The final of the three-part feature on Sarawak tenpin bowling and the key people who brought the sport to new heights.
Sunny (right) shows (from second left) then-chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and his wife Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, as well as Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah the historical records of ABAS at the association’s gallery at Megalanes Sarawak, in this 2016 file photo.
THE seeds of Sarawak tenpin bowling were sown in 1986 by a group of friends at King’s Bowl, King’s Centre in Kuching. Over the past 35 years, Sarawak have reaped tremendous success and become the nation’s powerhouse in the sport.
Sarawak’s success can be attributed to several factors including efficient and professional management of the state tenpin bowling body, the Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak (ABAS), strong support from the Sarawak government, good facilities and support from parents, supporters and sponsors.
But undeniably, three key persons Sunny Si Poh Heng, Robert Lu Nam Min and Jackson Ting Nik Soon have contributed much to the success story with their passion, dedication and strong commitment.
Sunny and Robert were the two founding members of ABAS, which was officially registered with the Registrar of Societies on May 13, 1987, while Jackson came on board in 2007 as a coach.
“We officially began as ABAS in 1988. From 1990 onwards, we were under extreme pressure to perform. We had mixed results, ups and downs, exhilaration followed by humiliation … demoralising episodes … always waiting and praying for the big break.
“Yes, sometimes we glimpse light at the end of the tunnel, but many a times it proved to be an oncoming train!
“Without any result of significance, it was a vicious cycle. Resources from above were dependent upon results below. Our 1990 Ten Year Plan looked just like what it sounded, nothing but an ambitious plan, period,” said Sunny.
He said in 2003, Jonathan Lim anchored the men’s team for Malaysia’s first World Team Cup gold medal in Odense, Denmark.
“Some may say it was a fluke shot. We will not argue on that. Then came 2010 when Sarawak won seven golds in Sukma Melaka.
“And in 2013, Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore beat the rest of the field for the gold at the World Women’s Championships, Hong Kong.
“In 2014, it was six golds in Sukma Perlis. We were out of the tunnel. To a certain degree, we had produced results of significance. The powers above took notice and we gained trust. Every stakeholder in the sport also saw light.
“Resources follow results which follow resources…AND is now a positive cycle to be maintained, through blood, sweat and tears,” added Sunny, who has helmed ABAS from 1988 until now.
He said the acid test came in 2016 where Sarawak hosted Sukma and they fought tooth and nail for the 11 golds at Megalanes Sarawak.
File photo shows Team Sarawak bowlers, coaches and officials gather for a group photo-call after bagging 11 gold medals at Sukma Sarawak 2016.
This was followed by seven golds in Sukma Perak two years later.
“I am grateful to everyone who contributed to our success. On a similarly important note, I also appreciate that many, if not all, of us in this sport have taken hard knocks and faced disappointment to get this far; thank you for your perseverance and passion.
“To the question what has changed from 2010 till now…Well, we will still have to come out of the tunnel, which is now bigger and longer and the tracks are wider. Hopefully we will get to see more light,” he said.
Jackson Ting coaches state bowler Jacklyn Ng.
A qualified lawyer, Sunny was vice president of the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) from 1991 to 2004, and he was succeeded by Robert from 2012 until now.
He has also managed the national teams for the 12th Asian Games in Japan in 1994, European Championships in Jersey in 1997 and was Sarawak Contingent assistant chef-de-mission for Sukma 1994 (Perak), 1996 (Pahang), 1998 (Selangor), 2000 (Pulau Pinang), 2002 (Sabah), 2004 (Negeri Sembilan), 2006 (Kedah), 2008 (Terengganu), 2010 (Melaka), 2014 (Perlis), 2016 (Sarawak) and 2018 (Perak).
Sunny also served the technical officer for the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1989 and is a member of the Board of Management of the Sarawak Sports Corporation since 2016.
Meanwhile, Robert believes very much in the saying: “Don’t wait for things to happen, pursue the dreams and goals you believe in.
“If change you must, change. I will continue my duties and responsibilities in the field of a wider base in our youth development,” he said.
An ex-Josephian, Robert possesses certifications as Silver Level Tenpin Bowling Coach (MTBC), Bowling Lane Sanctioner (MTBC) and National Coaching Scheme (SPKK) Licence B.
He helped initiate the Youth Development Programme in Sarawak in 1992 and was MSNS Centre of Excellence coach from 1993 to 2004, Special Olympics coach from 1993 to 1995, MSN Sukan Teras Youth Development coach from 2006 to 2007.
File photo shows the Sarawak team of bowlers, coaches and officials in a group shot with the dignitaries after capturing 11 gold medals at Sukma Sarawak in 2016.
In 1992, he led the Sarawak team to its first Sukma gold in Sukma Johor and from 1998 onwards he served as the team manager cum coach for Sukma and managed the national team at the 1st Asian School Bowling Championship in Singapore in 1998.
Robert’s other assignments included technical organising chairman for the 29th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship in 2015 and 32nd Asian Intercity Bowling Championship in 2018, Sarawak International Open in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
He was the technical official at the Asian Games and the Asian Paralympic Games in 2017.
Robert Lu Nam Min
In 2001, Robert was bestowed the Bentara Bintang Sarawak Award by the Sarawak government for his contribution to sports, and he won the Majlis Sukan Sarawak Sports Leadership Award in 2009.
He served as ABAS treasurer from 1988 to 1989, secretary from 1989 to 2009 and vice president from 2010 until now.
Jackson is hoping to see more Sarawakians doing well on the world stage to do the state and country proud.
“We had a world champion in 2003 and another in 2013, a span of 10 years. We hope to see another world champion in 2023.
“Presently we have two girls, Nerosha Keligit Thiagarajan and Gillian Lim, in the Malaysian backup team and bound for SEA Games. We will provide every support for them to achieve our dreams and goal,” he said.
A graduate from the MSNS-ABAS youth development programmes, Jackson has brought home many gold medals from Sukma and international events in Dominican Republic, Egypt, England, United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Australia.
The youngest Malaysia National champion in 2000 at the age of 19, Jackson became national youth assistant coach in 2002 and national youth coach in 2007 where he was based in Sarawak.
Jackson was Sarawak Sukma head coach in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018 where he led Sarawak to overall champions title in tenpin bowling, and the postponed Sukma Johor 2022.