DUPR, Falcalos and Canon all betting big on Malaysia
What's the Score?
Pickleball in Malaysia is making significant strides on the international stage, marked by major corporate support, key industry partnerships, and a spotlight from a global rating system. Canon Malaysia recently served as the imaging partner for the country's first-ever Pickleball Summit and a major tournament, while Vietnamese paddle brand Facolos has entered the market through an exclusive distribution deal with DINKiT Store, including sponsoring a Malaysian pro. A highlight is the announcement at the KL Pickleball Summit that DUPR's new premium subscription service, DUPR Plus, will launch soon, with Malaysia specifically noted as the fastest-growing DUPR market worldwide, positioning the country as a leader in Asia's pickleball boom.
Hit it deeper!
Malaysia's emerging pickleball scene received a significant boost with Canon Malaysia serving as the Official Imaging Partner for the country's first-ever Pickleball Summit and the accompanying Alliance Bank KL Open Pickleball Championship 2025. Held in Kuala Lumpur, the event was a collaborative effort between Courtsite and Alliance Bank, attracting a large crowd including over 656 players, 300 industry leaders, and a substantial community of fans. This strong turnout demonstrated considerable public interest and indicated the rapid growth of pickleball across the country. The summit's objectives aligned with Malaysia's national goals, such as the MADANI framework and the National Sports Vision 2030, which promote health, inclusion, and community bonding through sports. Canon utilised the event to showcase its latest imaging tools, setting up interactive booths with cameras, printers, and live-streaming equipment designed for players, clubs, and sports venues to easily record and share match moments. They also presented Network Visual Solutions and creative printing services intended to enhance sports marketing and operations. Canon's involvement extends its "Kyosei" philosophy of working together for the common good, highlighting broader goals like promoting health, creativity, and unity. Their support exemplifies how technology companies can aid the growth of new sports, helping Malaysia build a stronger sports culture.
Adding to Malaysia's growing profile, Vietnamese paddle brand Facolos has cemented its commitment to the Malaysian market by partnering with DINKiT Store as their official exclusive distributor. Facolos has already been visibly supporting Malaysian events and players. A signing ceremony took place at Ajak courts in Jiospace to formalise the partnership. Mr. Sammy from Facolos stated the brand's mission is to redefine the sport through equipment innovation and building a vibrant community. Facolos chose Malaysia as its next destination after rapid growth in Vietnam and Southeast Asia because of the "incredible energy" observed among players, athletes, and clubs. Ken Lam from DINKiT Store echoed this sentiment, noting the passion and enthusiasm for the game sweeping the country. DINKiT Store, which evolved from opening some of Malaysia's first purpose-built courts, aims to provide Malaysian players with access to high-quality brands from partners who share a passion for growing the sport. The partnership also includes DINKiT Store signing agreements with retail partners across Malaysia to ensure widespread access to Facolos equipment. Facolos further demonstrated its commitment by announcing a partnership with leading Malaysian pro Colin Wong, who will serve as a brand ambassador, mentor for the next generation, and a symbol of Facolos' dedication to developing local talent into global contenders. Facolos also introduced a team of twelve Malaysian players, aiming to elevate the level of play and build an inclusive community.
Perhaps the most significant indicator of Malaysia's rising status came from DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) during the KL Pickleball Summit. DUPR CEO Tito Machado and Kevin Kim confirmed that DUPR Plus, their premium subscription service, is scheduled to officially launch in May 2025. While the core DUPR rating system will remain free, DUPR Plus is a paid service offering advanced features like detailed match statistics, trend reports, ad-free experience, exclusive tournament access, and enhanced club tools. Crucially, Malaysia was highlighted as the fastest-growing DUPR market worldwide. Machado noted that there is a "real buzz" internationally about what's happening in Malaysia. Malaysian players and clubs show high engagement with DUPR, averaging 15 matches per user. This makes the DUPR Plus launch especially timely for Malaysian players looking for deeper analytics and competitive opportunities, particularly elite juniors aiming for professional or collegiate pathways. Machado emphasised that DUPR wants to provide players with the tools to pursue any pathway they choose. The potential for Malaysia's strong grassroots development to translate into global athletic success, possibly even Olympic medals with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, was also mentioned. The clear message from the summit was that Malaysia is leading in the global pickleball conversation.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The combination of corporate support from major brands like Canon, strategic international partnerships exemplified by Facolos and DINKiT Store, and the explicit recognition from a global technology leader like DUPR underscore a pivotal moment for pickleball in Malaysia. Being identified as the fastest-growing DUPR market and generating international buzz signals that Malaysia is not merely participating in the global pickleball trend, but is actively shaping it, particularly in Asia. The DUPR Plus launch in this key market will provide Malaysian players with advanced tools, potentially accelerating talent development. The Facolos partnership and sponsorship of Colin Wong demonstrate concrete investment in the local scene and future players. Canon's support shows how non-endemic brands are recognising the sport's potential for community engagement and marketing. These developments collectively position Malaysia as a dynamic hub for pickleball growth, laying a strong foundation for hosting larger events, developing elite athletes, and driving the sport's expansion across the continent.