WATER POLO ACADEMY
About Pacer
At Pacer Water Polo Academy, we aim to teach sound Water Polo fundamentals to serve as a stepping stone to the next level & to raise the bar of the sport in Singapore & the region. We pride ourselves in championing the inculcation of the right values each athlete should embody including teamwork, perseverance & most importantly sportsmanship. Under the tutelage of experienced coaches including current and ex national Water Polo players, we ensure the development of all-rounded student-athletes, who not only embody the true values of competition but is equipped with physical & mental skill sets that will carry them far in life. Pacer spearheads awareness of the sport which benefits all clubs in Singapore.
Vision
To be the Water Polo Hub in Asia by continually raising the bar in the region.
Mission
To enrich the lives of our Water Polo players by imparting values that they can take forth into the world.
Values
Perseverance
Never give up.
Accountability
Not giving excuses, blaming others, whining & complaining. Instead, take ownership of something & making sure you ‘know & do your job’ 100% of the time.
Commitment
Giving a 110% in every training & game.
Excellence
Is not a single moment or competition: it's a habit, a daily commitment to being the best.
Respect
Towards referees, opponents, spectators, coaches, teammates & yourself.
Pacer's History
Pacer's History
2012
Pacer was founded with 6 players on the 4th of March for more info, check out our Stories page.
2013
Pacer was the Venue Manager for the 3rd Asian Water Polo Cup & the youth version of that. China, India, Iran, Kuwait, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Kazakhstan & Philippines took part in the nail biting competition.
2014
Pacer brought the Junior Inter Club Series that was usually a local event to the region & as such, 4 age groups from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia & Indonesia showed up for 5 days of non stop competition.
2015
Pacer was the Venue Manager for the South East Asian Games (SEA Games) & training had to be suspended as our coaches were players in the National Team.
Pacer also started the Titanen League to promote Water Polo to the neighbourhoods by holding competitions in Toa Payoh, Katong, Yio Chu Kang & Jurong West.
2017
Pacer went overseas for competitions & trainings
Malaysia - Negri Sembilan
Indonesia - Jakarta
Thailand - Bangkok
2016
Pacer went to Hong Kong, loaned 2 players to Perak for a competition, introduced a structured syllabus for trainings, assisted in 18 ASEAN University Game & started supporting the Junior Sports Academy.
2018
Pacer U15 Invitation saw 6 teams from 5 countries compete over 3 days. (Singapore, Malaysia, Serbia, Hungary & The United Kingdom)
Ah Mah Flippa Ball was featured on the home section of The Straits Times
TYR Sponsored $54,000 worth of Water Polo course fees
FOUNDERS
Ting Kum Luen
Born on the 12th of November 1969, Mr Ting happen to stumble upon the sport when his oldest son took it up as a CCA in secondary school. He saw how Water Polo transformed his son and believed that the national sports associations (NSA) could trigger this effect for other children on a much larger scale. However due to the size of NSA, it was very difficult to make changes in the Water Polo scene quickly. After talking to co-founder Sai Meng and vice president, Ivan of Singapore Water Polo at the time, Mr. Ting decided to start his own club, he was already in his 40’s where a change in job was risky as he had to care for his family and 3 children. As he was not a Water Polo player, Mr Ting asked co-founder Lee Sai Meng to coach for their club and Pacer started on the 4th of March 2012.
Lee Sai Meng
Born on the 6th of July 1977, Sai Meng was the head coach for the Singapore National Youth Team, National Women's Team, National Men's Team & the head coach for Pacer in its formative years till 2017 where he drew up the syllabus for the player's & coaches training. As a coach he also brought teams to the Commonwealth Championship, Batawi Cup, Asian Championship, Sea Games, Asian Games, Sea Championship, Princess Chulabourne Cup & the Asian Swimming Championship. Sai Meng has a Specialist Diploma in Sports & Exercise Science, NROC certificates for Water Polo & Swimming, Advanced Water Polo Coaches Clinic by the Federation Internationale de Natation, NCAP level 1 & 2.
