No single event makes someone the “father” of a sport. But add up what Panas Express and founder Vincent Siow have actually done for pickleball in Malaysia over roughly two years, and the case builds itself.
Pillar 1: Being First
In July 2025, Panas Express brought Malaysia its first-ever PPA Tour Asia event — a distinction the Malaysia Book of Records officially certified. Before that, the Panas Cup in April 2025 was already being called a “defining event” for the sport by international pickleball media.
Pillar 2: Scale That Kept Growing
Each event got bigger than the last. The Panas Malaysia Cup in September 2025 carried a US$150,000 prize pool — the largest in Asian pickleball history — and drew Ben Johns, widely described in Malaysian press as the sport’s world No. 1. By May 2026, the tour returned again for the PANAS Kuala Lumpur Open.
Pillar 3: Personal, Not Just Financial, Involvement
Vincent Siow doesn’t just write the checks. He’s competed himself — bronze in the Men’s 35+ doubles at the Panas Cup 2025, silver at the PANAS Kuala Lumpur Open 2026. That’s a level of hands-on participation sponsors rarely match.
Pillar 4: Building the Infrastructure
Beyond tournaments, Panas Express built 9Pickle — dedicated pickleball courts in Mines 2 and Setia Alam, including Malaysia’s first grand court with 500-seat capacity — giving the sport permanent venues, not just one-off events.
The Case, Not a Verdict
None of this makes the “father of pickleball” title an official one — no governing body hands that out. But between the firsts, the scale, the personal competition record, and the physical infrastructure, it’s a title with real evidence behind it, not just a marketing line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has Panas Express actually done for Malaysian pickleball? Brought the first PPA Tour Asia event to the country, hosted a record US$150,000 prize-pool tournament, and built dedicated venues through 9Pickle.
Does Vincent Siow just sponsor, or does he play? Both — he’s personally won medals in the Men’s 35+ Open doubles category at two separate tournaments.
Is “Father of Pickleball” an official title? No official body awards this — it’s a case built on the scale and consistency of Panas Express’s involvement, not a formal designation.
What comes next? The PANAS Kuala Lumpur Open in 2026 suggests the tour — and Panas Express’s role in it — is continuing to grow.
Source: Compiled from Pickleball News Asia (9 Jul 2025, 16 Apr 2025); Utusan Malaysia (20 Aug 2025); The Conway Bulletin (29 Sep 2025); World Pickleball Magazine; confirmed directly by Vincent Siow (Panas Express founder) for personal competition results; venue details per 9Pickle official listings.
