KUALA LUMPUR – In honour of their contribution to sports development in Malaysia, Datuk Sieh Kok Chi and Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong have been picked as posthumous recipients of the Special Award by the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM).
This will be presented at the SAM 100Plus Unity 2020/2021 Awards event on September 6 in Petaling Jaya.
“The passing of these two figures in sports left behind a void in the national sports industry,” said SAM president Norismadi Abdul Manap in a statement.
Sieh’s contributions earned him the moniker of “Wikipedia of Malaysian sports”.
“He was famous for that because no matter the question, he would always have an answer,” added Norismadi.
After being appointed as secretary of the Selangor Amateur Swimming Association in 1971, Sieh climbed the ranks and volunteered his services to the Olympic Council of Malaysia.
Sieh died on July 16, 2022, at the age of 83.
Meanwhile, Zolkples was known for his outspoken attitude and no-nonsense approach. He served as the National Sports Council director-general for seven years, from 2007 to 2014.
He was then elected as chief executive officer of the Malaysian SEA Games Organisation Committee in 2017.
Zolkples was also the Badminton Association of Malaysia honorary secretary from 2000 to 2002 and was a committee member in the Football Association of Malaysia from 2006 to 2014.
He died on October 3, 2021, after suffering a heart attack in his home.
The event will also unveil winners for Best News Report (Print Media), Best News Report (Electronic Media), Best News Review (Print Media), Best News Review (Electronic Media), Best Special Report (Open), Best Sports Photography, Best Unity Report and Best Unity Photography.
The winner of the Siebel Award will bring home a cash prize of RM7,000. – The Vibes, September 3, 2022
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