Simon Chia
KOTA KINABALU (April 20): The founder and ex-president of the Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS), Simon Chia, has died.
According to his wife Lisa Ambrose, the 50-year-old Simon breathed his last at a private hospital on Saturday morning.
Simon founded SKAS 13 years ago. He lead the association until its most recent AGM when he did not seek re-election due to health reasons.
His wife Lisa was elected a committee member.
The new SKAS president is David Sigar who had been Simon’s right-hand man through the years.
Simon has also served as chief instructor of SKAS and was a representative of World Shotokan Federation (WSF) of Malaysia. The pioneer, who held the rank of 4th Dan (Yondan), was also a WSF examiner.
For his contribution to the development of the sport, Simon was conferred the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK) by His Excellency the Head of State in 2023.
Simon was also vice chairman of the Sabah Lun Bawang Cultural and Arts Association. His mother is a Lun Bawang based in Lawas, Sarawak.
“Simon was my partner, best friends, my strength and the love of my life. A devoted father, a loyal friend, and a man who gave so much of himself to others,” said wife Lisa in a PB posting.
Meanwhile, SKAS said in a statement that Simon was more than a leader.
“Through his vision, dedication, and unwavering passion for Karate, he built not just an organization but a family. His guidance shaped generations of students, instilling discipline, resilience, and values that extend far beyond the Dojo.
“His legacy lives on in every student and he mentored, every life he touched, and in the enduring spirit of the association he so selflessly nurtured.
“We mourn the loss of a remarkable teacher, mentor and friend. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten,” the association added in the tribute.
The requiem mass for Simon will be at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Kota Kinabalu on Monday. His Karate students are expected to attend the Mass in their Karate uniforms and belts.
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