HO Peng Kee (Assoc Prof) 何炳基
Sports Personalities of Singapore,
Accession Number 003407
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 6
Total Reels
- Mohd Yussoff Ahmad
Interviewer
- 05:31:37
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 6
Metadata
- 25 Jun 2009
Recording Date
- 00:55:30
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Prof Ho Peng Kee has always been an ardent sports fan since young. Prof Ho had been involved actively in sports ever since he was in primary school playing in the badminton doubles team, athletics team, shot put and long jump. Cited his favourite among all would have to be the hurdles; he competed in the ‘C’ division at Anglo Chinese School when he was in Secondary Two. He was the third best hurdler in the whole of Singapore at that time. Also played rugby and football. Cited individual sports required a different kind of focus and discipline from playing in team sports. Mentioned that football brings people together from all backgrounds and races.
Shared his experience training and playing with a football club. The interaction that he had then, mixing with boys from other schools had made him a better person. Believed he inherited the love of sports from his late father. Prof Ho’s late father played competitive football in his 20s in the right wing position. In fact most of his siblings are active in sports. His wife is also active in badminton and so are his three daughters who are also actively involved in sports. Prof Ho believed sports strengthen a family bond. Prof Ho mentioned that along the way, different people at different point of time had left impact on his life with valuable lessons that were learnt.
Prof Ho mentioned the Quah brothers amongst others and in fact Quah Kim Swee coached Prof Ho’s football team in Singapore University and even won a competition in Jakarta. Shared on his career path where he started working in 1979 after graduating from law school until present. Shared what make football exciting to him. A Manchester United fan when he was young, presently he spent more time supporting local football. How he juggled school and his active involvement in sports. Cited that there is time and season for everything and that good time management and focus are important. Shared his training regime while he was in Anglo Chinese School (ACS) and how he kept himself from sustaining serious injury.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 6
Metadata
- 25 Jun 2009
Recording Date
- 00:54:22
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Intended to take up business as he saw it’s only natural that he would take over his father’s business. However he made a switch to law after his father passed away. Cited it had been his interest to do law. Prof Ho mentioned that it’s important for one to recognise their skills and ability and hone it as ultimately one has to listen to his heart and passion of what he can do.
Shared on his participation in drama and mooting and represented Nanyang Junior College (NJC) and NUS in oratorical and debating competitions as well as his experience becoming a finalist in the Singapore Jaycee's Outstanding Young Singaporean Award.
Prof Ho tributed his parents for the energy and confidence that he had been able to achieve success in a lot of areas. He believed the energy will come about when one is passionate about living fully. Shared the low point in his life after his father passed away. Thankful that somebody was kind enough to advise him to overcome his grief and made him bounce back to life. Shared how he balanced sports with his career and family when he became an academician, lecturer and politician.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 6
Metadata
- 25 Jun 2009
Recording Date
- 00:55:21
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Prof Ho believed that being a passionate and good organization compliments well to achieve success in whatever endeavours one is pursuing. In raising his children, he ensures to give assurance and love to his children. Believes that parents should complement each other especially in terms of emotional quotient. His views on Singapore’s decision to withdraw from competing in the Malaysia Cup tournament in 1995. Prof Ho mentioned that he trusted the decision makers at that time. Though it was kind of drastic but he believed it was a good decision. Prof Ho cited that he don’t think that he would do it differently if he was the Football Association of Singapore (FAS)’s president then. Commented that the negative reactions came about of the withdrawal was quite natural but there were other considerations that had to be taken after. Cited that while the Malaysia Cup could conjure up a lot of excitement, it was not healthy for our national team to play against a state team every time.
Shared his reaction on his appointment as a Second Adviser to FAS President Mr Mah Bow Tan in 1997 and how were the circumstances of FAS at that time. His views and direction of S-League when the league was just about a year old. Basically the direction was to make S-League to do well. One of the challenges and difficulties in the initial part was the funding. Shared when and how he succeeded Mr Mah to be the President. As Prof Ho played the game himself, he felt he had the advantage in connecting with the players. He would choose a time to meet and talk to the players before every tournament began. He would also connect with parents of young football players and can just talk football to them. Shared on his personal mission and vision. His immediate mission was to restore the confidence back to Singapore football after the mauling from Malaysia where the Lions lost 4-0. Felt that he had to do some refining of the Goal 2010, so he devised a roadmap. One of the targets was to make Singapore top ten in ASEAN. Made himself more accessible to players and fans to get their views and comments. Mentioned that it’s important to have good rapport with the players and take good care of their welfare.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 6
Metadata
- 29 Jun 2009
Recording Date
- 00:53:55
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Further elaborated on the importance to reach out to the players as he felt that they need to be appreciated. Prof Ho likened football players to a performer where there are temperaments and have to be treated differently. Prof Ho shared his joy on the Lions winning the Tiger Cup in 2005. Prof Ho mentioned that the ground work was already laid before his time and he pointed out things just come together with the emergence of players like Shahrul Ishak and Khairul Amri. Prof Ho shared his views on the appointment of Singapore’s Shamsul Madin officiating in 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals. Plenty of efforts were made to groom football officials so to be able to see Singapore exporting talent to a big stage is wonderful. Prof Ho touched on the trial stints some of the national players had gone to in other countries. Prof Ho cited that players must be able to play consistently and take good care of their bodies to get themselves noticed in the international scene. Prof Ho shared that the Lions’ success in defending the Tiger Cup in 2007 was the highlight of his term as a President. Prof Ho witnessed the final game and he shared on the game and the stadium’s atmosphere. Prof Ho mentioned that the Lions’ coach Raddy Avramovic is a good a tactician and has done well in shaping the team.
