SEA Games: Dr Tan Eng Liang and Nicholas Fang to co-lead Team Singapore

TWO chef-de-missions have been appointed to lead Singapore at the 2015 SEA Games - marking the first time that more than one team leader has been chosen for the biennial competition.

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Here is a statement released on the SEA Games Organising Committee website:

The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) has announced the appointment of Dr Tan Eng Liang, 76, and Mr Nicholas Fang, 38, as Chefs de Mission for the 2015 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games for Team Singapore.

This is the first time the SNOC has selected two persons for the role of the Chef de Mission. As host of the 28th edition of the SEA Games, the SNOC is expecting a large Team Singapore contingent.

With an unusually large contingent, the pair will share duties and responsibilities to ensure adequate support for the team.

They will be working closely together to create a conducive environment for the team leading up to the SEA Games and during the event.

Dr Tan, an Olympian and veteran sports administrator, is no stranger in this role. He led Team Singapore to win a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and was recently the Chef de Mission for the 2011 SEA Games.

The former Chairman of the Singapore Sports Council (now Sport Singapore) is keen to mentor young leaders and encourage them to contribute their skills and energy to sports.

"The expectations for Singapore as hosts of the 28th edition of the SEA Games are building up, many would also be expecting our athletes to put on a good performance at the Games. I am very happy to lead the Singapore contingent with Nicholas Fang, a very enthusiastic and approachable young leader, who will be a great asset to the team," said Dr Tan.

Making his debut in this role is former national fencer and triathlete, Nicholas Fang. Being a double SEA Games bronze medallist is one of many feathers in his cap, he is also the President of the Singapore Modern Pentathlon Association and immediate past President of Fencing Singapore, and is currently serving his second term on the Executive Committee of the SNOC.

He boasts a successful career in media and journalism, and is eager to work with the team to deliver an inspiring performance in Singapore.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for me to share the Chef de Mission role with Dr Tan Eng Liang. His experience in sports speaks volumes and to be able to share the responsibilities with him is a privilege. I look forward to working with the athletes and officials representing Singapore at the 2015 SEA Games," said Fang.

The 2015 SEA Games will be held from 5 to 16 June 2015.