Stop scrolling, start thinking: Why this SEA Games star wants your kids to play chess

SHAH ALAM – National SEA Games chess player Tan Wei Hao has called for chess to be introduced as a compulsory part of the school curriculum, arguing that the game can help young Malaysians develop critical thinking skills in an era dominated by social media and short-form content.

Tan stated that chess is no longer merely a competitive pursuit, but a tool for training the mind to analyse, evaluate and filter information; skills he believes are increasingly vital for students navigating fast-moving digital platforms.

“I would like to urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to make chess part of a compulsory curriculum because it will undoubtedly benefit our youth.

"Nowadays, young people are constantly watching reels and scrolling through social media. Sometimes, their brains cannot effectively process what is right or wrong, or determine what information is truly suitable for them." he said on Sinar Daily’s Sports Matters podcast.

According to Tan, many youths currently consume information passively, without questioning its accuracy.

“They often think in binaries, right is right, wrong is wrong...without deep analysis. Chess teaches you to stop and think.

“You must ask, Is this real? Is this fake? Is this a trap?...Consequently, when they watch videos, they will have the analytical skills to filter the content," he added.

A ‘blooming’ chess scene

From his perspective as a national player, Tan observed that the chess landscape in Malaysia has grown rapidly compared to a decade ago.

“The scene is definitely blooming. In the past, tournaments were rare...perhaps once every two or three months.

“Now, almost every week in Kuala Lumpur or Shah Alam, shopping malls and hotels are hosting events. Each tournament can easily attract more than 100 players,” he said.

Tan believes this growth is driven by parents becoming more strategic about the sports their children pursue.

He also highlighted the unique competitive environment among elite teammates as a primary motivator.

“Before selection, we are fierce competitors; we fight each other. Once we become teammates, that dynamic pushes us to improve. If you think you are the strongest in Malaysia but see someone performing better, you cannot be lazy. You have to train harder,” he added.

Strategic preparation

Tan said that the team environment allows players to prepare strategically for international opponents through simulation.

“When we face difficulty countering an opponent from another country, we discuss it. We say, ‘You pretend you are the player from Thailand; adopt their style and I will play against you.’ We then use trial and error to find a solution,” he said.

With Malaysia’s chess scene expanding, Tan hopes his call to integrate the game into the education system will trigger a wider discussion on how schools can better prepare students—not just for exams, but for the complexities of the digital world.