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CNA
2 hours ago
- Sport
- CNA
‘Nobody will ever forget me': Soh Rui Yong on his rollercoaster career and desire to represent Singapore
SINGAPORE: Soh Rui Yong believes he has grown as a person – and that getting hitched in 2023 has something to do with it. 'When you get married, you can be right, but you'll still be wrong,' said the man who is arguably Singapore's greatest marathoner and more indisputably his country's most outspoken athlete. 'Sometimes ... deep in your heart you know you're not that wrong. But you know that for the sake of cohabitation and existence, that you'll put your hand up and (say) 'It's my fault. I will shoulder the blame'.' Such a conciliatory, mellow approach might seem, at first glance, to challenge what Soh has come to be known for throughout an athletics career spanning over a decade. Alongside the colours of three Southeast Asian Games medals and multiple national records there have been controversies including lawsuits, divisive social media posts and exclusions from major meets. But even after the latest kerfuffle - he was left out of a preliminary list for the upcoming SEA Games - the 34-year-old said he has little, if not nothing, to be sorry about. 'In this life, don't have regrets ... decisions that you made 10 years ago - what's the point of regretting? You cannot go back and change it,' he told CNA in an hour-long virtual interview from the United Kingdom, where he's now based. Soh said it was precisely because of the headlines and incidents that "nobody will ever forget me as a Singapore athlete". 'And I say that very truthfully, without attempting to sound arrogant.' He compared himself to medal-winning athletes who he said were quickly forgotten because 'there's really nothing to talk about' until they compete again. 'But my name keeps coming up, and because of that, ironically, we are in this situation where people will remember me for better or for worse.' And Soh fully intends to keep making memories. He's already looking ahead to the 2029 SEA Games hosted in Singapore - he will be 38 by then - and also aims to continue winning the Singapore Marathon national title, at least until he's 40. 'You won't see the end of me anytime soon,' he laughed. STEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT Soh first burst onto the scene in 2015, winning marathon gold in his debut SEA Games and on home soil to boot. He repeated the feat in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, despite being almost kicked out of the team for breaching the Singapore National Olympic Council's rules to do with promoting personal sponsors on social media. Then came the other headlines over matters away from the racetrack. He repeatedly disputed former teammate Ashley Liew's sportsmanship act during the 2015 SEA Games, which led to a defamation lawsuit Soh ultimately lost. Soh also unsuccessfully sued a former director at governing body Singapore Athletics, for defamation. He was not selected for the 2019 nor 2022 SEA Games, due to factors such as conduct and behaviour as cited by SNOC. While also initially omitted from the 2023 edition of the regional competition, he won an appeal and finished with a silver medal in the 10,000m. Later that year, he was excluded from the Asian Games, with SNOC pointing to his continued behaviour of making "disparaging and derisive remarks" publicly. Earlier in 2025, a lawyer who previously represented Soh in two separate defamation suits sued him over a Facebook post. Now, Soh has not made SNOC's provisional list for the December SEA Games in Thailand, despite having met the qualifying mark for the marathon. SNOC did not expressly state why, but said it was committed to sending athletes who "not only meet the performance benchmarks but also uphold the values and behaviours expected of Singapore's national representatives". Singapore Athletics still has the opportunity to resubmit a nomination and appeal the decision. Soh admitted to CNA there were some points in his career which 'really sucked'. But he views these as having led him to a 'better place' in life. 'When I initially said something, I didn't realise that that could end up on an eight year-long journey,' he said. 'Nobody enjoys going to war with your national Olympic council. Nobody enjoys being dragged through a court of law." Yet that was also what prompted him to study law in London, where he met his wife Nantacha Phon-uam. 'Who I would never have met if I never had all these issues,' said Soh. He insisted he has never made the same mistake twice. "If I said something in the past and then they had an issue with it, I apologised and didn't continue it,' he said. Soh did say sorry publicly to SNOC after his exclusion from the 2022 SEA Games. He has also in the past taken down social media posts deemed by authorities to be offensive or disparaging. 'I learn from mistakes, but I don't regret mistakes,' he reiterated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soh Rui Yong 🇸🇬 (苏睿勇) (@runsohfast) Asked if that meant he has changed his ways in recent years, Soh said: 'If I really want to think about it, I'm sure subconsciously, I (have been) like 'I can say this but yeah, not worth the potential repercussion that might come with it'.' 'But will I still say things? Of course I still say things. There's still things that get me very riled up that I'm like 'you know, this is wrong'.' Soh has not let up on posting and commenting on social media on an array of topics, often being candid with his thoughts. But he said he now uses fewer emojis. In justifying his omission from the 2023 Asian Games, SNOC sent Singapore Athletics a document spanning over 30 pages, detailing how it took issue with several of his posts, comments – and laughing reactions. 'I'm not actually adding anything by reacting, apart from like, to show that I find it funny,' he said, before adding: "So if I laugh to myself, is that okay? As long as you don't know I'm laughing, it's okay lah." "I CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE" One constant throughout Soh's career is his passion for running - and competitively. 'I don't plan on giving up anytime soon. I enjoy it. I wake up, go for a run, I meet great people around the world,' he said. 