KUALA LUMPUR – Although former national long jumper Liew Wai Hon no longer resides in Malaysia, he still plays a vital role in Malaysian sports development.
He was instrumental in paving the way for national 400m sprinter Shereen Samson Vallabouy to study and compete at the Winona State University in Minnesota.
Now, national sprinter Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi could follow Shereen’s footsteps as the National Sports Council (NSC) has contacted Wai Hon to enquire about the university options and the application process to the United States.
“The NSC contacted me last month. They have shortlisted a few universities, namely the University of Houston, Auburn University, and Texas A&M University.
“The decision on which university Azeem will join is expected to be announced soon,” he told The Vibes.
After a check by The Vibes, it is understood that Azeem would have the opportunity to train under track & field great and Olympic champion Carl Lewis if the Malaysia sprinter decides to join the University of Houston.
Lewis serves as the assistant track coach at the University of Houston since 2018.
Meanwhile, speaking to The Vibes, NSC director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said that NSC had been in contact with Wai Hon for many years when it comes to sending Malaysian athletes to the US.
“His (Wai Hon) input for the future of our athletes is valuable. We have been discussing Azeem’s future, just like what we did with Shereen.
“We are still deciding on the best option (university) for Azeem, as we want him to excel academically and in athletics,” said Shapawi.
At the same time, when asked about Shereen, Wai Hon said that he knew Shereen’s parents, Samson Vallabouy and Josephine Mary Singarayar, who were also former national athletes.
“I have known them since my days as an athlete, which goes back to the late 1980s.
“I know that Shereen has great potential, and the US is a good place to enhance her ability. I advised them (the parents) to send her there, as Shereen can continue her studies and also progress as an athlete.
“It is a good place for Shereen to excel in athletics.
“I, myself, was a student at Winona State University, pursuing my tertiary education in the early 90s.
“At the same time, I competed in the Division 1 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA),” he said.
Wai Hon, who is also a member of USA Track & Field, said his affiliation with the governing body has been vital in assisting prospective Malaysian athletes to further their education and sports career in the US.
“As a member, I am able to attend all their meetings, whether at the state or national level, which gives me access to information that is not available to the NSC. I can provide accurate input.
“It is because of this that the NSC approaches me to enquire about potential university placements for our national athletes,” he said.
“I help because I want to see Malaysia produce good athletes and succeed as a sporting nation. There is no personal benefit here.
“I don’t do it for the money, as I don’t receive any commission. I believe that this is my life calling: to develop effective leaders worldwide.
“Universities in the US provide proper guidance for their students in terms of career assessments and moral support, all of which would help mould Malaysian athletes into becoming better global citizens.
“I hope these young Malaysians do not only come to the US just to win medals and return home. I want them to succeed academically too,” he added.
Wai Hon added that he has also been venturing into other avenues to provide local Malaysians with new opportunities.
He has been approached by two US-based sports companies to bring their products to Malaysian shores, namely Whirly Board and Buddy Lee Jump Rope Fitness.
“I am honoured and humbled to be appointed as brand ambassadors for these brands. This is not just for my own career development, but is also (part of) a plan to create new micro-entrepreneurship opportunities for Malaysians.
“This opportunity will allow me to create new jobs for young Malaysians when the stores or franchises are set up here,” he said. – The Vibes, September 15, 2022
