Transformative Power of PE and Coaching 

Mr. Yue’s passion for sports began early in his life. From his school days, he was drawn to a variety of sports, playing soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis in inter-class games and schools’ tournaments. His desire to become a PE teacher was cemented during his time in national service, where he represented his army units in inter-formation games in soccer, volleyball, rugby, shooting and basketball, where he found a deeper connection to physical education. While his A-Level results initially didn’t meet the criteria for his dream course, he didn’t let that deter him. Instead, he joined the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) as a Physical Education instructor, setting the stage for a distinguished career in teaching and coaching.

His commitment to improving his craft led him to attend numerous courses, many focusing on basketball, eventually becoming the first PE teacher from Singapore to achieve the Advanced Basketball Coaching certification in Southeast Asia in 1999. Besides, he also spent three years to complete his part-time Diploma in Sports Science and seven years to complete his open university degree in Chinese Studies during his treatment period for liver cancer from 1999 to 2007. These moments marked a pivotal milestone in his career, one that was also accompanied by significant personal challenges. 

In 1999, Mr. Yue faced a life-altering diagnosis: liver cancer. Despite this setback, he chose to undergo surgery, opting for a brave and disciplined approach to recovery. His commitment to health led him to adopt a vegetarian diet for five years. Unfortunately, the cancer relapsed, and his liver condition was dire and required a transplant. In 2007, he underwent a successful full liver transplant, and since then, he has remained cancer-free.

Remarkably, throughout this period of illness and recovery, Mr. Yue continued teaching without his students ever being aware of his health struggles. His recovery was swift — within three months, he was back in the classroom and on the basketball courts, imparting the lessons of discipline, perseverance, and hard work that had been instrumental in his life.

Newspaper clippings of Mr Yue’s A Div Victory as a coach in 1992

Victory in South Africa Chinese Sports Association Championship in 2002

Participation in NBA without Borders Africa 2006

Mr Yue Keng Siang Caricature

Despite the challenges of being a PE teacher and coach, the rewards are immense. For Mr. Yue, one of the greatest joys has been seeing his players succeed at the highest levels, such as making it into Singapore’s professional basketball teams, like the Singapore Slingers. The recognition and gratitude shown by his former players, who still remember him years after their training, is a testament to the long-lasting impact of his teaching.

Moreover, his experience extends beyond his work with young athletes; he has also participated in the Transplant Games from 2007 to 2024, a global event that brings together organ transplant recipients worldwide. Here, he has made new friends, won medals, and found new sources of motivation. His participation in events like squash, badminton, and pickleball has inspired him to give back to the community — he has even set up pickleball courts for seniors to enjoy free of charge. His message is clear: no matter the challenges you face, it’s essential to listen to your body, take care of your health, and keep moving forward.

Written by Mr Ng Boon Hong, a member of the Publication and Publicity Sub Committee. Photo taken on 18th Feb 2025 during the interview with Mr Yue Keng Siang.