'Why would I give up something which has given me so much?' Two years ago, on the heels of his Asian Games exclusion, he said in an interview that if it became clear he would not run for Singapore again, he might consider doing so for another country. Asked about that comment, Soh said: 'Representing Singapore will always be my top option … I became an athlete in Singapore (and) I definitely feel proud to represent Singapore.' Even if he never competes for Singapore again, his perspective is that there are 'so many things you can do with life'. 'There's so many ways you can contribute, so many other ways you can make a legacy for yourself." Soh attained his law degree last year, and could get called to the Bar should he pass the examinations. But a legal career is on the backburner for now. 'Being a lawyer in Singapore is really not conducive with the lifestyle you need to be a good runner,' he said. '(And) it's not like I can work a 12-hour-a-day corporate law job or criminal law job, or whatever it is, and run a business on the side.' Soh set up a coaching academy in 2023. He is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the London Business School. As if juggling further studies, his own business as well as competitive sport weren't enough, he has his sights set on boosting the running scene in Singapore. Soh said he has both the experience and the following to do so. He pointed to the annual Pocari Sweat 2.4km challenge which he kickstarted and continues to play a part in organising. 'I can see that with my involvement ... I can really make a difference right now in our local scene,' he said. Soh thinks that, in the final analysis, he will be seen as a positive influence on Singapore's distance running ecosystem, despite official narratives previously suggesting otherwise. In excluding him from the 2022 SEA Games, SNOC said then that Soh's conduct and behaviour ran contrary to the requirement of the Olympic Charter to 'serve as an example to the sporting youth'. He told CNA that "no athlete will ever be 100 per cent a role model to everyone", giving examples of sportspeople involved in drugs or drink-driving cases who went on to still compete for Singapore or rehabilitate their image. 'There are people who want me to mentor their kids, people who want me to mentor them … people who want me to go to schools and talk to kids," Soh said. 'I'm not perfect, but I think overall, as far as sports goes … I'm a role model for how people can behave and aspire to success; while being in a position where you can also inspire those around you to achieve success. "I cannot, hand on heart, say I'm not a good role model."
AsiaOne
07-08-2025
- Sport
- AsiaOne
Young Lions and distance runner Soh Rui Yong left out of SEA Games contingent, Singapore News
SINGAPORE – Singapore will be fielding its largest-ever contingent for the Dec 9-20 SEA Games, but high-profile names such as the national men's Under-22 football team and two-time marathon champion Soh Rui Yong have been omitted from the initial list. The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) on Aug 6 announced the first batch of athletes and teams selected for the Games, with a total of 762 athletes across 42 sports provisionally picked for the event. The national sports associations have until Aug 15 to lodge appeals for their athletes. It is understood that the Young Lions missed the initial cut as they have not produced any international results that meet the SNOC's qualifying criteria of matching the third-placed finishers of the previous edition. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) had withdrawn the team from the Asean U-23 Championship from July 15 to 29, whose results could have been used to support their nomination for the SEA Games. This would be the first time since 1969 that Singapore are not competing in the football competition at the Games. The Republic first played in the SEA Games men's football tournament in 1965 before sitting out in 1967 and 1969 – they have featured in every edition since, winning three silvers and four bronzes when it was a senior competition until 1999. When it became an U-23 tournament from 2001, the Young Lions won three bronzes in 2007, 2009 and 2013. After the age limit was further lowered to 22, Singapore have not made the podium and reached a nadir in 2023, when they finished bottom of their group and were thumped 7-0 by arch-rivals Malaysia. The Straits Times understands that the FAS will challenge the decision. It has made preparations for the U-22 side to play friendlies against the Philippines and Malaysia – both teams did not make the semi-finals in 2023 – in August to back up their appeal. On the situation, FAS president Forrest Li said at its media day on Aug 6: 'There is a selection process and certain criteria, and it's not just for football, there are a lot of sports and we understand that. What we can do now is to try our best to meet the selection criteria, and I think we still have a very decent chance (of the team competing at the SEA Games). 'We are working very closely with all the stakeholders... (who) understand it is important for our fans to see our football teams at the SEA Games, and this provides a tremendous opportunity for our young footballers. So, we will keep trying.' In athletics, two-time SEA Games marathon champion Soh was left out of the squad despite meeting the 2hr 35min 49sec qualifying mark – he clocked 2:27:49 at the Houston Marathon in January. The SNOC said in its statement: 'The SNOC selection committee has not supported the nomination of Soh Rui Yong at this stage. The SNOC has been in dialogue with Singapore Athletics regarding his nomination, and should Singapore Athletics choose to re-submit it, the SNOC will review the nomination through its appeals committee in due course. 