[TEST] Meet Chicah: The 11yo PJ Skateboarder Who Went From a Free Neighbourhood Skate Clinic to the SEA Games
by Anis · WORLD OF BUZZ11-year-old Chicah from Petaling Jaya has made a name for herself on the skate ramp, having already represented Malaysia on the international stage at the 2025 SEA Games.
Her journey from a curious beginner to a national athlete highlights how accessible community spaces can nurture the next generation of skateboarders in the country.
From a neighbourhood skatepark to the SEA Games
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ at Grom Games 2026, a youth skateboarding competition organised by UEM Sunrise Berhad in collaboration with JR Skates at The Square, Publika on 7 November, Chicah shared that she first picked up the sport at around six years old.
With both of her parents being skateboarders, her dad encouraged her to join a free skate clinic at a skatepark right behind their house. Starting with basic tricks like the ollie, she quickly fell in love with the sport and eventually mastered advanced bowl tricks such as the blunt to fakie.
“I was really in love with skateboarding after the free clinic,” she said, adding that representing Malaysia at the SEA Games made her feel “so great and happy”.
Finding a community and eyeing the Olympics
While she has yet to make friends with other skateboarders at school, joining youth clinics, including UEM Sunrise’s community sessions, has allowed her to build lasting friendships with people of different ages. She said skating with them makes her feel more connected and happier.
Despite feeling nervous during competitions, where skaters have to perform their tricks individually, she draws motivation from knowing that her parents are “happy and proud” of her. She now hopes to compete at the 2032 Olympics once she meets the age requirement.
Building the next generation of skaters
Chicah’s story reflects the spirit of Grom Games 2026, where “grom” is skateboarding slang for a young skater. Held at The Square, Publika Shopping Gallery in Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur, the competition was organised by UEM Sunrise Berhad, with JR Skates as its programme partner.
The second edition was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the Malaysia Skate Federation (MySkate), with MySkate President Ahmad Idroose bin Mohad Tambarin attending as guest of honour.
Following its debut in July 2025 with 92 skaters aged under 15, this year’s event attracted 131 registered participants. They competed in three formats — Time Attack Circuit, Passport Challenge and Best Trick — across Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced categories for ages 5 to 17, alongside a newly introduced Open category for participants aged 9 to 35.
Since 2024, UEM Sunrise has sponsored 21 skateboarding clinics and organised four Grom Games events across the Klang Valley, Putrajaya and Johor, reaching more than 280 children. The initiative continues to nurture young Malaysian skaters, giving them opportunities to develop their skills and progress from their first ride to competing on a bigger stage.
.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!
Source: Provided to WOB
Source: Provided to WOB
Source: Provided to WOB