Latest news with #JulianKam
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Malay Mail
KL's double header: Asean leaders score time for football with Manchester United clash in Bukit Jalil
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The friendly between English football giants Manchester United and the Asean All-Stars for the Maybank Challenge Cup here on Wednesday (May 28) has attracted the attention of several South-east Asian (Asean) heads of state. According to sources close to the organisers, ProEvents, several Asean leaders are expected to attend the 8.45 pm match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Their presence signals the increasingly important role that football plays as a cultural and diplomatic bridge in South-east Asia, while also highlighting the sport's unique ability to unite diverse nations through a shared passion. Meanwhile, ProEvents Group chief executive officer (CEO) Julian Kam confirmed that over 60,000 tickets have been sold for the match, describing the overwhelming response from fans as a reflection of the deeper significance behind the clash. 'We are truly moved by the overwhelming response from the fans. So far, over 60,000 tickets have been sold, reflecting the immense passion that Malaysians and (others in) the region have for the Red Devils. 'This is more than just a match — it is a football celebration that connects a legendary club with its loyal supporters in South-east Asia,' he told Bernama today. United, under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, are scheduled to arrive this evening after departing for Kuala Lumpur just hours after their final English Premier League match, which saw the Red Devils secure a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester last night. The last time United played in Malaysia was during the 2009 pre-season tour, beating Malaysia XI twice, 3-2 and 2-0, respectively on July 18 and 20 at the National Stadium. The 13-time Premier League champions, who have endured a dismal season by their lofty standards when they ended the season in 15th spot with 42 points, are also scheduled to travel to Hong Kong as part of their pre-season tour to play against the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30. For the record, leaders from across South-east Asia are converging on the Malaysian capital for the 46th Asean Summit, which began today. — Bernama
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Several Regional Leaders Set To Attend Man Utd vs ASEAN All-Stars Match
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- The friendly between English football giants Manchester United and the ASEAN All-Stars for the Maybank Challenge Cup here on Wednesday (May 28) has attracted the attention of several Southeast Asian (ASEAN) heads of state. According to sources close to the organisers, ProEvents, several ASEAN leaders are expected to attend the 8.45 pm match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Their presence signals the increasingly important role that football plays as a cultural and diplomatic bridge in Southeast Asia, while also highlighting the sport's unique ability to unite diverse nations through a shared passion. bootstrap slideshow Meanwhile, ProEvents Group chief executive officer (CEO) Julian Kam confirmed that over 60,000 tickets have been sold for the match, describing the overwhelming response from fans as a reflection of the deeper significance behind the clash. 'We are truly moved by the overwhelming response from the fans. So far, over 60,000 tickets have been sold, reflecting the immense passion that Malaysians and (others in) the region have for the Red Devils. 'This is more than just a match - it is a football celebration that connects a legendary club with its loyal supporters in Southeast Asia,' he told Bernama today. United, under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, are scheduled to arrive this evening after departing for Kuala Lumpur just hours after their final English Premier League match, which saw the Red Devils secure a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester last night. The last time United played in Malaysia was during the 2009 pre-season tour, beating Malaysia XI twice, 3-2 and 2-0, respectively on July 18 and 20 at the National Stadium. The 13-time Premier League champions, who have endured a dismal season by their lofty standards when they ended the season in 15th spot with 42 points, are also scheduled to travel to Hong Kong as part of their pre-season tour to play against the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30.
