♞ Our Organisation

About Chess Global Cities

Turning passion for chess into purpose, pride, and opportunity — across Southeast Asia and beyond.

What We Stand For

Vision & Mission

Vision
🌟
Turn passion for chess into purpose, pride, and opportunity for it to become a way of life.
Mission
🎯
Bring world-class chess opportunities and platforms to ASEAN by cultivating an elevated, vibrant, united chess community.

Who We Are

Organised in Singapore.
Connected to the World.

Chess Global Cities serves as the Event Manager for the ASEAN Chess Confederation, bringing world-class chess opportunities and platforms to ASEAN while cultivating an elevated, vibrant and united chess community.

We partner with the ASEAN Chess Confederation, the Singapore Chess Federation, and FIDE to organise events that meet the highest international standards — from age-group championships to open international tournaments.

We believe the time to shape the chess market in Asia is now. CGC aims to unlock the full commercial potential of chess in the region through established leadership, global partnerships, and a digital-first approach.

Organisation Details

Legal NameChess Global Cities Pte Ltd
Registered Address865 Mountbatten Road #02-28, Katong Shopping Centre, Singapore 437844
RoleEvent Manager for the ASEAN Chess Confederation
AffiliationsFIDE · ASEAN Chess Confederation · Singapore Chess Federation
Contactphilip@chessacademy.com.sg
WhatsApp+65 9112 3608

Leadership

The Team Behind CGC

Our founders bring together decades of experience across chess governance, academy education, sports business, and franchise development — across ASEAN and beyond.

Ignatius Leong
Ignatius Leong
Co-Founder · FIDE Master & International Arbiter
One of Asia's most prominent chess administrators for over 20 years. Former FIDE General Secretary (2005–2014), FIDE Vice President (2002–2006), Founding President of the ASEAN Chess Confederation (2000–2015), and President of the Singapore Chess Federation (2007–2015). Awarded International Arbiter (1979) — one of the world's youngest at 23 — International Organiser (1995), and FIDE Senior Trainer (2004). Chief Arbiter at the Chess Olympiad 2004 and 2008.
Philip Chan
Philip Chan
Co-Founder · Chess Educator & Entrepreneur
Founder of Chess Academy (Singapore) Pte Ltd — Singapore's only FIDE-endorsed chess academy. Following over 30 years at Shell, Philip brings deep commercial acumen and event experience to CGC, including organising the World Youth Chess Championships in Vietnam (2008). Conferred the Public Service Medal (PBM) by the President of the Republic of Singapore at the 2019 National Day Awards for contributions to the community.
Sahapol Nakvanich
Sahapol Nakvanich
Co-Founder · President, Thailand Chess Association
President of the Thailand Chess Association and a senior figure in FIDE, Sahapol's expertise in turning grassroots programs into powerhouses — built on sports, business, and federation partnerships — enables CGC to transform its market presence into sustainable profits and visibility across ASEAN.
Khoo Teck Kim
Khoo Teck Kim
Co-Founder · Franchising & Community Leader
A masterful franchising and community leader, Teck Kim excels at taking local initiatives to and beyond the national scale. His track record in monetising F&B and education supports CGC's vision for region-wide commercial success.
"Our team includes pioneers who have transformed national federations, built Singapore's top academy, scaled sports outreach to hundreds of thousands, and delivered commercial chess events attracting international brands and sponsors."

Our Work

What We Do

CGC aims to unlock the full commercial potential of chess in Asia through six interconnected pillars.

01
Regional Tournament & Event Hosting
Singapore's infrastructure makes it an ideal hub for regional championships, attracting sponsorship, media rights, and tourism-related revenue.
02
Brand Building & Commercial Sponsorship
Professionalising chess as a youth, education, and community activity — attracting sponsors, televised events, grassroots leagues, and ambassador initiatives.
03
Talent Development Pipeline
Professionally-run academies and national training programs linked to ASEAN federations, nurturing talent from grassroots to elite level.
04
Digital Engagement & Online Monetisation
Aggregating marketable IP, pooling sponsorship and media rights, and offering digital subscriptions, streaming, and international event packages.
05
Corporate & Education Partnerships
Collaborating with schools, corporates, and NGOs for tournaments, CSR programs, and cognitive training sessions — broadening the engagement base.
06
Embedded AI Assistance
Leveraging AI across training, events, and media to set a benchmark for innovation and growth in ASEAN chess.

Our Commitment

How We Deliver

🏆
Excellence in Organisation
Every event held to the highest FIDE and ASEAN Chess Confederation standards — fair, professional, and memorable.
🌏
Regional Connectivity
Bringing together players, coaches, and federations from across ASEAN and beyond, building lasting cross-border relationships.
🎯
Community Development
Creating real pathways and meaningful opportunities for players, coaches, and administrators at every level across the region.
🏙️
Singapore as a Stage
World-class infrastructure, safety, and connectivity — making every event an outstanding experience for players and families.

Get Involved

Connect With CGC

Whether you're a federation, sponsor, player, or partner — we'd love to hear from you. CGC is building something lasting for chess in Southeast Asia.

Get in Touch View Our 2026 Event