Swinging To New Milestones
Feature: Chen Xingtong (Golf) and Nicholas Tan (Table Tennis)
Chen Xingtong
Individual Programme - Golf, IBDP, Year 5
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At just 16 years old, Chen Xingtong has already made a remarkable impact in golf. A Year 5 student-athlete in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 2025, Xingtong began her athletic journey in swimming before discovering her passion for golf. In 2021, she made a pivotal move from Bukit Panjang Government High to Singapore Sports School midway through Secondary 1, a decision that allowed her to better balance her academic commitments with her athletic ambitions. Since then, she has experienced incredible success, securing multiple victories in the local junior circuit and advancing from the junior squad to the national squad in 2024.
The year 2024 proved to be a defining one for Xingtong. She kicked off the year by topping the leaderboard at the HSBC Women’s Championship Qualifiers, earning a coveted spot in the prestigious HSBC Women’s World Championship. Her momentum continued as she made history by becoming the youngest female to win the Singapore Open Amateur Championships in July. That same month, she led her team to victory in the Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Team Championship, further solidifying her rising prominence in the sport.
Xingtong's outstanding achievements were recognized at the Singapore Golf Association Awards and Gala Dinner, where she was honoured as the Junior Female Golfer of the Year. This accolade not only highlights her exceptional skill and dedication but also underscores her bright future in the world of golf. With such a promising trajectory, there's no doubt that Xingtong’s name will continue to shine in the golfing world for years to come.
On her journey towards success, Xingtong shared, “Resilience and dedication are key for a student-athlete, just like staying committed to your goals through rain and shine. I learnt this during a tough period in golf when I struggled with a technique change. Feeling demotivated and overwhelmed, I focused on small steps and stayed persistent, with the support of my coaches, family, and friends.
The dedication to improve, no matter the challenges, helped me overcome my mental block and regain my confidence.”
Xingtong is delighted to receive the prestigious award, and looks forward to achieving more experience and exposure, including representing Singapore at the HSBC Women’s Championship from 27 February to 2 March 2025.
Nicholas Tan
Table Tennis, Diploma in Business Studies, Year 1
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Nicholas Tan’s journey in table tennis began at the age of 6 when he joined a local zone training centre, where he quickly developed his skills and caught the attention of his coach. Initially drawn to the sport by the rhythmic sound of the ball bouncing, Nicholas realised his talent at the age of 9 after winning three consecutive local tournaments. That moment marked the start of his serious pursuit of the sport, leading him to join Sports School in Secondary 1. Now a first-year Diploma in Business Studies student-athlete, Nicholas has consistently excelled in competitive settings, earning podium finishes in both local and international events.
2024 was a standout for Nicholas, who was in Secondary 4. He achieved his first-ever trophy on the World Table Tennis (WTT) circuit, finishing joint-3rd in the U17 Boys' Singles at the WTT Youth Contender Havirov in May. That same month, he delivered impressive performances at the Southeast Asian Junior Table Tennis Championship, winning two silver medals in the U19 Boys' Singles and Mixed Doubles events, as well as a bronze in the U19 Boys' Team event. Nicholas also played a key role in the Men’s Team at the Southeast Asian Championships, contributing to a joint-bronze finish in the Men’s Team event.
Reflecting on receiving the Moo Soon Chong Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year Award, Nicholas shared, “Receiving the Moo Soon Chong Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year award is an incredible honour. It’s a recognition of not only my skills but also the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made over the years. To be acknowledged with such a prestigious award is humbling and motivates me even more to continue pushing myself and improving.”
Chen Xingtong
Individual Programme - Golf, IBDP, Year 5
At just 16 years old, Chen Xingtong has already made a remarkable impact in golf. A Year 5 student-athlete in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 2025, Xingtong began her athletic journey in swimming before discovering her passion for golf. In 2021, she made a pivotal move from Bukit Panjang Government High to Singapore Sports School midway through Secondary 1, a decision that allowed her to better balance her academic commitments with her athletic ambitions. Since then, she has experienced incredible success, securing multiple victories in the local junior circuit and advancing from the junior squad to the national squad in 2024.
The year 2024 proved to be a defining one for Xingtong. She kicked off the year by topping the leaderboard at the HSBC Women’s Championship Qualifiers, earning a coveted spot in the prestigious HSBC Women’s World Championship. Her momentum continued as she made history by becoming the youngest female to win the Singapore Open Amateur Championships in July. That same month, she led her team to victory in the Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Team Championship, further solidifying her rising prominence in the sport.
Xingtong's outstanding achievements were recognized at the Singapore Golf Association Awards and Gala Dinner, where she was honoured as the Junior Female Golfer of the Year. This accolade not only highlights her exceptional skill and dedication but also underscores her bright future in the world of golf. With such a promising trajectory, there's no doubt that Xingtong’s name will continue to shine in the golfing world for years to come.
On her journey towards success, Xingtong shared, “Resilience and dedication are key for a student-athlete, just like staying committed to your goals through rain and shine. I learnt this during a tough period in golf when I struggled with a technique change. Feeling demotivated and overwhelmed, I focused on small steps and stayed persistent, with the support of my coaches, family, and friends.
The dedication to improve, no matter the challenges, helped me overcome my mental block and regain my confidence.”
Xingtong is delighted to receive the prestigious award, and looks forward to achieving more experience and exposure, including representing Singapore at the HSBC Women’s Championship from 27 February to 2 March 2025.
Nicholas Tan
Table Tennis, Diploma in Business Studies, Year 1
Nicholas Tan’s journey in table tennis began at the age of 6 when he joined a local zone training centre, where he quickly developed his skills and caught the attention of his coach. Initially drawn to the sport by the rhythmic sound of the ball bouncing, Nicholas realised his talent at the age of 9 after winning three consecutive local tournaments. That moment marked the start of his serious pursuit of the sport, leading him to join Sports School in Secondary 1. Now a first-year Diploma in Business Studies student-athlete, Nicholas has consistently excelled in competitive settings, earning podium finishes in both local and international events.
2024 was a standout for Nicholas, who was in Secondary 4. He achieved his first-ever trophy on the World Table Tennis (WTT) circuit, finishing joint-3rd in the U17 Boys' Singles at the WTT Youth Contender Havirov in May. That same month, he delivered impressive performances at the Southeast Asian Junior Table Tennis Championship, winning two silver medals in the U19 Boys' Singles and Mixed Doubles events, as well as a bronze in the U19 Boys' Team event. Nicholas also played a key role in the Men’s Team at the Southeast Asian Championships, contributing to a joint-bronze finish in the Men’s Team event.
Reflecting on receiving the Moo Soon Chong Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year Award, Nicholas shared, “Receiving the Moo Soon Chong Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year award is an incredible honour. It’s a recognition of not only my skills but also the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made over the years. To be acknowledged with such a prestigious award is humbling and motivates me even more to continue pushing myself and improving.”
- Swinging To New Milestones
- Twice The Triumph
