In Remembrance of Coach Tan See Wah
30 October 1940 to 8 July 2025
A Lifetime Dedicated to Malaysian Basketball
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Tan See Wah, former Secretary General of the Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA), a national icon and one of the most meritorious coaches in the history of Malaysian basketball.
Mr. Tan served as Deputy Secretary General of MABA for 16 years before being appointed Secretary General from 2008 to 2010. His tenure marked a critical period of consolidation and growth. Notably, he played a key role in securing continued corporate support, successfully negotiating with Petronas—MABA’s Rakan Sukan since 1995—to renew their partnership for another five years before the original agreement expired in 2010.
A former national player himself (1965 to 1969), Mr. Tan transitioned into coaching and became one of the most accomplished names in Southeast Asian women’s basketball. He began coaching the Pahang Women’s Team in 1973, leading them to national titles from 1973 to 1975 and again in 1989.
Mr. Tan served as the Assistant Coach of the Malaysia Women’s National Basketball Team during their historic run of five consecutive SEA Games gold medals between 1977 and 1985.
As Head Coach, he led the team to another glorious four consecutive SEA Games golds from 1997 to 2007—making him Malaysia’s only coach with nine SEA Games gold medals.
Under his leadership, Malaysia’s women’s team also reached the 8th World Championship for Women in 1979, qualifying with a 4th-place finish at the 1978 Asian Basketball Championship in Kuala Lumpur. At the World Championship in Seoul, the team achieved a proud victory over Senegal, the South Africa champion, finishing 11th out of 12.
Beyond basketball, Coach Tan was a dedicated educator. He taught Mathematics, Science and English in schools across Terengganu and Pahang from 1964 to 1995, shaping not only athletes but also young minds and character.
Coach Tan’s coaching philosophy and methods earned him recognition beyond Malaysia. He was frequently invited by FIBA to conduct coaching clinics abroad, including at the National Coaches Conference in Ireland in 2004. He was also the first Malaysian coach to publish a book on basketball tactics and coaching philosophies, contributing to the sport’s development beyond national borders.
Coach Tan was recognised for his outstanding contributions. In 1997, he was named Most Outstanding Coach of the Year by the National Coaches Accreditation Board. In 2007, he received the “Most Successful Partnership in Women in Sport” award from the Olympic Council of Malaysia.
Dato’ Seri Lee Tian Hock, President of MABA, paid tribute by saying, “Coach Tan See Wah’s life was a testament to unwavering dedication, humility and excellence. He not only raised champions on the court, but also shaped generations of athletes, educators and leaders through his work in basketball and education.”
MABA extends its deepest condolences to Coach Tan’s family and all who had the honour of working with him. His spirit, wisdom and legacy will remain forever in the heart of Malaysian basketball.
Rest in peace, Coach Tan.
