On August 3, 2025, a 25-year-old chess prodigy from Petaling Jaya, Yeoh Li Tian has officially earned the prestigious title of Grandmaster (GM), the highest title in the world of chess.
Image credit: Malaysian Chess Federation
Yeoh awarded Grandmaster (GM) and made historic first for Malaysia
The breakthrough came following Yeoh’s remarkable victory at the GM-IM Invitational Chess Championship 2025. With this win, he awarded his third and final GM norm and crossed the 2500 FIDE rating mark, fulfilling all requirements to be awarded the title by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
“I felt really relieved and happy to actually get my last norm back in Malaysia. I hope that it inspires more chess players to play chess,” Yeoh shared.
With this achievement, Yeoh joins an elite global group of fewer than 2,000 Grandmasters. The recognition is not only a personal triumph but also a historic first for Malaysia, placing the nation on the global chess map.
Image Credit: Malaysian Chess (YouTube)
It was sacrifice that made Yeoh Malaysia’s first Grandmaster
Yeoh’s journey to the top has been nothing short of relentless. Having started chess at the age of three, he dedicated nearly his entire life to the game, often at the expense of a typical childhood.
“I always tell people that I had no childhood. So I guess that that will be my biggest sacrifice. Since young, like even in primary school, I go to school, come back, do my homework and then I start working on chess,” he admitted in an interview with Bernama.
His path has been paved with sacrifices, intense discipline, and narrowly missing the GM title at the 2022 SEA Games in Hanoi. This made the recent victory on Malaysian soil even more meaningful.
Yeoh’s next step won’t stop at Malaysia
Despite reaching the pinnacle of his career, Yeoh remains modest and focused on the future. While still undecided about his next steps, he hinted at a possible appearance in the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand that approaching by MCF.
“There’s a high chance I will be playing,” Yeoh said, adding that he hopes his journey inspires more young Malaysians to take up chess.
Image credit: Malaysian Chess Federation
A hope from the MCF President to produce more local chess talent
According to the President of MCF, Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi, Yeoh’s victory is an achievement as a historic milestone in the history of chess in nation. He also added the federation is now committed to producing more local talent capable of achieving the same elite status.
“We do not want this achievement to stop here and if can, we want more GM from Malaysia to emerge, just like what has been produced by neighboring countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines,” said Akhramsyah.
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