Johor and Penang. The Games run from 18 to 29 September 2027.
Do SEA Games volunteers get anything for taking part? Volunteers will get official clothing. MASOC is considering help with accommodation, food and transport during the Games.
Sources: Bernama, Malay Mail, New Straits Times, The Sun