FORMER Malaysian Thomas Cup captain Datuk Teh Kew San passed away at the age of 91 at about 10am today. His wife, Datin Ng Mei Ling, said he had lost his appetite in recent days after having been admitted to the hospital for urinary problems.
Kew San is survived by his wife, their two children, Thomas and Karen, and two grandchildren. The couple had been married for nearly 60 years.
Kew San, affectionately known as “Ah Pek,” attended Li Teik Primary School and Methodist Boys’ School (formerly Anglo-Chinese School) for his early education. He was a chief clerk with the Penang Island Municipal Council (now Penang Island City Council).
His passion for badminton endured well into his 80s, as he continued playing the sport he loved.
He is best remembered for leading the national team to victory in the 1967 Thomas Cup final in Jakarta against arch-rivals Indonesia — a match that remains one of the most controversial in badminton history. That victory marked Kew San’s fourth and final Thomas Cup, following his contributions to the 1958 and 1961 Malayan teams and the 1964 Malaysian squad.
Kew San was also a multi-talented athlete, excelling in cricket, basketball, football, and hockey, and was considered an all-rounder in badminton, competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Among his notable achievements, he won the Mexico City International (1960) and the Asian Badminton Championships (1962) in singles. In 1959, he and doubles partner Lim Say Hup clinched titles at the Glasgow World Invitation, All-England, Canada Open, US Open, Malaysian Open, and Mexico International. In mixed doubles, he and Mei Ling triumphed in the 1962 Malayan Open and the 1965 Malaysian Championship.
The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) expressed its heartfelt condolences to Kew San’s family, recognising the player’s monumental service to the Malaysian contingent and badminton.
“On behalf of the entire Olympic family, we mourn the loss of a true sporting icon. The legacy of Datuk Teh Kew San will forever be etched in the annals of Malaysian sporting history. May his soul rest in peace,” said Tan Sri Dr Mohamad Norza Zakaria, president of OCM, who also serves as president of SEAGF and vice-president of OCA for Southeast Asia Zone.
Penang Badminton Association president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak described Kew San’s passing as a great loss to both Penang and Malaysian badminton.
He expressed gratitude to Kew San for lending his lifetime collection of trophies and medals for exhibition during the Penang Badminton Association’s 100th anniversary celebration last year, allowing the public to appreciate his remarkable journey in bringing glory to the nation.
Kah said he was glad that Kew San was able to witness the historic milestone of the association’s centennial celebration.
“He was a role model — humble and always willing to share his experience with younger generations. These are qualities truly worthy of emulation,” Kah said.
Many of the state players nurtured under Kew San’s guidance went on to represent Malaysia. Khaw Cheow Kheng, one of his proteges, recalled Kew San’s humility and mentorship:
“He was humble despite his greatness. Even in his later years, he would spar with us. One of the most important lessons I learned from him was about ‘feeding’ — knowing how much pressure to apply and when during training. As a coach, I make sure my players are challenged without being pushed to extremes that could cause injury, but I also avoid making training too comfortable. I now follow in his footsteps,” said Cheow Kheng, 64, who represented Malaysia from 1983 to 1986.
Khoo Tiang Oon, a retired lecturer and coach who visited Kew San at his home in Mount Erskine just eight days ago, also expressed his sadness at the loss.
“The passing of a true legend. Dato was a kind and humble man, always approachable and ready to offer advice like a fatherly figure,” he said.
Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe, one of the three surviving members of the 1967 Thomas Cup team, said he was grateful to have spoken with Kew San via video call yesterday. Datuk Ng Boon Bee and Datuk Tan Yee Khan had passed away earlier, while Tan Aik Huang and Billy Ng are the other two surviving members.
“I’ve kept in touch with the family for the past two weeks. I’m so glad we had a conversation via video yesterday, and he was able to call my name,” said Cheng Hoe, 83.
“I can safely say he was humble and helpful. To me, he is ‘Mr Badminton’. He quietly trained many players to become champions, though many people may not recognise this. He had done so much for badminton.”
Cheng Hoe recalled admiring Kew San as a schoolboy, watching him play at practice sessions.
“I’m so glad I eventually joined him on the same team. We were teammates and partnered to win the Penang Open in 1964. When I spoke with Kew San, he would often recall that we beat a formidable Indonesian pair 15-0, 15-0 in that final match — a feat that had never been achieved before,” Cheng Hoe said.
Former Bernama chief executive officer and editor-in-chief Datuk Yong Soo Heong, now president of the Malaysian Press Institute, described Kew San as one of Penang’s most respected sports personalities, especially within the badminton fraternity. Yet his talents extended beyond the shuttle and racquet — he was equally skilful in hockey and cricket, sports that benefited from his deft hands and calm composure.
“Soft-spoken, unassuming, and ever gracious, Kew San earned the affection of both peers and admirers. In badminton, his stature was especially notable: he captained Malaysia’s victorious Thomas Cup team in 1967, a role that underscored both his leadership and versatility. Whether in singles or doubles, he embodied the amateur spirit of the 1960s and 1970s, when athletes played not for riches but for passion and pride. That devotion often meant sacrifices of time and energy for his employers (then Penang Island Municipal Council), his state, and his country,” Yong said.
He added that Kew San, even after retiring from competitive play, remained a guiding presence for young players.
“He nurtured young aspirants at the Lee Kongsi (Long Say Building) along Jalan Burma, later continuing his coaching at the Young Men’s Christian Association in Jalan Macalister and the Chinese Recreation Club at Victoria Green. His quiet dedication ensured that the flame of badminton burned brightly for the next generations,” he said.
Former national player Ho Khim Soon, who had been organising birthday celebrations to honour Kew San, said he had lost a great friend.
“His passing saddens me deeply, as I am very close to the family. He was a true gentleman who lived a contented and simple life. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. He also told us that he had lived a long and happy life, and that we should celebrate his passing,” Khim Soon said.
Kew San’s legacy as a player, mentor, and sportsman leaves an enduring mark on Malaysian badminton.
The wake will be held from 4 pm to 10 pm today (May 14) and from 10am to 10pm tomorrow (May 15) at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Penang. The funeral mass is scheduled for 10am on Saturday, May 16, followed by cremation at Mt Erskine Crematorium.
Story by K.H. Ong