Singapore Aquatics president Mark Chay diagnosed with leukaemia

SINGAPORE: Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) president Mark Chay has been diagnosed with leukaemia and will not seek a second term as chief of the national sports association. 

The 42-year-old confirmed his diagnosis with CNA on Wednesday (Jul 17) evening. 

News of Mr Chay's illness, first reported by the Straits Times, comes as his two-year term as SAQ chief ends in August. According to the report, he will prioritise his health and his family and, therefore, will not seek re-election for the post he took up in June 2022.

A former national swimmer, Mr Chay made his Olympic debut at 18 years old at the 2000 Sydney Games and competed again four years later in Athens.  

He was named Singapore's Sportboy and Sportsman of the Year in 2001 and 2002 respectively.

Mr Chay served as a nominated member of parliament from 2021 to 2023, speaking out on issues related to sports. 

He is currently the chief development officer of Global Esports Federation, a non-governmental organisation headquartered in Singapore that promotes e-sports.

SAQ must hold its annual general meeting by Sep 30, which is also when an election, if needed, for office bearers will be held.

Mr Chay has endorsed SAQ secretary-general Kenneth Goh to be the association's next president, according the Straits Times.

A former national swimmer himself, Mr Goh, 46, is an academic director and associate professor at Singapore Management University. 

CNA has reached out to Mr Chay, Mr Goh and SAQ for comment.