A Few Words From Sai Meng
I have felt great passion for the sport of Water Polo since the beginning & feel that if this sport were to be enjoyed by the masses, raising the next generation of Water Polo players would be the first step.
Water Polo Achievements
Sea Games - 1995, 97, 99, 01, 03, 05
Asian Games - 1994, 98, 02
Asian Championship - 1995, 04
Commonwealth Games - 2002, 06
OUR COACHES
Past & Present
Pacer's young coaches makes them more relatable to your kids, as such they should feel more comfortable when confiding problems they may face in trainings to our coaches. Players can look to our coaches as mentors when it comes to Water Polo, school work or life in general.
Igor Josimovic
Pacer Water Polo Academy & Hwa Chong Institution Head Coach
Born on the 17th of April 1988, Igor is a Bachelor’s Degree holder where he graduated from Belgrade’s University, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (Water Polo Department). The title of his Thesis is: Teaching Method of Training in Specific Elements of Movement Techniques in Water Polo without a ball. Igor coached in Mladost Pancevo, Dinamo Pancevo, Partizan Reiffeisen Belgrade and Zoran Milenkovic before coming to Singapore where he currently coaches the U15 Singapore National Youth Team, Hwa Chong Institution A, B, C boys, A girls and is Pacer's Head Coach.
A Few Words From Igor
I enjoy seeing how our kids are growing up through this sport, developing their character, teaching them sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline and other values such as: Perseverance - never give up, Accountability - not giving excuses, not blaming others, whinging and complaining. But instead, taking ownership of something and making sure you ‘know and do your job’ 100% of the time, Commitment - giving a 110% in every training and game. Excellence - is not a single moment or competition: it's a habit, a daily commitment to being the best, Respect - towards referees, opponents, spectators, coaches, teammates and yourself.
Water Polo Achievements
Serbian 2nd division National Championship - 6th
Belgrade International Games Varsities competition - 2 Gold Medals
Serbian 3rd division National Championship - 3 Gold & 2 Bronze Medals
International Water Polo Competition Sanxenxo, Spain - 1 Gold & 1 Silver Medal
Vladimir Zivkovic
Coach - U13 & Saint Andrews Head Coach
Born on the 20th of July 1993, he is a professor of sport and physical education. He is a hard worker, ready for challenges, communicates well and is very dedicated to anything he does. Vlad was assistant coach at Kraljevo club where he brought his team to become the Champions of the senior Serbian League. He was also the assistant coach for the U10 team in a Partizan Water Polo school before advancing to being the head coach for the U13 team which clinched the Serbian National Cup & League Championship. He worked his way up the age groups & soon became the assistant coach of the U16 team which were the Champions of the Serbian National Cup & League. He slowly took on more roles as head trainer of the U12 team who were also Champions of the Serbian National Cup & League and started scouting for other players. In Belgrade, he brought his team to 4th position in an international competition.
A Few Words From Vladimir
What motivates me to coach my Pacer kids is that look of happiness on their faces when they are in training.
Water Polo Achievements As a Player
Gold in Serbia's 2nd League
Water Polo Achievements As a Coach
Banjica Club Regional League Silver
Partizan U12 National & BEOVAL League Champions
Partizan Serbian National Cup U16 Champions
Yip Yang
Coach - U11
Born on the 16th of August 1991, Yip Yang went to Hwa Chong Institution before receiving his degree from SMU. He played Water Polo for a total of 13 years, 6 of which were spent representing the nation. On top of consulting and coaching, he is one of the proud founders of KYLT Enterprise.
