The passing of Malaysia's basketball philosopher

New Straits Times

09-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan See Wah, a venerated national basketball coach and philosopher, died on Monday at the age of 84.
See Wah dedicated more than five decades to the sport — as a national player, coach, and respected administrator.
He played a pivotal role in guiding the national women's team to nine SEA Games gold medals — five as assistant coach from 1977 to 1985, and another four as head coach from 1997 to 2007.
Beyond the court, See Wah was a dedicated educator. From 1964 to 1995, See Wah taught mathematics, science, and English in schools across Terengganu and Pahang, shaping young minds as well as athletes.
Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA) president Datuk Lee Tian Hock paid tribute to the late See Wah, who raised champions not only on the court but also in the classroom.
"Coach See Wah's life was a testament to unwavering dedication, humility and excellence," said Tian Hock.
"He not only raised champions on the court, but also shaped generations of athletes, educators and leaders through his work in basketball and education."
A national player from 1965 to 1969, See Wah quickly became one of Southeast Asia's most successful coaches in the women's game.
He helped Malaysia qualify for the women's 1979 World Championship in South Korea, after a fourth-place finish at the 1978 Asian Championship in Kuala Lumpur. In Seoul, Malaysia recorded a famous win over African champions Senegal to finish 11th overall.
See Wah, who was MABA secretary-general from 2008 to 2010, conducted coaching clinics abroad for world body FIBA and was the first Malaysian coach to publish a book on basketball tactics and philosophy.