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Dr Sim (fourth right) and others pose with the incentive recipients.
KUCHING (Jan 12): A structured, science-based approach is key to producing top-class swimmers for Sarawak and the nation, Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said at the Power Aquatics Swimming Club (PASC)’s 10th Anniversary Dinner at a local hotel on Saturday.
Describing swimming as a basic survival skill rather than merely a competitive sport, Dr Sim noted that societies which invest early and systematically in swimming education reap long-term benefits, both in safety and sporting excellence.
The Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government cited Australia as an example where swimming is embedded in the school system and supported by sports science.
“In Sarawak, surrounded by rivers, swimming used to come naturally. Today, that culture has changed. This is why we must be deliberate and structured in teaching swimming, not just for medals but for survival and character development,” he said.
Dr Sim, also Batu Kawa assemblyman, praised PASC for its decade-long commitment to grassroots development, highlighting its comprehensive programmes that range from intra- and inter-school competitions to training camps and short-course programmes.
These initiatives, he said, have exposed young talents to high-performance pathways while instilling discipline and resilience.
He stressed that modern sporting success depends increasingly on science, including exercise physiology, sports medicine, nutrition and data-driven training methods.
Drawing comparisons with Australia’s consistent Olympic performances despite a population smaller than Malaysia’s, Sim said the difference lay in the integration of sports science into athlete development.
“Success today is no longer about talent alone. It is about how well we support athletes with science — from coaching methods and recovery to nutrition and injury prevention,” he pointed out, adding that Sarawak must continue moving in that direction.
Dr Sim also highlighted that structured sports programmes contribute to character building, teaching young athletes discipline, teamwork and values beyond competition.
Commending PASC’s growth from a small group of 20 swimmers a decade ago to more than 100 athletes today, he said the association’s progress reflected consistency, volunteerism and long-term planning.
“As we look to the future, Sarawak’s sports development must be grounded in science, teamwork and values. That is how we produce swimmers who can represent Sarawak and Malaysia with pride,” he added.
He presented PASC incentives to its swimmers and water polo players who excelled in local, national and international competitions last year.
Also present were PASC president Pemanca Tan Kun Gee who is also Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak president, club founder and advisor Voon Yong Hui and Sarawak Sports Corporation acting CEO Khairul Nizam Morshidi.
