The OCM Mourns the Passing of Mr. Tan See Wah

The OCM expresses its deepest condolences to the family members of Mr. Tan See Wah, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 8th July 2025, at the age of 85.

Mr. Tan See Wah, fondly known as “Ah Sir” within Malaysia’s Basketball community, was born in Bentong, Pahang, a township renowned for its active Basketball development and its contribution of many outstanding players to the National Basketball Team. “Ah Sir” was one of Bentong’s Basketball pioneers, whose dedication helped nurture the sport from the grassroots level all the way to the international stage.

A star player during the 1960s, “Ah Sir” competed in the prestigious Agong Cup National Basketball Championships from 1961 to 1970. His exceptional performances earned him selection to the National Basketball Team, representing Malaysia at the Asian Basketball Championships twice, in 1965 and 1969, where the National Men’s Team achieved impressive 6th and 5th place finishes respectively. He was also part of Malaysian Contingent for Multi-Sport Games under the jurisdiction of OCM, with notable achievements including:

a. 5th Asian Games Bangkok 1966 (8th placing)
b. 4th SEAP Games Bangkok 1967 (silver medal)
c. 5th SEAP Games Rangoon 1969 (silver medal)

Recognising that schools are the foundation for Basketball development in Malaysia, “Ah Sir” chose to pursue a teaching career to enable him to continue contributing to the sport’s growth. After completing his teacher training at the Malayan Teachers’ College in Bukit Gelugor, Penang, in 1963, he served at Chung Hua Wei Sin Secondary School in Kuala Terengganu (1964-1970) and later at Ketari Secondary School in Bentong (1971-1995).

During his tenure at Chung Hua Wei Sin Secondary School, he was instrumental in developing Basketball in the State of Terengganu, ensuring the school’s team consistently emerged as district and state champions. At Ketari Secondary School, he took Basketball to even greater heights, overseeing the construction of a new Basketball court and transforming the school into a training centre for the State of Pahang. Many talented players produced under his guidance went on to represent the National Team.

At the age of 33, “Ah Sir” was appointed Head Coach of Pahang’s Women’s Basketball Team in 1973. Under his leadership, the team clinched the national championship three consecutive times from 1973 to 1975 and again in 1989. In addition, the Pahang Junior Women’s Basketball Team also secured numerous national titles under his mentorship.

In 1974, “Ah Sir” was officially appointed National Coach for the National Women’s Basketball Team, a role he served with distinction for an incredible 36 years, until 2010. Throughout his illustrious coaching career, he guided the team to multiple podium finishes at the Asian Basketball Championships, SEABA Championships, FIBA Asia Championships and other international competitions. His most remarkable legacy was leading the National Women’s Team to deliver an outstanding total of 13 SEA Games medals, 9 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze, for the Malaysian Contingent at the SEA Games stage.

The gold medals were achieved in 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2007, with five consecutive gold medals from 1977 to 1985 and another four consecutive gold medals from 1997 to 2007. The silver medals were won in 1987 and 1993, while the bronze medals came in 1991 and 1995. Notably, the National Women’s Team also qualified for the Asian Games twice (1986 and 2002) and the Commonwealth Games in 2006 under his leadership.

Alongside his coaching career, “Ah Sir” also played a significant role in Basketball administration, further contributing to the Basketball development at all levels. He first served as an Executive Committee Member of the Pahang Basketball Association (PABA) from 1973 to 2003, later becoming its Vice President since 2004. Nationally, he was elected Deputy Secretary General of the Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA) for 16 years (1991-2007) and went on to serve as Secretary General of MABA from 2008 to 2010.

“We recall the close working relationship we enjoyed with “Ah Sir” during his tenure as Secretary General of MABA” said Mr. Fong Wan Hor, General Manager of the OCM.

“He was deeply passionate about Basketball coaching and the OCM was proud to support MABA in organising a Technical Course for Coaches in Basketball (Level 2), conducted by Mr. Nelson Isley of the USA, from 25th to 29th November 2008, at the MABA Stadium, funded with USD 10,000 from the Olympic Solidarity” he added.

In 2006, through “Ah Sir’s” special initiative, the OCM facilitated an Olympic Scholarship for Coaches for Ms. Choo Seck Yun, enabling her to undergo the International Coaching Course at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, a testament to his commitment to empowering female coaches.

In recognition of his unwavering dedication, the OCM honoured “Ah Sir” and Mr. Tan Wah Heng with the 𝗢𝗖𝗠 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 in 2007 for their exceptional contributions to the National Women’s Basketball Team for over three decades.

“On behalf of the OCM, we deeply mourn the passing of Mr. Tan See Wah, a remarkable individual who made invaluable contributions to the growth of Basketball in Malaysia” said Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali, Secretary General of the OCM.

“We firmly believe that the legacy of Mr. Tan See Wah will continue to inspire the Basketball community in Malaysia for generations to come, thanks to his selfless service and unwavering dedication, from the grassroots level to the national stage” he added.