THE legacy of the late Datuk Teh Kew San continues to inspire generations of athletes and serves as a reminder that success is built on discipline, perseverance and character, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
During the official opening of the special exhibition, “A Tribute to a Badminton Legend”, at Methodist Boys’ School (MBS) in Air Itam today, Chow described Kew San as one of Penang’s distinguished sporting icons whose contributions extended far beyond his achievements on the badminton court. Kew San, 91, passed away on May 14, 2026.
“It is especially meaningful to be here today to honour the life and legacy of one of Penang’s distinguished sporting sons, the late Datuk Teh Kew San,” he said.
Chow congratulated MBS’s Heritage Committee for preserving an important chapter of the state’s sporting history and thanked the Teh family for entrusting his trophies, medals and memorabilia to the exhibition.
Kew San’s items are being prominently displayed at the heritage centre, which also boasts pictorial records of the school’s long history since its founding in 1891 and many prominent old boys, including the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and the third Chief Minister of Penang, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
Chow also paid tribute to Kew San’s wife, Datin Ng Mei Lin, a former state, national and international badminton player who won numerous titles, including gold medals at the Asian Games, Malaysian Open and SEA Games.
Chow noted that the family’s badminton legacy continued through their son, Thomas Teh, who became the 2007 World Deaf Badminton doubles champion.
Highlighting Kew San’s illustrious career, Chow recalled that the badminton great won the All-England men’s doubles title with Lim Say Hup in 1959, captured the Asian Championships men’s singles crown in 1962 and represented Malaya and Malaysia in four consecutive Thomas Cup campaigns from 1958 to 1967.
He added that Kew San later captained Malaysia to the Thomas Cup title in 1967 and remained actively involved in the sport by mentoring younger players long after his competitive career ended.
“His journey reminds us that talent may open the door, but character, discipline and perseverance sustain a champion,” Chow said.
He said Kew San’s story demonstrated how athletes from humble beginnings could achieve success despite the limited resources and support available during his era.
“A champion’s legacy is not only what he wins; it is what he leaves behind in the people he inspires. That is why it is fitting that this exhibition is being held at his alma mater,” he said.
Chow expressed hope that students visiting the exhibition would draw inspiration from Kew San’s achievements and values, including discipline, humility, resilience and the importance of giving back to the community.
He added that preserving the stories of sporting icons such as Kew San was part of preserving Penang’s identity and heritage.
“For Penang, preserving stories like Kew San is part of preserving the character of our state, a place where talent can grow, communities support one another, and success is measured not only by achievement, but also by contribution,” he said.
Chow also acknowledged the role played by families, schools, coaches, sports associations and volunteers in nurturing young athletes and helping them realise their potential.
Following the ceremony, he officially declared the special exhibition, “A Tribute to a Badminton Legend”, open.
MBS Board of Governors chairman Dr Khoo Cheok Kau paid tribute to Kew San, who was a former alumnus of the school, and thanked Chow for officiating at the exhibition honouring the former badminton star.
He also expressed his appreciation to Datin Ng and her family for donating a collection of Kew San’s cherished badminton memorabilia to the MBS Heritage Centre.
Among the items were his prized Dunlop Maxply racquet, Thomas Cup replica, as well as various national and state awards received during his illustrious career.
Khoo also thanked Datuk Ong Eng Bin and Khoo Boo Seong for sponsoring the entire project while commending the MBS Heritage Committee, comprising Ooi Gim Ewe, Dr Lim Bee Lee, Neoh Lay Suan, Lim Siew Phaik and Matthew Lim for a job well done.
“The exhibition serves as a fitting tribute to Kew San’s legacy and provides an opportunity for younger generations to learn about the achievements and contributions of one of Penang’s most celebrated badminton icons,” he said.
Chow, accompanied by Khoo and the Board members present, also took the opportunity to view the trophies, medals and memorabilia displayed at the exhibition. Later, they proceeded to a luncheon hosted at the school premises.
Mei Ling, who was married to Kew San for more than 65 years, said she and her family decided to donate the trophies and medals to the MBS Heritage Centre because keeping them at home would not serve much purpose.
“They did such a grand thing for him. He is smiling all the way down. Even in his last days, when you talked to him about badminton, he remembered everything. That is why I always teased him that he loved badminton more than he loved me,” said Mei Ling, who had partnered former greats, including Ng Boon Bee, Tan Yee Khan, Johnny Heah, Lim Say Hup and Billy Ng, in mixed doubles.
MBS principal Sri Ram Bilangwaty said the school was very proud to exhibit the various trophies, medals and memorabilia.
“We appreciate the Teh family for the donation of the various prizes won by Dato Teh and Datin Ng. The exhibition at the centre will promote badminton and inspire more students to take up sports and excel in them,” said Sri Ram.
Lawyer Datuk Loh Eng Wee, one of the MBS alumni present, said he was proud to see the exhibition of one of Malaysia’s badminton legends.
“I’m glad to see and touch the 1967 Thomas Cup medal that Dato Teh Kew San won. He was many years my senior and I had heard about him during my school days,” he said after posing for a photograph with Mei Ling while holding the medal.
Among those present were Datin Ng and her children, Thomas and Karen; Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai; Penang Badminton Association (PBA) vice-president Gary Poh Joo Hin (representing PBA president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak); former national players Chuah Han Khim and Khaw Cheow Kheng; MBS Building Committee chairman Datuk Seri Jerry Chan; and former alumnus Datuk Lim Choo Hooi.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