A Few Words From Yip Yang
I remember hearing about this phrase, "Knowledge not shared, is wasted"
Water Polo Achievements
2006
National Inter School - 3rd
2007
National Inter School - 3rd
2008
National Inter School - 2nd
2009
National Inter School - 2nd
2012
Sunig - 1st
SEA Champs - 1st
Asian Champs - 2nd
2013
Sunig - 2nd
Asia Cup - 2nd
SEA Games - 1st
Singapore Team of the Year
2014
Sunig - 2nd
SEA Champs - 1st
Commonwealth Water Polo Championship - 2nd
2015
SEA Games - 1st
Singapore Swimming Association Water Polo Athlete of the Year
2016
Asian Championship - 2nd
ASEAN University Games - 1st
2017
SEA Games - 1st
Ang An Jun
Coach - Centre Forward & Back Specialist
Born on the 19th of July 1994, An Jun went to Hwa Chong Institution before entering NUS Business School where he currently studies. Fun fact about An Jun: he writes with his left hand but plays Water Polo with his right hand. He started Water Polo in secondary 1 at HCI and won a total of 1 Gold & 3 Silver medals at the national inter schools from 2007-2012. He went on to represent Singapore at the Youth level in 2010 at Betawi Cup and made his senior squad debut in 2011 at the FINA World Development trophy. Since then, he has participated in the 2014 Asian Games, 2015/17 SEA Games.
A Few Words From An Jun
My motivation is to see players improve. No matter what level they start off at, the most rewarding part and what drives me is when I see our players improve in terms of skill and character.
Water Polo Achievements
U23 SEA Champs - Gold (2014)
Asian Games - 5th place (2014)
SEA Games - 2 Gold (2015, 2017)
Asian Swimming Championships - 5th place (2016)
National School Games - 1 Gold (2011), 3 silvers (2008,2010,2012)
Lee Kai Yang
Coach - Goalkeeper Specialist
Born on the 19th of November 1994, Kai Yang went to Ang Mo Kio Primary School followed by Raffles Institution before becoming a Singapore Armed Forces Officer. Today, he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Accountancy at the Singapore Management University. Kai Yang is also a founding partner of KYLT Enterprise LLP. He picked up Water Polo in secondary school and slowly grew to be addicted to the sport, finding himself attending more trainings with each year. He slowly progressed into the youth team and then the national team where he earned his spot on the senior team in 2014.
A Few Words From Kai Yang
Throughout my years growing up, Water Polo has acted as a vessel to teach me many valuable lessons that can be applied both in the sport and in life. These lessons and values imbued in me has allowed me to achieve numerous accolades and I am always reminded of how fortunate I am to have had fallen in love with Water Polo. I hope to impart the same lessons and values I have learnt through the sport to my little budding athletes as they learn to fall and get back up. I am extremely strict with my students but I am never unreasonable. I aim to work closely with both student and parent as we look to shape the child to a filial member of our community.
Water Polo Achievements
2008
National Inter School - 4th
2009
Betawi Cup - 3rd
National Inter School - 3rd
2010
Betawi Cup - 3rd
Tom Hoad Cup - 4th
National Inter School - 3rd
2011
ASEAN School Games - 1st
National Inter School - 2nd
World Developmental Trophy - 6th
2012
National Inter School - 1st
2014
Asian Games - 5th
Commonwealth Championship - 7th
2015
SEA Games - 1st
2016
Asian Championship - 5th
ASEAN University Games - 1st
2017
SEA Games - 1st
World Developmental Trophy - 6th
Other Achievements
2012 Raffles Diploma (Distinction)
91/13 OCC Sword of Merit Recipient
2015/16/17 SMU Outstanding Achievement in Student Life Award
2016/17 SMU SOA Excellence Award
2016 Deloitte Inspire Award
Deloitte Student Ambassador
SMU Ambassadorial Corp
Portfolio Head
Chow Jing Lun
Coach - U11 & U13
Born on the 6th of September 1994, Jing Lun (Ronnie) went to Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Anglo-Chinese Junior College and Nanyang Technological University. He was introduced to the sport by his brother and were both coached by the same coach, Mr Lau Kum Weng. Ronnie started off as as a Direct School Admission Swimmer at 13 years old and felt that Water Polo was more interesting and made the jump. Ronnie is also a proud Army Half Marathon Finisher.
