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”.

More than 1,000 guests comprising taekwondo well-wishers and members celebrated the 38^th anniversary of the Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) on 23 June 2012 at Orchard Hotel.

Among the who’s who at the function were the guest of honor, HE Mr Oh Joon (Ambassador of the Republic of Korea), Mr Kris Wiluan (President of Asean Taekwondo Federation), Mr Yang Jin Suk (Chairman of the World Taekwondo Federation Academy), Mr Roy Rajasingham (Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, Prof Lau Teik Soon (Founder President of the STF) and Mr Denis Ng (Prof Lau’s successor).The presentation of awards followed the speeches made by the Dr Ho Mun Wai (Organizing Chairman), Mr Milan Kwee (President of the STF), Mr Yang Jin Suk and HE Mr Oh Joon. After that it was show and fun time.  The list of award recipients is as follows.

Certificate of Appreciation

–  His Excellency Mr Oh Joon

   Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

–  Mr Yang Jin Suk

   Chairman of the WTF World Taekwondo Academy

–  Mr Lioe Nam Khiong

   STF Patron

Honorary Black Belt

5^th dan black belt

–          Mr Kris Wiluan

–          Mr Lawrence Leow

–          Dr Lau Teik Soon

–          Mr Denis Ng

3^rd dan black belt

–          Ms Jessie Phua

–          Mr Nah Juay Hng

Certificate of Appreciation

–    Mr Leong Kok Kee

–          Mr Daniel Kim

–          Mr Leon Koh

The shows were put up by the National Demonstration Team, the National Kyorugi Squad and Voguelicious (a professional dance group). In between the shows, Justin Misson, the Master of Ceremony for the evening, drove the crowd into fits of laughter with his quips and antics. For those who drank, it seemed that the more they drank the funnier the jokes. And the drinkers demonstrated it by laughing themselves hoarse!

It was prize galore for everyone. Some lucky ones walked home with one of the top prizes which included a return business class ticket sponsored jointly by Asiana Airlines and Korean Association in Singapore and 3 iPads. But more importantly, no one went home empty handed. Everyone was given a bag of door gifts comprising, among other things, a limited edition STF mug.

It was a memorable night for those who had the privilege of attending the event. They had such a ball of a time that there was request for the STF to celebrate its anniversary yearly. Well it would be food for thought for the Management Committee.

Vist the Singapore Taekwondo Federation (Official Gallery) on Facebook for more photographs.