SEA Games 2025 Preview: Building Singapore’s Table Tennis Future, How STTA Is Grooming the Next Generation of Champions
- John Yeong
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Singapore Table Tennis Association announces SEA Games squad for year-end Major Games in Thailand
As Singapore’s table tennis team gears up for the 33rd SEA Games 2025 in Thailand, the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) is reaffirming its long-term commitment to developing a strong pipeline of homegrown talent.
The recently announced national squad — a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and fresh-faced debutants — showcases how Singapore’s table tennis programme is strategically building for sustained excellence on the international stage.
A Sustainable Athlete Development Pathway
The STTA’s approach to athlete development goes beyond short-term results. Instead, it focuses on sustainable progression, succession planning, and structured exposure to international competition.
On 1 November 2025, the association promoted four debutants — Ellsworth Le (16), Loy Ming Ying (15), Chloe Lai (18), and Tan Zhao Yun (20) — to the national team. Each of them earned their spot through consistent performances in recent international competitions, reflecting STTA’s confidence in their potential and readiness to compete at the next level.
“Their promotion marks an important milestone in our athlete development pathway,” said an STTA spokesperson. “It’s an affirmation of their consistent performances, commitment, and potential, despite their young age.”
This methodical progression ensures that Singapore continues to refresh its talent pool, equipping young athletes with invaluable experience early in their careers — a move essential for long-term competitiveness.
Blending Experience with Youth
The SEA Games squad epitomises STTA’s balance between experience and youth.
The men’s team will feature Clarence Chew (29), a four-time SEA Games gold medallist and one of the most seasoned players in the squad; Izaac Quek (19), the 2023 Men’s Singles champion; and Koen Pang (23), the 2023 Men’s Doubles champion. They will be joined by Josh Chua (24) and Ellsworth Le (16), the youngest debutant in the men’s side.
On the women’s front, defending Women’s Singles champion Zeng Jian (28) will lead a youthful lineup featuring Ser Lin Qian (19) and three debutants — Loy Ming Ying (15), Chloe Lai (18), and Tan Zhao Yun (20).
This mix reflects STTA’s long-term vision: to allow younger players to learn directly from senior counterparts while competing on one of Southeast Asia’s most competitive stages.
“At the last SEA Games in Cambodia, Izaac was the youngest player fielded, and since then, he’s improved tremendously,” shared STTA President Ms Poh Li San. “In this SEA Games, we’re giving our young debutants exposure to the strong players from around the region. They should start learning the ropes from their seniors earlier rather than later.”
Regional Exposure as a Crucial Learning Platform
STTA’s athlete development strategy doesn’t stop at local training — it extends across regional and global competitions.
Both the men’s and women’s teams will compete in multiple World Table Tennis (WTT) events ahead of the Games, including stops in Portugal, Poland, and Oman, before a centralised training camp in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei.
These experiences give players crucial exposure to different playing styles, environments, and competitive pressures — vital ingredients for the growth of any elite athlete.
“Whether we win or lose, our greater goal is for each player to play to their fullest potential,” added Ms Poh. “If we stay humble and give our best, the results will naturally follow.”
Rising Standards in Southeast Asia
Singapore’s dominance in regional table tennis is well-documented, but the competition has intensified in recent years. Ms Poh noted that countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam have made significant progress, raising the bar for all teams in the region.
This shift further validates STTA’s long-term approach: developing resilient, technically skilled, and mentally strong players who can adapt to the evolving landscape of Southeast Asian table tennis.
Former SEA Games singles gold medallist Koen Pang echoed the sentiment, saying: "We are expecting very close games this year, with many of our regional neighbours stepping up. The Thailand team, Malaysia team, Vietnam team and even the Indonesian team will be here this year. So definitely it will be a lot tougher than before, so a lot more close games this year. I am just looking forward to having fun on court."
A New Generation Ready to Shine
For debutants like Loy Ming Ying, the SEA Games represents both a milestone and a stepping stone.
“It’s an honour to represent Singapore at my first SEA Games,” said Loy. “Having competed at the Asian and World Youth Championships, I know how valuable every international experience is — but the SEA Games is something special. I’ll give my very best to make Singapore proud.”
Their inclusion signals a renewed phase in Singapore’s table tennis journey — one that focuses on homegrown excellence, systematic progression, and a culture of mentorship.
Looking Ahead
With the 33rd SEA Games set to take place at Central Westgate in Nonthaburi, Thailand, the Singapore paddlers will aim not only to defend their titles but also to demonstrate the fruits of STTA’s long-term developmental investment.
As the sport continues to evolve regionally, Singapore’s commitment to nurturing youth talent ensures that the nation remains a powerhouse in the years to come.
“Together, they’ll give their very best for Singapore,” said Ms Poh. “That’s what matters most.”
Read more inspiring stories about Singapore’s table tennis journey and athlete development at www.sportplus.sg/table-tennis. #TableTennis #TeamSingapore
Comments