The Star : Former Asum secretary Edwin dies

BY LIM TEIK HUAT

KUALA LUMPUR: The aquatics community have been left to mourn the loss of former long-serving Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) secretary Edwin Chong.

Edwin Chong

Edwin, who has been undergoing treatment for kidney cancer for more than a year, passed away Saturday morning. He was 66.

Edwin was the driving force behind Malaysia’s rise in world diving and was one of the longest-serving secretaries of a national sports body in the country.

Edwin first became Asum secretary in 1997 but was replaced by Bang Toh Hoo in 2000.

Edwin made a comeback after the 2001 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. He stepped down when he found out about his illness after the Incheon Asian Games last year.

Edwin also served on the FINA technical committee and was also assistant secretary of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).

Mae Chen, who took over as Asum secretary early this year, described Edwin’s passing as a loss to Malaysian aquatics.

“Edwin has left us, but his legacy, especially in diving, will live on forever.

“It was Edwin’s idea and hard work to bring the FINA Diving Grand Prix and the Asian Diving Cup to South-East Asia,” she said.

“We benefited greatly. He helped push our divers to be exposed to higher level competitions.

“Today we have managed to produce medal winners at Olympics and World Championships.

“I also learned a lot from him.”