Cover Yeoh Li Tian is among fewer than 2,000 active Grandmasters worldwide (Photo: Canva)
Yeoh Li Tian is among fewer than 2,000 active Grandmasters worldwide (Photo: Canva)
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Li Tian Yeoh has become Malaysia’s first chess Grandmaster (GM), a landmark achievement that signals a new era for the nation’s rising talents
Yeoh Li Tian has made history as Malaysia’s first chess Grandmaster (GM), achieving the sport’s highest title in August 2025 at the age of 25. This milestone places him among fewer than 2,000 active Grandmasters worldwide and marks a significant moment for Malaysian chess. This data science graduate has broken new ground for the country, paving the way for future generations of players.
Born on October 16, 1999, Yeoh’s journey began at the tender age of three when he first encountered the sixty-four squares that would define his destiny. By six, he was competing on international stages in under-8 tournaments, presaging a career that would see him claim the Malaysian Chess Championship twice (2015, 2016), achieve International Master status in 2017 and become the first Malaysian to qualify for the FIDE World Cup. His crowning achievement came at the ChessHub-MCF First GM-IM Invitational Tournament in Kuala Lumpur, where he secured his third GM norm, surpassing the requisite 2500 FIDE rating threshold.
Above Yeoh Li Tian has made history as Malaysia’s first chess Grandmaster (GM)
Yeoh Li Tian has made history as Malaysia’s first chess Grandmaster (GM)
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Yet beyond the accolades lies a more nuanced narrative: one of sacrifice, mentorship and an almost philosophical approach to achievement. Having balanced his chess pursuits with academic excellence at Imperial College London and the University of Malaya, Yeoh offers a refreshingly candid perspective on his historic accomplishment:
Read more: Meet Puteri Munajjah, Malaysia's third FIDE Woman International Master in chess
How does it feel to have achieved the Grandmaster (GM) title?
Yeoh Li Tian (YLT): To me, achieving the GM title feels more like a form of external validation of my chess career rather than a personal breakthrough. While it is a huge relief to have finally earned it after years of striving in the sport, I believe my chess strength and experience had already reached that level (without significant improvement in recent years, to be honest)—it was simply a matter of waiting for the right moment. Therefore, even if I had ended my chess journey without achieving the GM title, I wouldn’t have had many regrets, as I’ve already ‘seen the scenery.’
Does being the first Malaysian GM carry special significance for you?
YLT: Becoming the ‘first’ GM in Malaysia was never a major concern to me. While it’s nice to be the first, my focus remains on making personal progress. I had also mentally prepared for the possibility that someone could surpass me and earn their GM title before I did, especially with so many promising Malaysian talents making strides over the past few years.
A little insider story: In recent years, I had been half-joking with my chess friends that I was not pushing too hard for the GM title, just to leave the achievement of becoming the “first GM” open to others. In that way, I hoped to encourage the younger generation to strive for it instead!
Above Yeoh at the closing ceremony of the MCF First GM-IM Invitational Tournament in Kuala Lumpur, his most recent tournament
Yeoh at the closing ceremony of the MCF First GM-IM Invitational Tournament in Kuala Lumpur, his most recent tournament
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Who have been the most influential figures in your chess development?
YLT: My father, National Master (NM) Yeoh Chin Seng, has undoubtedly played the most significant role in my chess career. As my first and longest-standing coach, we continue to discuss my weaknesses to this day, always working on areas for improvement.
See also: Chess grandmaster Kevin Goh is driven by a relentless competitive spirit
Looking back at my chess career of 20+ years, there were also two pivotal events that contributed immensely to my development:
In 2009, I had the privilege of attending a three-month training camp in China. While it greatly enhanced my chess skills, what proved even more valuable was learning the training methods, which have had lasting benefits in my long-term growth.
In 2010, I had the honour of receiving short-term training from the late GM Ziaur Rahman from Bangladesh. He identified my weaknesses from a GM’s perspective and generously shared some of his ‘secrets’ to chess preparation.
I would like to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to the late Dato’ Tan Chin Nam, the key individual who made these two programmes possible. Dato’ Tan and his family have supported not only me but the entire Malaysian chess community for decades. Without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
In chess, or any sport for that matter, reaching a competitive level requires an immense amount of time and effort. Because of this, I believe the most important thing is having a genuine passion for the game itself
What advice would you offer to aspiring chess players?
YLT: In chess, or any sport for that matter, reaching a competitive level requires an immense amount of time and effort. Because of this, I believe the most important thing is having a genuine passion for the game itself. Only with that passion can you truly enjoy the process and stay committed to the journey.
Yeoh’s achievement represents more than individual triumph; it symbolises the maturation of Malaysian chess and the possibilities that await future generations. His unique blend of humility, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication serves as a blueprint for aspiring champions. As Malaysia celebrates its first Grandmaster, one senses that this historic milestone is merely the opening gambit in a much grander game that will inspire countless young minds to pursue excellence on the chessboard.
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Images: Courtesy of Yeoh Li Tian
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