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Red Devils are back: United's historic homecoming to Malaysia fueled by fans
THEY waited. They believed. Sixteen years later, Manchester United return to Malaysia — fueled by fan power. The English football giants will face off against an Asean XI at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on May 28 in what will be their first-ever post-season tour match. Organised by ProEvents International, the event aims to honour the unwavering support of the Red Devils' Southeast Asian fanbase, especially in Malaysia. 'This is more than just a football match, it's about reconnecting with a fanbase that's stood by the club through thick and thin,' Julian Kam, CEO of ProEvents told New Straits Times. Man United last lit up Malaysian turf in 2009 under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, drawing sell-out crowds. Their connection with local fans runs deep, dating back to their first visit in 1981. 'There's a phenomenal legacy here. 'We first brought Manchester United here in 1995, nearly 30 years ago, when we arranged a match against Selangor. Malaysia has always had a special connection with the club,' Julian shared. 'As with the international football calendar, there are many matches during the pre-season, so scheduling a trip to Malaysia wasn't easy. 'We've been working on this project for at least two years to sort out the timing and logistics.' 'You have the Club World Championship, the World Cup next year, it's always a challenge,' he stated. 'That's why we originally planned this tour for the post-season rather than the pre-season. 'After discussions with the club and reviewing the calendar, we agreed that a post-season trip would be best. Traditionally a pre-season stop, Asia now hosts United in a rare post-season tour — a first for the club. ALSO READ: Man Utd to play May friendlies in Malaysia, Hong Kong 'This is the first time the club are doing a post-season tour, and they are really making the effort to come back,' he said. The timing may be ideal. United are enduring a difficult season, hovering in the lower half of the Premier League table. A warm welcome from Southeast Asia could provide a much-needed morale boost. 'The mentality will be more relaxed than in the usual pre-season, where players are under pressure to perform and earn their place in the team. 'Post-season is more laid-back, but it's still a good opportunity for the manager to observe how players respond to different environments,' he said. 'It's not easy for players who haven't been to Asia before. When they see the crowd and the passion of the fans, their reactions will be interesting. And this comes at a time when United are going through one of their most challenging periods performance-wise.' In contrast to past visits where United faced the national team or Malaysian Selection, this year's match will feature an Asean Selection, coached by Vietnam's Kim Sang Sik. Julian explained that the goal is to turn the event into a celebration of regional football. 'We want to connect with as many fans as possible in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia. By inviting an Asean All-Star team, we can engage with more supporters in the region,' he shared.
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New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Fan power brings Man United back to KL [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: After 16 years, Manchester United are finally making their way back to Malaysian shores, and this time, it's all about the fans. The former Premier League champions will take on an Asean XI at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on May 28 - their first-ever post-season tour. Organisers say the match is a tribute to the support the Red Devils continue to receive from Southeast Asian fans, especially in Malaysia. "This is more than just a football match, it's about reconnecting with a fanbase that's stood by the club through thick and thin," said Julian Kam, chief executive officer of ProEvents International, who are the organisers. Man United last played in Malaysia in 2009 under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, with the team attracting sell-out crowds. Their bond with local fans stretches back more than four decades, with their first visit coming in 1981. "There's a phenomenal legacy here," said Julian. "We first brought Manchester United here in 1995, nearly 30 years ago, when we arranged a match against Selangor. Malaysia has always had a special connection with the club." Julian revealed that bringing United back had been a long process behind the scenes. "As with the international football calendar, there are many matches during the pre-season, so scheduling a trip to Malaysia wasn't easy," he said. "We've been working on this project for at least two years to sort out the timing and logistics." "You have the Club World Championship, the World Cup next year, it's always a challenge. "That's why we originally planned this tour for the post-season rather than the pre-season. "After discussions with the club and reviewing the calendar, we agreed that a post-season trip would be best." This change in approach marks a shift from tradition, with United historically travelling to Asia ahead of the season. "This is the first time the club are doing a post-season tour, and they are really making the effort to come back," Julian added With the Red Devils going through one of their toughest seasons in recent memory — languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table — the club are hoping the love from Asean fans will lift morale. Julian believes the timing works to United's advantage. "The mentality will be more relaxed than in the usual pre-season, where players are under pressure to perform and earn their place in the team," he said. "Post-season is more laid-back, but it's still a good opportunity for the manager to observe how players respond to different environments." "It's not easy for players who haven't been to Asia before. When they see the crowd and the passion of the fans, their reactions will be interesting. And this comes at a time when United are going through one of their most challenging periods performance-wise." Unlike previous visits, which saw United face the national team or Malaysian Selection, this year's clash will feature an Asean Selection side led by Vietnam national team coach Kim Sang Sik. Julian said the idea was to make the event a truly regional celebration. "We want to connect with as many fans as possible in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia. By inviting an Asean All-Star team, we can engage with more supporters in the region."
