BEING only the second swimmer from Penang selected to represent Malaysia at the World Junior Swimming Championships 2025 in Romania (Aug 19–24), 14-year-old Aw Yuet Ting is filled with mixed emotions as she prepares for the biggest stage of her young career.
The SMJK Heng Ee student in Bayan Lepas was overjoyed after receiving the news of her selection.
Having started swimming at just six years old, Yuet Ting admits she is nervous and proud to carry the national flag.
“I aim to smash my personal best of 2 minutes and 40 seconds in Romania. It’s a tall order, but I always strive to push myself to greater heights,” said the Form Two student.
Under the guidance of her coach, Albert Yeap, Yuet Ting earned her first Sukma medal at the last edition in Sarawak by winning a bronze at just 13.
Her momentum continued at the Malaysia Open Invitational Age Group 2025, where she impressed with a haul of one gold, five silvers, and four bronzes.
Yuet Ting stood out at the SEA Age Group Championships in Bangkok last year, winning gold in the 100m breaststroke and earning the Under-13 Outstanding Swimmer Award.
Despite her achievements, Yuet Ting has balanced her academics with her swimming lessons.
“I train almost every day and only take one day off. It’s a challenge, but I’ll keep working hard to make sure my perseverance pays off,” said the soft-spoken swimmer.
Grateful to her parents for their unwavering support, she credited them as her pillars of strength.
Her father, Aw Kheim Chuan,48, said Yuet Ting’s journey in swimming has always been self-driven.
“My wife and I encouraged her, but it was her own interest. We took turns driving her to the Penang Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) at the Setia SPICE Aquatic Centre every day except Wednesdays,” he shared, accompanied by his wife, Mah Chooi Hui, 46.
PASA vice-president and Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng praised Yuet Ting’s progress and determination, describing her family’s support as instrumental in her journey.
“This shows the power of parental dedication. I fully salute their sacrifices,” he said.
Ng also acknowledged PASA’s ongoing efforts and urged the Penang State Sports Council to increase support for young athletes representing the state in Sukma.
“Penang has the third-highest number of swimmers selected to represent Malaysia, after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. We hope the State Sports Council can further back our initiatives,” he added.
Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai noted Ng’s sentiments, reaffirming the council’s commitment to grooming young athletes.
“Young athletes have always been on our radar, and we’ll continue to nurture them, especially when Penang is slated to host Sukma 2030,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ng revealed that 12 swimmers (six male and six female) from PASA will represent Malaysia at the SEA Age Group Championships 2025 in Singapore from June 19–29, covering swimming, artistic swimming, water polo, and diving.
They are Aedon Lim Wei Zhe, Loo Cheng Feng, Samuel Lai Chong Weng, Tan Rui Nee, Chng Saw Huai, Vivian Tee Xin Ling, Natasha Ong Yha Rou, Hannes Wan Khai Hern, Ooi Yuen Zer, Lee Yen Ern, Aw Yuet Ting, and Valerie Cheng.
PASA Water Polo chairman Thomas Lee expressed his joy, at seeing young athletes given international exposure.
“It’s heartening to see our young athletes getting the platform to excel internationally at such a young age,” he said.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee