Singapore National Olympic Council’s choice of Chef de Missions is disappointing for lack of diversity

By: Kannan Raj

Singapore will have more than 800 athletes, both men and women, across all races, and a substantial number of young athletes below the age of 20, who will represent Singapore at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur in August.

With such a diverse squad of representing athletes from diverse backgrounds, it is thus very disappointing and disturbing that the Singapore National Olympic Council’s (SNOC) choice of Chef de Missions (CDM) is anything but diverse.

The three appointed CDMs are Milan Kwee, Lee Wung Yew and Mark Chay.

Where is the diversity in racial representation?

Where is the female representation?

In short, where is the diversity of the appointments?

While is is stated that the deputy CDMs – Lee Wung Yew and Mark Chay – are former athletes, shouldn’t the choice of the country’s CDMs also take a lot more into consideration?

There are also many questions which need to be addressed.

For example, did the SNOC invite other former athletes or current sports management professionals in National Sports Associations from from Sport Singapore to be considered for the roles?

How were the selections for the CDMs made?

Did the SNOC seek advise from the National Sports Associations over the choices of CDMs?

Do the three CDMs have special experience in participating or being involved in sports management in Malaysia?

The President of the SNOC Tan Chuan-Jin needs to explain the selection of the CDMs for the upcoming SEA Games and explain the lack of diversity among the selection.