What do you do currently?
I am currently teaching chess full-time, mostly group classes at schools and private classes. Am also teaching Mathematics part-time. I also am an International Arbiter Class C and FIDE Trainer in chess.
When did you start to play chess?
I started to play chess when I was 7 years old.
How did you get to know about the chess game?
My dad introduced me to the game. And I have been involved with the chess world ever since.
Where did you get chess training?
My dad bought chess books for me and I mostly studied them when I was very young. I also gained experience from playing chess online.
Did you take any chess coaching?
No, mostly used books and online practice.
Why do you continue to play chess?
Chess is something that I am good at, it has been part of my life since young, and I plan to continue being involved with chess for many years to come.
Is chess more of a passion or has it become a winning symbol to you?
I believe that passion is important to continue chess long term, the love of the game is what drives me to continue to be involved with it, even if I do not play as much nowadays, I enjoy sharing knowledge and seeing other people succeed. I also enjoy organising events to help the younger generation discover their talents and produce results.
Who encourages you to play chess?
My dad has always been the driving force behind my chess passion, as he used to be very strong in chess. Without his help and support, I would not have made it to where I am today.
How many tournaments have you taken part in?
At least a few hundred, lost count. My dad was very helpful in my chess progress, frequently driving me to events even over the weekends.
Where did you go to attend chess tournaments?
Locally and internationally, mostly within Malaysia, but sometimes overseas when representing the country.
Did you attend tournaments with your parents?
When younger, yes, but after 13 years old I mostly travelled on my own.
What was your biggest win so far?
Against Hikaru Nakamura in the World Youth Chess Festival at Oropesa Del Mar, Spain in 1998. U12 Category. Back when he was not a Super GM yet.
As for tournaments, I won the National Closed Chess Championship (now Malaysian Chess Championship) in 1999 and 2006, being the youngest National Master during that time. I also managed to win against GM Susanto Megaranto in the last round during the 2003 SEA Games and helped the team to win the bronze medal for the rapid category.
Did you go to International tournaments as well?
Yes, I represented Malaysia in a few team events and also three Chess Olympiads.
What have you gained from the chess game?
Chess is a superb mental sport that has helped me improve in many aspects. In chess, we learn how to develop our critical thinking, focus, time management, discipline, and creativity, among other things. We also learn how to handle pressure and think logically to solve problems real-time across the chess board. The things learnt from chess can also be applied to real life scenarios, like calculation during mathematics, time management during examinations, creativity and thinking outside the box in art, just to name a few.
What have you gained from joining chess tournaments?
Chess tournaments have helped me to be goal-driven, and competitive. In every tournament, even if there are many strong players, there can only be one champion. Therefore, these events always drive me to do my best against other people, and to constantly improve my knowledge and skills. I believe that by starting from a young age, the experience and ability to learn from mistakes made will help chess players to improve themselves further and achieve greater heights. Chess tournaments can also help with time management and is a great place to apply everything the players have learnt. Just like there is no point in studying continuously if the student does not sit for examinations to showcase their knowledge. Tournaments are definitely chess examinations. Besides that, chess tournaments are a great place to get to know more like-minded people, socialize, and make great friends and rivals that the players can constantly sharpen their skills against.
