A CLOSELY-KNIT group of friends, bonded by the court and years of camaraderie, gathered to celebrate the birthday of a distinguished figure of Malaysian badminton – Datuk Teh Kew San – at the Daily Fish Restaurant in Jalan Logan last night.
Kew San, fondly known as Ah Pek in the badminton fraternity, turns 89 today (90 for the Chinese).
The presence of 54 attendees, comprising mostly former international and state players, is a testament to the love and respect they hold for Kew San, the Malaysian captain of the victorious 1967 Thomas Cup squad over arch-rivals Indonesia.
“I am truly blessed and happy to meet old and young friends on this special occasion. They made my day,” said Kew San, who recently underwent a cataract operation.
Beside him, glowing with pride was Datin Ng Mei Ling, his wife of 65 years.
Mei Ling shared a light-hearted moment, saying: “Whenever the subject is about badminton, his face will light up. He still has very good memories of his triumphs and defeats.
“But one thing I remind him is that I was already a champion and he never taught me,” Mei Ling said smilingly.
The 1967 Thomas Cup marked Kew San’s fourth and final Thomas Cup in the prestigious tournament, following his participation in the 1958 and 1961 Malayan teams, and the 1964 Malaysian team.
Considered an outstanding ‘all-rounder,’ Kew San achieved numerous victories in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
His notable singles titles included the Mexico City International in 1960 and the Asian Badminton Championships in 1962.
In the men’s doubles, Kew San and Lim Say Hup formed a formidable pair, achieving their peak year in 1959 with victories in the Glasgow World Invitation, All-England, Canada Open, US Open, Malaysian Open and Mexico International.
Kew San also showcased his prowess in mixed doubles, winning the 1962 Malayan Open and the 1965 Malaysian event alongside his wife.
He was a unique athlete because beyond badminton, he demonstrated versatility in other sports representing Penang in cricket, Chinese Recreation Club in hockey, Anglo Chinese School in basketball and Penang Island City Council (formerly Penang Island Municipal Council) in football.
Chief organiser Ho Khim Soon, a former national shuttler, said they have been holding the birthday celebration for Kew San almost every year.
“He is our badminton master. Penang shuttlers who have reached a certain standard have all gone through his hands. We have learned a lot from him. Players like Saw Swee Leong, Tan Aik Huang, and many others look up to him. That is why some came from Johor, Kelantan and Kuala Lumpur.
“Today, we are happy to see that he can enjoy and is able to walk well at this ripe age. And let’s hope when he turns 90 next year, we remain healthy to grace the occasion again,” Khim Soon said.
Also present was Khim Soon’s eldest brother, Khim Kooi, who secured the 1971 SEA Games silver medal with Ng Tat Wai, finishing second only to Malaysia’s top pair of Ng Boon Bee and Punch Gunalan.
Saw Swee Leong, a member of the 1976 Thomas Cup squad which upset the form books to reach the final before bowing to the mighty Indonesians with a score of 9-0, travelled from Ipoh for the celebration.
“We were fortunate to have access to the Long Say building where Ah Pek’s club used for practices. We were just budding players and were privileged to play against him. Even then, he was still a very skilful player and generously shared his knowledge with us,” Swee Leong, who retired from badminton in 1982, reminisced.
Datuk Yong Soo Heong, the former Bernama chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, came all the way from Kuala Lumpur for the celebration.
He said: “It was a great reunion of badminton players from Penang of some 50 years or so ago with some having made their name internationally, some nationally and some at the state level. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly Penang’s revered shuttler, Datuk Teh Kew San.
“It brought back great memories where rivalry at the club level was very intense. Kew San and his band of followers hailed from the ACS Union while another contemporary Goh Teong Hoe and I were from Gan’s Badminton Party and Thomas Cupper Saw Swee Leong represented the Ritz Badminton Party,” Yong said.
Fong Lay Guat, a former national player, albeit for a short period, expressed her deep admiration for Kew San for his significant contributions to the nation.
“I have immense respect for him. The amount of contribution he gave to the country is so much. Unfortunately, sportsmen who leave competitive sports often do not receive much support.
“When I joined the players for training at the Chinese Recreation Club, he stressed basic foundations and skills.
“Most importantly you need to love the game. If you have natural talent and can get the proper coaching, and financial support through sponsorships, and state or national training, then you have the opportunity to grow.
“I decided to leave the national team, prioritising studies over sports. For me, giving up my studies was not an option. I understood the importance of having a degree and a Master to secure my future. I believe I made the right choice,” Fong said.
Lee Gin Cheng, the father of Malaysian No. 1 Uber Cup player Yin Yin in 1998 and 2000, along with his wife, Moey Bee Lian, also attended the birthday celebration.
Lee said: “Kew San’s birthday is a yearly occasion which we celebrate for him as our most respected senior and dear friend. Also, it is the happiest gathering of all ex-players. Both my children (Yin Yin and Chee Hong) were cradled by Kew San and his wife since they were born, and they are always in contact with them till today.
“He was our senior and mentor. Even though I was the only one coaching my children, he was always there to give valuable advice. Penang players appreciate his constant guidance till today.”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by K.H. Ong and courtesy of Ho Khim Soon