A Few Words From Ronnie
It brings me joy to be able to witness a competitive spirit in youths. I hope to not only impart Water Polo knowledge but also elite athlete characteristics and values such as perseverance, discipline and creativity. Seeing the younger generation of Water Polo players grow and earn their spot in the national team keeps me motivated to coach potential youths who continue to improve as they will be the ones who will improve the Water Polo culture and community in Singapore.
Water Polo Achievements
2017 KL Sea Games
ACSI C & B Division Champions
ACJC A Division 2nd Runner Up
Wee Jun Rong Jordan
Coach - Beginner
Born on the 20th of May 1992, Jordan started playing Water Polo at the age of 12. He represented St. Andrews Secondary, Singapore National Youth Team, and trained with the national team. He furthered his studies at the Institute of Technical Education where he attained the School Colours Award and currently works as a swimming and Water Polo coach where he gets along extremely well with kids.
A Few Words From Jordan
What motivates me to be a coach is the amount of dedication that my coaches in the past have done to enrich myself and many others to be a better person in and out of the pool. As a coach I would love to replicate a similar learning journey that the sport has allowed me to experience, this is my way of giving back to the Water Polo society.
Water Polo Achievements
School Nationals 2010-2013
Singapore National Youth Team U-16 Competition in Medan
Ting Wai Piew
Coach - Intermediate & Free Trials
Born on the 29th of August 2001, Wai Piew went to Whitley Secondary School followed by Hwa Chong Institution. He started learning Water Polo when he was 10 years old in Queenstown Water Polo Club before switching over to Pacer Water Polo Academy in Secondary 1. He trained with the National Water Polo Men's team from age 13-15 whilst also training with the Youth Team in and representing Singapore in the Youth Team in Serbia, Thailand and Sydney. He also joined the Under 23 Singapore men's team in a training trip to Tianjin, China. Wai Piew started coaching in Pacer as a trainee coach since he was 14 till the present day.
Quite A Few Words From Wai Piew
I’ve been playing Water Polo for about half my life now. Water Polo has given me the opportunity to develop holistically as a person apart from academically in schools – without which I do not believe that I could have improved to where I am today. I coach with the hope that I can give to the children the many life-long values and the “never say die” mindset that I have picked up along my Water Polo journey. And though it is only 7 years since I began the sport, I aim to equip the children with the necessary skills and determination to achieve iwhatever they want in the future.
Water Polo Achievements
Level 2 Referee
Peter Lim Scholarship
Inter School - A Division - Bronze Medal
Samuel Pang
Coach - Beginner
Born on the 12th of June 1968, Sam has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has been a Swim Coach for the past 8 years. He was a recreational swimmer till National Service where he volunteered and was trained for competitive swimming. Today, he has a wonderful wife who has given him 4 kids; in the order of boy, girl, boy, girl. His youngest son was in his school Rugby team where him and his wife was searching for training to help him improve mentally and physically. Water Polo was a CCA offered in his son's school and their family's Water Polo journey began in Pacer Water Polo Academy.
A Few Words From Sam
What motivates me to be a coach is to ensure that the kids under my charge are exposed to good training and practice techniques for swimming. So that they learn a life skill and utilise the acquired ability to assist them to further their performance in swimming and the competitive sport of Water Polo. In hopes that they can rise up to the challenge and represent Singapore.
Achievements
NROC Swimming Instructor Level 1
Waterpolo Coach & Referee Level 1
Completed the defunct SAFRA biathlon once
Inter Unit Swimming Competition - 3rd - 50m & 100m freestyle
Lynnette Tan
Coach - Advanced & JSA
Born on the 8th of January 1986, Lynnette went to Nanyang Polytechnic to pursue a diploma in sports management before going on to Edith Cowan University to attain her bachelor of exercise and sports science. She played Water Polo when she was 15 and has never looked back since. Interesting fact about Lynnette, she loves Japan so much she goes back every year!