'The SNOC reaffirms its commitment to sending athletes who not only meet the performance benchmarks but also uphold the values and behaviours expected of Singapore's national representatives. Representing the nation is both a privilege and a responsibility that demands sporting excellence and exemplary character.' Soh, Singapore's fastest marathoner (2:22:59) who won gold in 2015 and 2017, was also not selected for the SEA Games in 2019 and 2022, as well as the 2018 Asian Games, following clashes with the SNOC. The SNOC previously noted that Soh's conduct and behaviour 'have continued to fall short' of the standards it expects of and holds its athletes to. In athletics, double SEA Games marathon champion Soh was left out of the squad despite meeting the 2hr 35min 49sec qualifying mark – he clocked 2:27:49 at the Houston Marathon in January. PHOTO: Soh Rui Yong However, he was picked for the 2023 SEA Games, where he did not compete in the marathon but won the 10,000m silver in Cambodia. He then missed the Asian Games in 2023 for failure to 'honour commitments which he had provided to the SNOC, including on occasions following his participation at the Cambodia 2023 SEA Games', as the organisation noted that he had 'continued to make disparaging and derisive remarks about others in the public domain'. Thanking Singapore Athletics president Lien Choong Luen and deputy general manager Bastian Dohling for attending to the matter, Soh, who turned 34 on Aug 6, said: 'I'm currently enjoying my birthday and not worrying about SEA Games selection. I'll leave it to Singapore Athletics to do the necessary, our association has been great and nothing but helpful.' Other than the Young Lions and Soh, the national polo and woodball teams, as well as men's volleyball team were not selected for the upcoming SEA Games. Additional reporting by Deepanraj Ganesan This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
81 primary schools to hold ballot for Phase 2C of Primary 1 registration
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Of the 81 schools going through a ballot for Phase 2C, 62 will do so for children who are Singapore citizens residing within 1km of the school. SINGAPORE – A total of 81 primary schools will hold a ballot for places in Phase 2C, the latest stage in the Primary 1 registration process. There are a total of 84 schools that are oversubscribed, meaning they have received more applications than there are vacancies. Princess Elizabeth Primary School in Bukit Batok is the most oversubscribed in Phase 2C, with 232 applicants vying for 41 spots. This is followed by Nan Hua Primary School in Clementi, which has 166 applicants vying for 41 spots, and South View Primary School in Choa Chu Kang, with 155 applicants for 41 spots. The Ministry of Education (MOE) updated the latest registration figures on its website on Aug 6 for Phase 2C, which ended on July 31 at 4.30pm. Results for this phase will be out on Aug 12. Vacancies for the next stage, Phase 2C Supplementary, will also be released at 1pm on the same day. This phase is the last one for the 2025 Primary 1 registration. Registration for Phase 2C Supplementary will open for registration at 9am on Aug 18 and close at 4.30pm on Aug 19. Results for this phase will be out on Aug 28. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore MRT track issue causes 5-hour delay; Jeffrey Siow says 'we can and will do better' Singapore ST Explains: What is a track point fault and why does it cause lengthy train disruptions? Singapore Three people taken to hospital after fire in Punggol executive condominium Sport Young Lions and distance runner Soh Rui Yong out of SEA Games contingent Singapore Elderly man found dead in SingPost Centre stairwell could have been in confused state: Coroner Singapore Two workers died after being hit by flying gas cylinders in separate incidents in 2025 Singapore Man recruited victim to open bank account, forced him to drink urine after account was frozen MOE said 52.5 per cent of its schools will not be conducting balloting in Phase 2C, which is open to children who have no prior links to the school. In the 2024 exercise, 88 schools faced such a ballot . Of the 81 schools going through a ballot in 2025, 62 will do so for children who are Singapore citizens residing within 1km of the school. Eight schools will be conducting balloting for children who are Singaporean citizens residing between 1km and 2km from the school. These include Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Primary) in Serangoon, Tanjong Katong Primary School in Marine Parade and Anderson Primary School in Ang Mo Kio. Three schools – Raffles Girls' Primary in Bukit Timah, Qifa Primary in Clementi and CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity in Hougang – will be holding a ballot for children who are Singaporean citizens residing outside 2km of the school. The other eight schools going through the ballot will be conducting it for permanent resident (PR) children residing either within 1km of the school, between 1km and 2km of the school. This includes Bukit Timah Primary School, which was not oversubscribed but will be holding a ballot for PRs outside of 2km. This is because it has a cap on the intake of PR children. The remaining four schools that are also oversubscribed will not be holding a ballot because there are enough vacancies for all applicants up to a certain priority category. These schools are Chongzheng Primary, Hougang Primary, Punggol Primary and St Margaret's School (Primary). In oversubscribed schools, priority admission is given to children in this order: Singapore citizen children living within 1km of the school Singapore citizen children living between 1km and 2km from the school Singapore citizen children living more than 2km from the school PR children living within 1km of the school PR children living between 1km and 2km from the school PR children living more than 2km from the school From 2022, MOE has reserved 60 places for Phases 2B and 2C at the start of the Primary 1 registration exercise to ensure schools remain accessible to as many children as possible. If there are vacancies left from earlier phases, one-third will be allocated to Phase 2B and two-thirds to Phase 2C. There are 182 primary schools in Singapore, with 179 open for registration in 2025. Kranji Primary School will not be admitting Primary 1 pupils from 2024 to 2026, ahead of its planned move to Tengah in 2028. Townsville Primary School and Damai Primary School will also stop Primary 1 admissions from 2025 to 2027, as they prepare to relocate in 2029 to Sembawang and Tampines North, respectively.