Prof Ho shared that although Goal 2010 was been readjusted, reaching the World Cup Final is still the target as it’s the pinnacle. Prof Ho thought that 2018 would be a better target as the current boys from under 14 will be peaking at that time and it’s good to start focusing on the players now. Prof Ho shared his thoughts on the Lions’ bronze medal in Korat SEA Games in 2007. He thought that it was a good campaign and the target to at least win a medal was achieved. Prof Ho shared on the tie ups with the Ministry of Education, Singapore Land Authority and the Singapore Sports Council, for more state land to be opened up for social footballers to enjoy the game. Prof Ho believed it’s important to give players more chances to play with friends.
Prof Ho shared on the Lions being named the Team of the Year and national coach Raddy Avramovic, named Coach of the Year, in the Singapore National Olympic Councils annual awards. Prof Ho cited that the double win was like a feather on the cap in his tenure and it made Prof Ho to reflect that it was time to step down. Prof Ho wanted to ensure that the handover had a strong start. Prof Ho touched on the success of S-League being recognized by Asia as one of Asia top 10 leagues and Singapore Armed Forces FC enters the AFC Championship League group stage for the first time.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 6
Metadata
- 29 Jun 2009
Recording Date
- 00:55:09
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
His views on the incident of seven Liaoning Guangyuan FC players who were jailed for match-fixing while team manager Wang Xin jumped bail and remained at large which was deemed as the S-League biggest corruption scandal. Match-fixing or more famously known as “Kelong” could happen anywhere and there were instances that players came up to tell that they were being approached. Gave his thoughts on why some players may be tempted to take bribery especially if they have pressing financial needs in the family. Pointed out that the level of match-fixing in Singapore is not high and even is commended by FIFA.
His views on the foreign talents in the national squad. While the actual emphasis is to groom our own young players to be in the national team, he also recognise that we do not have a large base and so there is a need to bring imported talents. It’s a matter of juggling foreign and local talents. Mentioned of Singapore under 14, 16 and 18 and that the boys are playing with so much passion and the crop will be the future for Singapore football. On the lack of crowd support in S-League matches, Prof Ho said that it’s something that has to be worked on. Cited several factors that had to be taken into consideration to pull the crowd such as the quality of play, publicity, good field, good atmosphere at stadium such as well lit stadium and scoreboard. Believed that S-League will arrive if a match can garner 4,000 to 5,000 supporters in a match and the younger players given the opportunity to shine and show their skills. When every town such as Tampines for Tampines Rovers has their own identity, it’s not impossible to have a mini Kallang Roar.
Cited that the factors to run a football organization are to have good leadership, key people at strategic positions, good game plan, good eco system with schools etc and good parental support. Mentioned that FAS is getting along there and it’s up to the current president, Mr Zainudin Nordin to step up the pace that has been laid. His participation playing on the field in many events and occasion when he was the President. Gave his take as to why S-League is not very successful in producing good players like in the 1960s and 1970s. Cited that maybe the modern game emphasizes more on team game rather than individual talent among others.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 6
Metadata
- 2 Jul 2009
Recording Date
- 00:57:20
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Elaborated on the role of media in arousing the crowd’s interest to watch S-League games. Cited that to be fair to the media, there are other sports news that also needs coverage but he sees the improvement in the media coverage on the S-League. Hetouched on the League Cup coverage that was broadcast on cable. Why there is a need for him to step down. Prof Ho said that he wanted to hand over while the organization is in good shape and now it’s a good time for that. Remained as the advisor of the organization so it’s much of a stepping aside rather than stepping down. Prof Ho cited the real challenge is now to make progress in Asia and all the way to the World Cup. Mentioned that whoever sits in a presidential seat is not gaining for power. Besides looking at it as a service to the nation, it’s also nurturing a passion. Touched briefly on the link between football and politics. Sports have always been his passion and he is still actively involved in sports now. Cited that his family plays games together and that bonds the family well. Prof Ho cited that family who plays together, stays together.
His views on European footballers who command millions and billions of dollars for salary. Mentioned on towards what direction Singapore soccer shall be heading to. He said that while he doesn’t see yet whether he will be heading any big sports organization in the future, he will take one step at a time and see how it goes. As a true blue sports fan, he will always give support to all sports game.
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