A Few Words From Lynnette
Having learnt so much from playing Water Polo, I am committed to helping the Water Polo scene grow in Singapore.
Water Polo Achievements
2011, 2015 & 2017 SEA Games
2014 FINA World Cup
2014 Asian Games
Gan Eng Guan
Coach - Ah Mah Flippa Ball
Born on the 7th of April 1938, yes he is 80 years old. He is an alumnus of Hwa Kaw Primary School and Victoria Institute. Today, he is a coach at the Singapore Swimming Club and a Business man with Starlight Phone Help Service. Fun fact, Mr Gan used to swim with Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in 1952. He started Water Polo in 1951, played in the combined schools in 1953 and went on to represent Singapore at the Asian games in 1954. Today, Mr Gan is helping Pacer out with the Ah Mah Flippa ball Programme.
A Few Words From Mr Gan
Water Polo is my hobby and I would love to simply give back to this community
Water Polo Achievements
Sea Games - 7 Gold Medals
Asian Games - 1 Gold, 1 Silver & 1 Bronze Medal
Tsang Bao Xian
Coach - Hwa Chong Institution Assistant
Born on the 12th of June 1997, Bao Xian is an alumnus of Hwa Chong Institution and is currently in Singapore Management University. He started Water Polo in 2011 and represented Hwa Chong before he was selected for the National Youth Team in 2014. Bao Xian went on to train with the National Team in 2016. He likes to joke and laugh with friends, even when things are serious, he makes sure everyone has fun and enjoys when completing tasks at hand.
A Lot of Words From Bao Xian
I play as a goalkeeper, and when I was younger, no focus was put on coaching for goalkeepers. I had to think and explore on my own how to become a better goalkeeper, listen to advice from seniors, watch videos, and analyse what techniques to apply and how to train these techniques, all on my own. I believe that goalkeepers are an important part of the team, and if not trained properly, many goalkeepers cannot become as good as they can be. Through my years of playing, I have learnt different techniques and skills for goalkeepers, some of which are very hard to learn if not taught properly. Not all goalkeepers will have the fortune of meeting seniors like mine or to discover certain important movements, so they need a goalkeeper coach who can impart very specific skills that other coaches may not understand fully. Therefore, it is my goal to reach out to every goalkeeper, to pass on the important techniques of goalkeeping and to make sure that every goalkeeper, just like every outfield player, is groomed well to achieve their full potential.
Water Polo Achievements
National Schools B division - Silver
A division - Silver & Bronze
AASF U19 Championships
Koh Xiao Li
Coach - JSA
Born on 15th of December 1995, Xiao Li is an alumna of the Singapore Sports School before she went to Temasek Junior College where she picked up Water Polo as a Co-Curricular Activity. After her Junior College years, she joined the Singapore Women's Water Polo Team where she represented Singapore at the South East Asian Games. She is now a student at the University of London.
A Few Words From Xiao Li
What motivates me to be a coach is in hopes to reach out and encourage more female athletes to join Water Polo and change gender stereotypes for the sport.
Water Polo Achievements
Sea Games - Silver
Inter School - Silver
Choo Chin Cheng
Coach - Flippa Ball
Born on the 20th of January 1958, Uncle Cheng went to Toh Tuck Secondary when he was young and super fit. He was once a Singapore Swimming Association Head Coach for the National Women's Team, National Youth Team (U11, U14, U15, U17) and ACS Barker. He started Water Polo in 1973 at Queenstown Water Polo Club without knowing how to swim at all. 4 years later, he played his 1st SEA Games and in 1986 clinched a Bronze medal in the Asian Games. Uncle Cheng got married at 23 and when he was playing in the SEA Games, his wife gave birth to one of his child (LOL)
A Few Words From Uncle Cheng
I squat down to pee & had passion for Water Polo ever since I started.
