Coach remembers supervisor from school

GEORGE TOWN: Badminton coach Khaw Chin Teng was shocked to learn that his former student Yuan Kuok Wern is among those missing after the landslide at Tanjung Bungah.

Khaw, 51, said he had not met with Yuan, 27, whom he coached in primary and secondary school, for more than 10 years now.

However, he always thought that they would bump into each other some day because they both live in Penang.

“I have not met Yuan since he finished secondary school but I remember him to be an obedient and honest boy,” he said at his home in Batu Uban yesterday.

Khaw coached Yuan at SJKC Keong Hoe and SMJK Heng Ee.

“He is a good badminton player, among the top three in school.

In shock: Khaw, with a photo of Yuan, always thought that he would bump into his former student some day since they both live in Penang.

“He also played at state level and in the Penang School Sports Council competitions,” he added.

Khaw also remembered Yuan as being athletic in school, taking part in dragon boat and basketball events, too.

“However, badminton is his favourite sport,” he added.

Yuan, a site supervisor, was transferred to the construction site in Tanjung Bungah just two weeks ago.

Khaw said his thoughts and prayers went out to Yuan’s family and he hoped they would stay strong throughout the ordeal.

He said Yuan was very close to his mother who used to drop off and pick up her son from badminton practice.

Tan Kuan Ming, 27, who just learned that Yuan was among those missing, hopes for the best for his friend from primary and secondary school.

Hoping for the best: Yuan’s family members praying that he would be found soon at the construction site.

Yuan and Tan were also badminton partners in school.

Describing Yuan as a reliable and hardworking team player, Tan said his friend was an easygoing person who was well liked in school.

“It is disheartening to hear that this could happen to someone I know. We can only hope he is found soon,” said Tan, a mechanic.