SUBANG JAYA, August 18 — The halls of PARC in Subang Jaya were transformed yesterday into a 9 by 9 metre chessboard where 32 human “pieces” took their places.
Each square they occupied was more than a strategic position; it was a statement of defiance, solidarity and urgency. The game was Checkmate SMA — Largest Human Chess Match 2025, and by the time the final move echoed through the hall, it had delivered a single, unambiguous message to the nation: Malaysia must now move from awareness to action, from lament to policy, and from charity to guaranteed care for every child born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
In conjunction with SMA Awareness Month, more than 200 guests gathered to witness SMA Malaysia, a non-profit organisation that aims to support individuals living with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy), setting a new Malaysia Book of Records entry for the largest human chess game while underscoring the need to turn SMA awareness into systematic action.
Senator Isaiah Jacob honoured the event by making the first symbolic move and announcing the start of the Largest Human Chess Match, which he also participated in.
The keynote address by Dr Azlihanis Abdul Hadi, Deputy Director (Public Health Medicine), Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health (MOH), emphasised the MOH’s commitment to the rare disease community for the National Policy on Rare Diseases in working towards a systematic action.
Arfah Jamian, Vice President of SMA Malaysia, outlined three priorities: a national newborn-screening programme, public funding for approved SMA treatment, and expanded caregiver support.
Anis Adilah, a 26-year-old living with SMA Type 3, said, “Today, we created history together as SMA fighters, caregivers, volunteers, and supporters became life-sized chess pieces in the Largest Human Chess Match, as documented in the Malaysia Book of Records.
“What took place was not merely a game of chess, but a living symbol of strength, unity, and resilience within the SMA community.”
The historic milestone also coincided with World SMA Awareness Month and SMA Malaysia’s 8th anniversary since its establishment, making August 17, 2025 a triple celebration for the SMA community.
Checkmate SMA also highlighted the other different types of rare diseases through #RareButReal Photo Exhibition showcasing portraits of individuals living with rare diseases and their stories, a combined effort done by the Rare Disease Community.
Deepti Saraf, General Manager of Roche Malaysia, the main sponsor of the event, said, “In conjunction with SMA Awareness Month, we are proud to support this unique Human Chess Tournament, Checkmate SMA.
“The whole of society needs to work together with the SMA community to help checkmate this congenital disease. At Roche Malaysia, we believe that every child living with SMA deserves sustained access to treatment that can empower them to lead fuller lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
“We hope this initiative sparks not only greater understanding but also urgent conversations around improving policies and funding to ensure long-term, equitable access to care for all patients.”
The event closed with a panel discussion titled “Life After Treatment: Hopes, Realities and Roadmaps”, leaving guests with a clear message: the record has been set, but the policy moves remain.
Checkmate SMA is not a slogan; it is a deadline. SMA Malaysia has set the record and the next move belongs to the nation.
