SINGAPORE: From Apr 1, former national swimmer Mark Chay will become the next secretary general of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), the organisation said on Tuesday (Feb 18).
The two-time Olympian swimmer will take over from Chris Chan, who has been in the role since 2002 and will be retiring.
“It is an honour to be appointed secretary-general of SNOC, and I am deeply grateful to Mr Chris Chan for his remarkable leadership and dedication to Singapore’s sporting fraternity over the past two decades,” said Mr Chay.
“His contributions have laid a strong foundation for the Olympic movement in Singapore and I am committed to building on his legacy.”
SNOC president Grace Fu paid tribute to the outgoing SNOC secretary general.
“His leadership has shaped the sporting landscape in Singapore, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for his dedication,” said Ms Fu, who is also Minister for Sustainability and the Environment.
Mr Chan, who was part of the team that delivered the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, has helped to elevate Singapore’s presence on the global sporting stage over the years.
His leadership was also instrumental in Singapore’s Olympic success, most notably at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The women's table tennis team clinched the silver medal to end the country's 48-year medal drought.
Having represented Singapore at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, SEA Games and Commonwealth Games, Mr Chay understands the aspirations and challenges of athletes, SNOC said.
He is also experienced in sports governance, having served as thechair of the SNOC Athletes’ Commission and Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) president, while he was aNominated Member of Parliament from 2021 to 2023.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and Ms Fu both hailed Mr Chay's appointment.
"I think he is an excellent choice for this role, having dedicated his life to sport – first as an athlete, then as a sporting leader," said Mr Tongin a Facebook post on Tuesday.
"Mark has formidable experience in sports at the highest levels. As a former Olympian for Singapore at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics, he knows first hand not only the sacrifices and struggles that athletes go through, but also the rewards and respect they can get when they succeed in their aspirations."
Ms Fu expressed her confidence that Mr Chay "will further propel the Olympic movement in Singapore and support our athletes in achieving sporting excellence".
On his goals when he takes on the role, Mr Chay, who will be stepping down from his current role as SNOC's vice-president, said his focus would be on supporting Team Singapore, as well as "fostering a sporting community rooted in friendship and respect, and inspiring the next generation to dream big”.
“I also believe in the importance of developing a strong pipeline of local sports administrators, equipping them to take on global roles and further strengthen Singapore’s presence on the international sports stage,” the 43-year-old added.
“By working closely with the sporting community, I look forward to advancing these efforts and celebrating the unifying and uplifting power of sport.”
Responding to CNA's queries, Mr Chay said SNOC engaged an international executive search and management consultancy to identify its next secretary general.
"As part of this process, I was approached for the role," he said. "After careful consideration, I decided to accept this opportunity to continue contributing to Singapore’s sporting community."
Mr Chay told CNA in July last year he was inspired to take on multiple roles in coaching, administration and management in the sports ecosystem, after seeing athletes from all over the world competing at their best.
“That was when I had this switch between swimming for myself to actually having sports as a mission,” he said then.
“Being an athlete is not just having the opportunity to yourself but giving opportunities to other people.”
Mr Chay said on Tuesday that sport has always been an integral part of his life, with each chapter - from national swimmer to Olympian, coach and sports administrator - shaping who he is today.
"My governance roles, including chair of the SNOC Athletes’ Commission and vice president of SNOC, have further deepened my perspective on the needs of athletes, administrators, and the broader sporting ecosystem," he said.
Despite being diagnosed in March last year with chronic myeloid leukaemia - a cancer characterised by the increased and unregulated growth of white blood cells, and their accumulation in the blood -Mr Chay decided against stepping down as SAQ president on the spot, as he did not want to leave his commitments hanging.
They included organising the World Aquatics Championships, which willbeheld in Singaporein July.
Mr Chay said on Tuesday that he has been "responding very well" to his current treatment plan, and that his prognosis is "excellent".
"I am fortunate to have an excellent medical team at the Centre for Clinical Haematology, led by Dr Lim Zi Yi, who has been instrumental in managing my treatment," he said.
"My condition is stable, and the treatment has no significant impact on my quality of life or daily activities, which allows me to take on this role confidently."
Mr Chay added that taking on the role of SNOC secretary general is his way of giving back to the community.
As Singapore sport been at the heart of his life for years, Mr Chay said he is deeply committed to its future.
"Sport is more than just competition - it connects people, instils hope, and inspires us all to reach greater heights," he said.
"I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with our sporting community to write the next chapter of Singapore’s sporting story together."
