Sonja Chong will make history as Singapore’s first ice skating official at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, from February 7 to 14. The 59-year-old will act as a starter for short-track speed skating, assuring fair race starts and competitive integrity. Her selection is a significant step forward for Southeast Asia’s winter sports officiating.
Chong, who was president of the Singapore Ice Skating Association (SISA) from 2007 to 2019, is one of just 20 ISU-level stars worldwide, and one of only four in Asia. She has officiated at several important events, including the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea.
“This moment demonstrates that winter sports are no longer limited to traditional strongholds. “I hope my journey inspires other officials from developing countries,” Chong remarked.
As vice president of the Asian Skating Union (ASU), she hopes to mentor aspiring officials, emphasising that having more skilled referees will raise the region’s competitive standards.
Following Harbin, she will conduct ceremonies in Canada, Indonesia, and India.
SISA president Alison Chan and ASU president Chang Myong-hi complimented Chong’s accomplishments, describing her as a trailblazer for Southeast Asia in international ice skating officiating.