Water Polo Achievements
Sea Games Gold in 1977, 1979, 1981 & 1985
Asian Games 4th in 1982, 3rd in 1986
Ng Chih Yun Louis
Coach - Flippa Ball
Born on the 1st of October 1969, Louis went to Saint Andrew's Secondary School where he represented the school in Water Polo competitions, was a NTC-Craftsman and has a Diploma in Water Polo. He also represented the Guards unit in SAFSA and took the position of Head Coach at his alma mater. Louis was simultaneously employed by the Singapore Swimming Association as a coach where he coached the National Youth Team as the head coach, National Team as the assistant coach and was head coach of the Women's National Team where he brought such teams to multiple victories. Today, he is the head coach at Nanyang Polytechnic and is an active referee in the Technical Water Polo Committee.
A Few Words From Louis
What motivates me is to see the kids I coach, grow up and achieve great things in their career, sports etc.
Referee Achievements
Doha Asian Games
Perth Commonwealth Water Polo Championship
Macau Asian Age Group Water Polo Championship
Darren Lee Jit-An
Intern
Born on the 16th of September 1998, Darren went to Townsville Primary School followed by St. Andrews Secondary School and is now a student at Republic Polytechnic. He started playing Water Polo at St. Andrews as a goal keeper because he couldn't swim before he joined and trained in the National Team when he was just 16 years old till today. Darren also eats a lot but is unable to gain weight.
A Few Words From Darren
As the Singapore's National Men's Team has a new coach in hopes to help us break the Asian games barrier, there has been a lot more learning during trainings which I am being equipped with. However, I believe that if it is not passed down to the next generation of Water Polo players, there will be no progress. Thinking of when our kids make it into the National team after the current national players retire, the national team head coach do not need to re-teach everything and can work on bigger and more complex things as their basics are already there. This is how I believe Water Polo in Singapore can grow to the next level.
Water Polo Achievements
SEA Games in Malaysia
SEA Champs in Singapore
AASF in Singapore & Seruni
National Inter Schools throughout Secondary School
Pacer's Culture
Pacer believes that it is extremely important to recognise the hard work of our players. Every month, players who display an outstanding performance in competitions or in their attitude during trainings will be hand picked by their coaches to receive the player of the month award. With this award, Pacer hopes to cultivate a spirit of perseverance & all the great values that Pacer stands for, in them.
Player of the Month
On the first Sunday of each month, Pacer holds a potluck celebration for players who’s birthday falls in that month. Similar to how families celebrate one another’s birthdays, we at Pacer, being one big family want to celebrate the day that one of our own was born.
Birthday Celebrations
The Pacer Awards Night is an annual celebration where all players, coaches & parents get to meet, eat & celebrate together. Players who have received the player of the month award will once again be congratulated for their hard work for the year, while all players will be reminded of what the coaches look out for when awarding the players so that they can strive for the award the next year. The players will also vote for the player of the year from one of the twelve player of the month recipients. Parents & coaches will also be recognised for their contributions to the club for Pacer would not be what it is today without these very important individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Annual Awards Night
On the 7th day of Chinese New Year, the Pacer family gathers to Lou Hei (prosperity toss) together. The prosperity toss is a Cantonese-style raw fish salad which usually consists of strips of raw fish, mixed with shredded vegetables & a variety of sauces & condiments, among other ingredients. Regardless of race, language or religion, the Pacer family enjoys the Lou Hei & eats together.
Lo Hei
During special festivities & religious celebrations such as Halloween, Deepavali, Christmas & Easter, Pacer organises themed games & customised training sets for all players to inject some fun into the training sets & post training gatherings.
Others
Our Community
Parent Support Group
The Pacer culture would not be complete without our parents. Parents not only provide a great amount of moral support for players at the pool, but also support them through many different means. For their child, our parents sacrifice their precious time during weekdays after work and even during the weekends to send their children to the pool to train.
Our Parents Support Group (PSG) goes one step further by caring for other children behind the scenes. Our PSG organises birthday parties for their children on the first week of the month, help to provide refreshments during competitions for all the children between games to ensure they are well nourished, and even help to run Pacer’s Annual Awards Night.