Koh (third right) presents a copy of his book to Yeoh and Wong.
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 26): After five years of dedication, Johnson Koh Yong Siang has released his much-anticipated autobiography in Sandakan last Saturday.
The book, titled “Durian Boy to Tennis Great: Journey of Johnson Koh Yong Siang (BSK)”, was officially launched by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the Sandakan District Tennis Association (SDTA).
In a statement on Tuesday, Koh, who moved from Johor to Sandakan in 1980, said the book chronicles his lifelong journey in tennis — from his humble beginnings as a “kampung durian boy” to becoming a national champion and key figure in Sabah’s tennis scene.
“The book took me five years to complete,” said Koh, who has served as Sabah Tennis Association (STA) president for 17 years.
He shared that the idea was first mooted by his late friend, journalist Colin Forsythe, and later reignited by another long-time friend, Mohd Rizal bin Abdullah, who encouraged him to pen his life story.
Koh compiled years of photos, articles, and memories to complete the project, with the book’s publication made possible through sponsorship from a close friend. Proceeds are directed towards grassroots tennis development, particularly the Sandakan Tennis Junior Coaching Fund.
“The proceeds from the first 100 copies will go to the Sandakan Tennis Junior Coaching Fund. I began the first coaching in Sandakan and want to continue my ‘Free Coaching for Sandakan School Kids’ programme — a slogan I’ve carried for the last 45 years,” he said.
Koh added that anyone donating RM150 or more to the fund will receive a copy of the book. Copies will also be donated to state, district, and university libraries across Sabah.
Additional proceeds will support tennis and sports-related initiatives in Sandakan.
“I began as a ‘kampong durian boy’ and have progressed to what I am today. My contributions to tennis have been my whole life, so I hope this book will also help tennis and sports in some ways,” said Koh, who is also SDTA’s patron and life member.
During the launch, Koh presented copies of the book to Yeoh and Sandakan MP Vivian Wong. Apart from officiating the book launch, Yeoh also handed over five newly resurfaced tennis courts to SDTA.
“This is a historic day as SDTA has never been visited by a federal minister. YB Hannah came twice to this tennis club,” Koh noted.
SDTA is the first district tennis association to own a clubhouse and eight tennis courts through the Sandakan Municipal Council.
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