The late Spencer Soo Kok Heng
KOTA KINABALU (June 11) Sabah deaf sports fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. Former Sabah Deaf Sports Association (SdeafSA) president Spencer Soo Kok Heng who passed away early Wednesday morning after a battle with cancer.
He was 11 days shy of his 53rd birthday.
Widely respected for his dedication to deaf sports development, Soo leaves behind a legacy that spans more than three decades as an athlete, administrator, mentor and advocate for the deaf community.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from sports leaders and organisations, describing him as a tireless champion who transformed opportunities for deaf athletes in Sabah and beyond.
Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said he was deeply saddened by the news.
“His passing is a great loss to Sabah, particularly to the deaf sports community, which has long benefited from his leadership, commitment and dedication,” he said in a condolence message on Wednesday.
“On behalf of the ministry, I extend my sincerest condolences to his family, relatives, friends and colleagues. His services and contributions to the development of sports in Sabah will always be remembered and greatly appreciated,” he added.
The Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) also expressed profound sorrow, describing Soo’s passing as a significant loss not only to his family but also to everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
“The late Spencer Soo will be remembered with great respect and appreciation for his invaluable contributions, dedication and lasting legacy. The impact of his efforts will continue to inspire and be cherished by many,” the association posted in its Facebook account.
Soo’s journey in sports began in the early 1990s when he represented Malaysia as an athlete in tenpin bowling and football. His talent and determination saw him win medals in competitions across Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.
He then turned his attention to sports administration, taking on the role of SdeafSA president in 2012. He later served as vice-president of the national deaf sports body from 2015 until his passing.
Under his leadership, Sabah deaf sports enjoyed significant growth and success despite the many challenges faced. He played a key role in strengthening athlete development programmes and raising competitive standards, helping Sabah to winning various national titles including retaining the Malaysia Deaf Games (Sopma) overall champions title last year.
Many Sabah deaf athletes who went on to represent Malaysia in football, tenpin bowling, badminton, athletics and chess benefited from his guidance and support.
Soo also served as manager of the Malaysian team to the World Bowling Championships and was a passionate advocate for Malaysian Sign Language (BIM), employment opportunities and entrepreneurship within the deaf community.
His efforts did not go unnoticd when early this year he received the prestigious Sports Leadership Award at both the National Deaf Sports Award 2025 and the Sabah Sports Awards 2023-2024, honouring his outstanding contributions to sports development and leadership.
Despite his continued commitment to the association, Soo chose not to seek re-election as SdeafSA president during state body annual general meeting and election in early May due to health reasons.
He was succeeded by Nethaneal Enson and was subsequently appointed as an advisor to the association.
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