By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 13: After 15 years of service, Dato Wee Hong Seng is stepping down as president of the Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (ASAS).
In a speech following the association’s annual general meeting, Wee delivered an emotional farewell address, reflecting on his journey leading the association and the transformative progress made during his tenure.
“I joined the association with the intention of building not just a sporting body but a community—a community driven by discipline, passion, integrity, and a love for swimming.
“Back then, our goals were simple but ambitious—to strengthen the foundation of swimming in Sarawak, empower our divisional associations, produce swimmers who could stand proudly on the national stage, and uphold Sarawak’s name in every pool, in every race.
“With our unwavering teamwork, cooperation and faith, we have turned those ambitions into results. And for that, I am deeply grateful,” he said.
He said in the last 15 years, the association has grown in stature and capacity, becoming a respected mother body, guiding and coordinating the work of all divisional swimming associations across Sarawak.
“They have developed systems, streamlined competitions, improved athlete selection processes, and most importantly, we have built strong relationships with the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Youth and Sports Department, and other key government agencies.
“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.
Among the association’s proudest achievements, he said, was its contributions to Sarawak’s medal tally at the SUKMA Games which were the result of hard work, structured training, early talent identification, and the unity of purpose that everyone—from members to coaches to parents to athletes—have maintained over the years.
However, beyond the medals and trophies, Wee said he has always believed that sports is not just about winning, but about building teams and people while instilling values such as discipline, humility, teamwork, and perseverance.
“Let us never forget, a sports association is not a platform for ego, for glamour, or 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 then congratulated the newly elected committee and reminded them that everything they do will define the association’s next chapter.
Wee stressed that the association must protect, guide, and listen to its athletes while focusing on their development and understanding the needs of its divisional associations.
He also took the time to thank everyone who has been with him throughout his tenure—past and present committee members, MYSED Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, ministries at the State and federal levels, government agencies, and strategic partners.
“As I step down, I do so with peace in my heart. I know that the Amateur Swimming Association is in good hands, and I know that our foundation is strong.
“I may be stepping aside from official duties, but I will never stop supporting 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.
“Let us move forward with integrity. Let us lead with humility. Let us build with purpose.” — DayakDaily
