Dr Kim Un-Yong, founding President of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and former Vice-President of International Olympic Committee, was in Singapore for a short holiday. He was responsible for the elevation of the status of taekwondo as an Olympic sport.

The Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) hosted a dinner on Wednesday 4 July 2012 at Beng Hiang Restaurant in his honor to show its appreciation to Dr Kim for his contributions to the development of taekwondo in Singapore during his watch as WTF and Kukkiwon President.

In particular, through the recommendation of Dr Kim, the WTF sponsored the Singapore team in 1978 for the Pre-World Games. He had also offered invaluable ideas for the propagation of the sport whenever he had opportunities to meet with local officials.

At the dinner, which was also attended by HE Mr Oh Joon (Ambassador for the Republic of Korea), Dr Kim impressed everyone with his sharp wits, profound knowledge of taekwondo history and updated information of the sport. Most of all, they were awestruck by Dr Kim’s wisdom.

Before Dr Kim and HE Oh Joon and their spouses called it a night, STF President, Mr Milan Kwee, thanked them for attending the dinner and making the evening a memorable and interesting one.

Mr Milan Kwee, President of the Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF), was elected as an Executive Committee Member (Council Member) of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) at its annual meeting held on 29 June 2012 at Raffles Town Club, Singapore.

Five candidates from taekwondo, bowling, fencing, swimming and canoeing vied for the three coveted positions. After some tensed moments waiting for the outcome of the secret votes, Mr Kwee, Mrs Jessie Phua (bowling) and Mr Nicholas Fang (fencing) were duly declared elected by Mr Teo Chee Hean, SNOC President who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore.

The taekwondo community in Singapore was elated on learning of the successful election of Mr Kwee. It was the first time in the history of the SNOC that a taekwondo or a martial arts member was included in the Council.

Mr Kwee, who has steered the STF in the direction which allows the organization to improve the profile of the sport in Singapore, is ready and willing to contribute to goals of the SNOC.

Immediately after the meeting, Mr Kwee said, “I am grateful to those who have supported me and will do my best to share my time and experience for the benefit of all sports. However, I am also prepared to be guided my more established colleagues in the Council”.