Engineering student earns World Cup spot with record-breaking swim

The Star

19-07-2025

Fastest in fins: Chin (centre) celebrating his national gold medal win in the 100m Surface event.
Louis Chin Teng Aun, an engineering student at INTI International College Penang, has earned a place on Malaysia's national finswimming team following a standout performance at the 3rd Malaysia Finswimming Championship (MFC).
Competing in the senior category for participants aged 18 and above, Chin secured four gold medals and one silver.
Along the way, he broke two national records and set a new competition record – achievements that earned him the title of 'Best Male Finswimmer' in the senior division.
Representing Penang, Louis dominated in the 400m, 200m, 100m and 50m Surface events.
He clinched gold in all four, with the 200m and 100m events seeing him rewrite the national record books.
His win in the 50m Surface also set a new competition benchmark. He added a silver in the 50m Apnoea and placed fifth in the 50m Bifin.
These results secured him a coveted place in the national team, which will compete in the Finswimming World Cup this September.
What makes Chin's achievement even more remarkable is that he only transitioned into finswimming less than a year ago.
'Finswimming felt like the natural next step. I was a state swimmer for Penang and had represented Malaysia, but by 21, I felt burnt out,' he said in a press release dated June 17.
A friend introduced him to finswimming, and he immediately recognised it as the next phase in his athletic journey.
His return to the water gained traction after a strong showing at the Higher Education Institution (Sukipt) Games, where he represented INTI. The results prompted him to commit fully to finswimming.
Today, he trains after class five days a week, incorporates strength sessions into his routine, and coaches younger swimmers on weekends.
'Finswimming has reignited my passion. Training after classes and coaching on weekends help me stay focused. It's my way of giving back,' he said.
At the MFC, his perseverance was especially tested in the 400m Surface event.
'I started cramping at 300m – it took everything I had to finish strong.
'The 200m was equally demanding. Winning gold and setting records was validation for all the hard work,' he said.
While the 'Best Male Finswimmer' award was a significant recognition, Chin sees it as a responsibility as much as an honour.
'It's a title I have to keep earning. I'm grateful to my coach, teammates and the Penang squad for their constant support.'
Balancing life as a student-athlete presents its own set of challenges. Chin credited his varsity's learning ecosystem for helping him manage both academics and sport.
'The lecturers are incredibly understanding when I miss classes for competitions. They help me catch up and stay focused.
'Time management and discipline are key — I am even able to plan my meals,' he shared.
INTI International College Penang chief executive Hemalatha Murugiah praised Chin for his focus and determination.
'Louis exemplifies the spirit of excellence that INTI cultivates in its students.
'We are immensely proud of his national records and his upcoming representation of Malaysia on the world stage.
'His discipline, determination and sportsmanship inspire our entire college community,' she said.
With the World Cup fast approaching, Louis is intensifying his training with a personalised programme aimed at reaching his peak by September.
'I'm not just going to participate – I'm aiming for the podium,' he said.
Beyond his ambitions, Chin hopes to elevate finswimming's profile in Malaysia.
'This sport has so much untapped potential. I want to raise awareness and help finswimming gain national recognition.'
To young athletes, his message is simple but firm: 'Success is rooted in resilience – the ability to persevere through fatigue and discouragement.
'Maintain an unwavering commitment to excellence and never falter when faced with challenges. Such a mindset will lead you far.'