KUCHING: Outgoing Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (ASAS) President, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, has urged the new leadership to protect athletes, decentralise authority, and uphold a spirit of service as he stepped down after 15 years.
Wee looked back on his journey, which saw ASAS grow from a modest organisation into a respected state body.
Under his leadership, ASAS achieved steady swimmer development, stronger ties with government agencies, and regular gold medal wins at SUKMA.
“After 15 years of service, I have made the decision to step down from this role. It is not a decision made lightly.
“It comes with deep reflection but also with immense gratitude for the journey we have taken together,” he said in a statement today.
Joining the association with a vision to build not just champions, but a community bound by discipline, humility and teamwork, Wee said ASAS had grown in both stature and purpose.
“These partnerships were not just administrative, they were instrumental.
“Through collaboration, we have expanded access to quality training, enhanced coaching capacity, secured better facilities, and created development pathways for our athletes, from grassroots to elite,” he said.
He took particular pride in Sarawak swimming’s sustained success at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), attributing the achievements to early talent identification, structured training, and a united team behind the scenes.
He then issued a strong reminder to the incoming committee to stay grounded in principle and put athletes first.
“Let us never forget, a sports association is not a platform for ego, for glamour, or for status. It is not a place to pursue power or recognition. It is a place to serve.
“To serve the athletes, the coaches, the parents and above all, the identity and image of Sarawak,” he said.
He warned against allowing personal ambition to cloud the association’s mission, stressing that ASAS was not meant to be run like a business, but rather as a non-profit body focused on nurturing champions and building people of character.
“To the newly elected committee, my sincere congratulations. Today, you inherit not only responsibilities, but a legacy.
“You carry the weight of many years of progress, and you carry the name of Sarawak,”he said.
Wee expressed his deep appreciation to government partners, including the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and its Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, as well as federal agencies and strategic partners who believed in ASAS’ long-term vision.
“To the divisional affiliates, thank you, and to the swimmers, thank you for giving us a reason to work harder every day,” he said.
Although stepping down from formal duties, Wee pledged to remain a vocal supporter of Sarawak swimming.
“I will always be cheering from the stands, always be proud of every swimmer who wears our colours, and always be ready to help when called upon,” he said.
He then called for the association to move forward with integrity, humility and purpose.
“May the Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak continue to soar for our athletes, for our community, and for our beloved Sarawak,” he said
