Singapore, May 29, 2023: The Olympic movement in Singapore has lost a great leader and sports ambassador in Dr Tan Eng Liang, who passed away on Sunday, May 28 at the age of 85.
Singapore National Olympic Council posted on its Facebook account: “Today, we bid farewell to Olympian Dr Tan Eng Liang who served in many capacities in sport including as Board Member of Singapore Olympic Foundation, Honorary Life Member of the South East Asian Games Federation, Vice-President of the SNOC, President of Olympians Singapore and Chairman of the Singapore Sports Council.
“Dr Tan's contribution to sport is unparalleled. Less than two weeks ago, the Singapore Taekwondo Federation conferred him an honorary 5th Dan black belt for his contributions.”
Singapore NOC reported that, just days before his passing, the former water polo player and Melbourne 1956 Olympian conveyed this message to his family to share with the sporting fraternity.
“I am at the last stage of my sporting journey. It has been a great experience serving in sports all these years. I have enjoyed my time tremendously. There are too many people in the local and international sporting community to thank. Please convey my gratitude to all whom I have worked with. It has been my privilege and honour to serve them throughout these years. I wish them the very best and continued success locally and internationally. Majulah (Onward) Sports Singapore!”
SNOC President Tan Chuan-Jin paid this tribute: “He was not only a sporting giant on whose shoulders we stood on, he was a veritable roaring, no-nonsense giant who demanded the best not only from athletes and officials but from himself, too. He also had a heart of gold and cared deeply about our athletes, sports and Singapore.”
IOC Vice-President Ng Ser Miang added: “Eng Liang was a great athlete and passionate sports leader. His love and commitment for sport was both unconditional and absolute. I learnt a lot from him when I was a member of the council of the Singapore Sports Council and he continued to support me when I was handed over the Chairmanship from him. Over the years, we worked closely and seamlessly for Singapore and the Olympic Movement. He laid the foundation for sports infrastructure and sports eco system for Singapore and contributed much to sport internationally, in particular to the SEA Games. I have the greatest and admiration respect for him. The loss of Eng Liang is irreplaceable.”
Source: https://www.singaporeolympics.com