SIBU: Taekwondo Chang Moo Kwan Malaysia Association Chairman, Datuk Seri Lau Kueng Chai, was recently awarded the title of “International Grand Master of Chang Moo Kwan” by the World Chang Moo Kwan Great Grandmaster, Dr Joong Young Kim, at the 79th World Chang Moo Kwan Taekwondo Championship in Korea.
He proudly became the first foreign head coach in Asia to receive this prestigious honour — a well-deserved and celebrated achievement.
Kukkiwon Taekwondo President, Jeon Kab-kil, also attended the ceremony and presented Lau with a certificate of appreciation.
Expressing his deep gratitude, Lau thanked World Taekwondo Association President, Kim Jong-young, for his guidance, which enabled him to reach this milestone.
Pledging his commitment to promoting the spirit and values of Taekwondo worldwide, Lau said he is passionate about the sport and deeply moved to witness its continued global growth.
He noted that he maintains close communication with Chang Moo Kwan headquarters, emphasising that Taekwondo has become a shared cultural heritage worldwide. He pledged to continue expanding Taekwondo exchanges between Korea, Malaysia, and other countries.
Lau began practicing Taekwondo in 1979 and later founded a Taekwondo Academy in Sarawak, where he served as president and director.
In 1986, he travelled to South Korea to study and personally experience the essence of Taekwondo, a journey he has continued annually for training.
In 2013, he helped establish the Taekwondo Malaysia (TM) Association, where he served as interim president, before founding the Bumi Kenyalang Taekwondo Club and becoming its advisor, making significant contributions to the development of Taekwondo in Malaysia.
A prominent business figure, Lau has dedicated his passion for Taekwondo beyond his professional work.
“Taekwondo is my life, a gift to my country and its youth,” he said, affirming his mission to promote the sport globally.
In 2022, he was appointed advisor to the Taekwondo Federation of Asia, further strengthening his influence on the international stage.
At the 2025 World Championship celebrating the 79th anniversary of Chang Moo Kwan, Lau was officially awarded the International Master title.
The Taekwondo community, both in Malaysia and abroad, including in South Korea, holds high hopes for Lau’s continued leadership and future initiatives.
Deeply involved in youth development through Taekwondo, Lau believes the sport is not just a martial art but also a platform for building character. He instils values of etiquette, respect, and consideration in his students while offering programmes for both youth and the wider public.
His children are also active Taekwondo athletes, winning awards in various competitions and carrying on the family’s Taekwondo tradition.
Lau further expressed his commitment to supporting Taekwondo for people with disabilities. During the 79th-anniversary celebration, he personally shook hands with every disabled (PwD) participant, offering words of encouragement.
“The challenging spirit of disabled Koreans reflects the true value of Taekwondo. Upon my return to Malaysia, I will strive to expand programmes for people with disabilities and provide them with unwavering support,” he said.
