The trio, who holds a combined total of four Asian Tour wins and nine Asian Development Tour victories, are part of the 47-man strong local challenge vying to become the first Malaysian to win their national open, which returns to the Asian Tour this week after a four-year hiatus.

Leong, the only Malaysian to win an Asian Tour event on home soil, is optimistic of his chances but will adopt a relaxed approach when he chases a second victory and first since 2008 at the US$1 million event, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).

“It’s great to see the Malaysian Open back after four years. It’s really motivating,” Leon said.

“I’m going to treat this like any other event. Just normal, I know it’s easier said than done, but you know, that’s the mindset for this week.”

Chia, a two-time Asian Tour winner, found an opportunity to give back to the game when he hosted a junior event, which was held in conjunction with the Bandar Malaysia Open, on the same venue last week. The 47-year-old enjoyed a tied-25th place finish when the event was last staged in 2015.

“It’s great to see the Malaysian Open back after four years. It’s really motivating.” - Ben Leong. 

“I have had a lot of good memories playing in the Malaysian Open, especially on this course,” Chia said. “We last played the Malaysian Open here in 2008 and I remembered I was tied for the lead after two rounds here. It’s nice to be back here. The course’s looking fantastic. It’s possibly one of the best around this area. The greens are fast. They did a really good job.”

Fung, whose best finish at the Malaysian Open remains a tied-47th place result in 2014, believes he has the game to contend in his National Open. He got his season off to a disappointing start with two missed cuts in three events but will be looking to turn the corner with a fine showing this week.

“I have been playing well and hitting the ball good. I just think it’s not coming at the right time and that’s why results are not showing,” Fung said. “I did some work with my coach Steven and did some club fitting as well. Checked with my team and it seems like all is good and we’re ready to go.”

India’s Rahil Gangjee and Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe, who is still chasing for an Asian Tour breakthrough, will feature in the talented 156-man field from 23 countries, which consists of over 50 Asian Tour champions and four Order of Merit winners.

The Malaysian Open boasts an illustrious list of past winners which includes India’s Anirban Lahiri and Arjun Atwal, Thai stars Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, as well as Korea’s Seung-yul Noh, who have gone on to lift the coveted Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns following their victories in the storied event.