Sarawak Aquatics unveils new name, awards RM60,900 incentives

KUCHING : The Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (ASAS) has officially changed its name to Sarawak Aquatics (ASWK), marking a new chapter in the development of aquatic sports in the state.

Sarawak Aquatics’ President, Pemanca Tan Kun Gee said the name change had been approved, reflecting the association’s continued commitment to developing the sport and nurturing local talent.

He said the association’s responsibility went beyond winning medals, with a focus on strengthening coaching standards and providing more opportunities for athletes to excel at state, national and international levels.

“Our goal is not just to produce champions today, but to build champions for life,” he said at the Sarawak Aquatics Anniversary Awards Night at Sarawak Club on Saturday (Oct 17).

Reflecting on the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, Tan said Sarawak’s athletes and coaches had shown commitment and fighting spirit throughout the competition.

The diving team delivered eight gold, three silver and three bronze medals, while both the men’s and women’s water polo teams won gold to achieve their targets.

In swimming, Sarawak secured one gold, two silver and four bronze medals, falling short of its original gold medal target.

Tan said the results provided valuable lessons for the association as it worked to improve preparations for future competitions.

Looking ahead to SUKMA 2028, he said swimming development would require stronger grassroots programmes, including ‘Learn to Swim’ initiatives, better access to pool facilities and efforts to retain talented athletes who leave Sarawak to pursue higher education.

For diving, the focus would be on identifying young talent and improving coaching and technical preparation.

In water polo, the association aims to expand its player base, identify talent through swimming programmes, develop qualified coaches and provide greater exposure through centralised and overseas training opportunities.

Tan stressed that preparations for SUKMA 2028 must begin immediately, with collective support from the government, sports agencies, clubs, schools, coaches and parents.

“If we want better results in 2028, our preparation must begin today. We cannot wait until the next SUKMA to start preparing. The work must begin now,” he said.

At the event, Sarawak Aquatics awarded a total of RM60,900 in incentives to SUKMA 2026’s medal-winning athletes and coaches in recognition of their achievements.

Tan said the incentives were intended to motivate recipients to continue striving for excellence, while encouraging athletes who did not win medals to keep learning and improving.

“A medal does not define your entire sporting journey. What matters is your determination to learn, improve and keep moving forward,” he said.

Present at the event were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, and Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) CEO and Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) Director, Mu’azamir Jili.