Ex-national swimmer Mark Chay named as next Secretary General of S'pore National Olympics Council

The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) has appointed former national swimmer Mark Chay as its incoming Secretary General.

Chay will begin serving his position starting Apr. 1, 2025, the SNOC said in a press release.

He will succeed Chris Chan, who has been the Secretary General since 2002.

Chay will step down from current role as SNOC Vice-President

The press release added that Chay will step down from his current position as SNOC Vice-President to assume his new position.

Chay represented Singapore in the Olympic Games in 2000 and 2004. He is also a multiple gold medallist and a record holder at the Southeast Asian Games.

He was also a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP), chair of the SNOC Athletes’ Commission and President of Singapore Aquatics.

In commending the work of his predecessor, Chay said:

"It is an honour to be appointed Secretary General of SNOC, and I am deeply grateful to Mr Chris Chan for his remarkable leadership and dedication to Singapore’s sporting fraternity over the past two decades. His contributions have laid a strong foundation for the Olympic Movement in Singapore, and I am committed to building on his legacy."

Chay added:

"Looking ahead, my focus will be on supporting our athletes in their pursuit of excellence, fostering a sporting community rooted in friendship and respect, and inspiring the next generation to dream big.

I also believe in the importance of developing a strong pipeline of local sports administrators, equipping them to take on global roles and further strengthen Singapore’s presence on the international sports stage. By working closely with the sporting community, I look forward to advancing these efforts and celebrating the unifying and uplifting power of sport."

Edwin Tong hails Chay's appointment

In a Facebook post on Feb. 18, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) Edwin Tong congratulated Chay and described him as an "excellent choice" for the role.

Tong wrote:

"Mark has formidable experience in sports at the highest levels. As a former Olympian for Singapore at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics, he knows first hand not only the sacrifices and struggles that athletes go through, but also the rewards and respect they can get when they succeed in their aspirations. We also saw much of this when Mark served as the former President of Singapore Aquatics."

Tong called SNOC a "vital partner" for MCCY in its efforts to strengthen the sporting culture in Singapore.

The minister also thanked Chan for his time as Secretary General.

Top photo via SNOC