Straits Times
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
China's leaders take aim at ‘pointless' meetings and ‘bureaucratism'
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Cutting out unnecessary paperwork and having fewer meetings would 'reduce burdens' on cadres. BEIJING - China's top lawmakers are telling officials across the country to hold fewer meetings and give shorter speeches in a bid to root out 'pointless formalities', state media reported on Aug 6. Streamlining meetings and capping documents at 5,000 words were among suggestions in a detailed government notice issued to 'free grassroots officials from bureaucratism and pointless formalities', state news agency Xinhua said. Cutting out unnecessary paperwork and having fewer meetings would 'reduce burdens' on cadres and help them 'devote more energy to implementation', according to a government notice uploaded by state news agency Xinhua. The 21-point directive on 'rectifying formalism' is more than 4,000 words long, according to an AFP count. All regions were to strictly implement the rules, it said. The notice – jointly issued by the Communist Party's Central Committee and the State Council – follows refreshed rules against lavish spending and vanity projects. In May, the two lawmaking bodies updated regulations set in 2013 targeting excessive spending within government ranks, including a ban on serving alcohol at work meals and restrictions on travel. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore MRT track issue causes 5-hour delay; Jeffrey Siow says 'we can and will do better' Singapore ST Explains: What is a track point fault and why does it cause lengthy train disruptions? Singapore 'It's either my life or the dog's': NSF rescues lost dog which was hit by car in Bedok Singapore 81 primary schools to hold ballot for Phase 2C of Primary 1 registration Sport Young Lions and distance runner Soh Rui Yong out of SEA Games contingent Singapore Two workers died after being hit by flying gas cylinders in separate incidents in 2025 Singapore 19 drivers nabbed over illegal ride-hailing services in Singapore and across border with Malaysia Singapore Man recruited victim to open bank account, forced him to drink urine after account was frozen Officials were also prohibited from having flowers or backdrops at work meetings, according to the directive. Chinese President Xi Jinping has waged a relentless campaign against official corruption since coming to power more than a decade ago. Hundreds of thousands of officials have faced disciplinary action, according to China's top anti-graft body, with some executed for 'serious violations of the law' – a euphemism for corruption. Supporters say the anti-corruption drive promotes clean governance, but critics say it serves as a tool for Mr Xi to oust political opponents. AFP
CNA
06-08-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Singapore men's football team, runner Soh Rui Yong left out of provisional 2025 SEA Games list
SINGAPORE: Singapore's distance runner Soh Rui Yong and the men's under-22 football team have been left out of the preliminary list for the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand. In a media release on Wednesday (Aug 6), the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) said the selection committee has not supported the nomination of Soh "at this stage". "The SNOC has been in dialogue with Singapore Athletics regarding his nomination, and should Singapore Athletics choose to resubmit it, the SNOC will review the nomination through its Appeals Committee in due course," it said. The SNOC added that it reaffirms its commitment to sending athletes who "not only meet the performance benchmarks but also uphold the values and behaviours expected of Singapore's national representatives". The council on Wednesday announced the first batch of athletes and teams selected to represent Singapore at the 33rd SEA Games, which will be held from Dec 9 to 20. A total of 762 athletes across 42 sports have been provisionally selected to represent the country. The men's football team and Soh were not on the list. In the previous SEA Games, the Singapore men's team suffered a 7-0 defeat to Malaysia in their final group game. "Some athletes and teams remain under consideration, as they work towards meeting the required benchmarks," said SNOC. "For some events, the national sports associations (NSAs) will make the selection and decide on the final composition of their team from the pre-qualified athletes. "Some NSAs are awaiting the results of the impending matches that have just missed the deadline.
