Interview with Eddie Chua (Singapore) - person behind AIC. - Congratulation on successful kick start of AIC. How do you feel about it? - Overall, I think the event was a success, the only thing I am not satisfied was the number of turnout, we should have more skaters involved. - What are the major obstacles you had to face while organizing first two stages of AIC? - Lack Budget and support from the authorities - Please tell us more on how the AIC idea came about? - The initial idea was to bring the WIC to Singapore, however due to budget constraints, we had to seek an alternative and that was how the AIC came along. - Can you give us more details on other people behind AIC? - The main people involved are Bill Begg, Joe, Andrew and I. We are all basically commercial entities in the skating business (except for Bill) that wants to see the sport grow. - Do you hope to make money out of AIC anytime soon? Is it commercial project or you just doing it for fun? - In the initial phase there is no way we can make any money out of AIC, at least not in the first few years, however we definitely have to think about making some money when achieved some success with the events. - We know you are the man behind WSSA - biggest international organization for freestyle/slalom. Last December you have organized in Singapore 3 days competition with skaters from 18 countries taking part. Why AIC now? Do you enjoy stressing yourself out, going without sleep, paying your own money, working on the track under hot sun or pouring rain? What drives you? - To be honest I don't have a clear cut answer, I guess I have some passion for skating. I make my living from the sport and I supposed I should return something back. - Your passion for this sport goes a long way back. In fact you are probably the only one supporting speedskating here consistently over the years regardless of economic situation. Why are you doing this? It couldn't be for money as we all know speed skating market in Singapore is extremely small. - It's definitely not for the money. First of all I think that speedskating is a beautiful sport and it deserves our support. It's much more challenging to develop a new sport and hopefully make a difference as compared to going into something that has already been overdone. - Your main skating shop at East Coast park looks more like a social club where local skaters hang out together - different disciplines, age group, nationality, level of skill. It's quite amazing. Is it something you have planned or it comes naturally? What is your secret? - Actually there is no secret, when I wanted to open Hvper sport at east coast in 1999, everyone around me thought that I was crazy and it will close down in 1-2 years. At that time there were no skate specialty store and it was an untested business industry in Singapore. I used to be in business shirt and tie everyday some 10-15 years ago. Today it's T-shirt, Bermudas and sandals. Sometimes success or failure may not necessary be measured by dollars and cents and I have no regrets so far…… - Are you a good skater? What is your sporting background? -I would like to call myself a skater with passion for the sport but not a good skater. I was never a good skater but how do we define GOOD in the first place. I grew up in a sports store, so I can do almost all kinds of sports but I have never been good at any. - Your slalom team has best local skaters by far, well organized, disciplined - very professional with some decent international results. But your Micro X-Tech speed team couldn't get on that level. How do you feel about it? - Honestly, I don't blame them. We have no training facilities, no coach, no proper competition and most important no support from the authorities, so how can we expect anything from them. However, things will have to change in the future when AIC is in place. It all about timing…. - We have witnessed many attempts from your side to do something about lack of training facilities for speed and freestyle skaters, but no success at all. What is the reason? Do you think skaters here have a chance to have proper skating facilities to train in the near future? - This job is supposed to be role of the Rollersport Association of Singapore but they never seem to be able to get it right. I don't want to go into details but I will definitely continue to support the sport in any way possible and hopefully we will get what we deserve one day….. - Few years ago you have been president of local skating federation but decided to step down. What was the main reason for it? - I was never good at politics and the main reason for stepping down was because some members felt that I should not get involved because of my commercial background, so I left. - Do you still have close working relationship with federation? - I hope so… - We know that federation here have announced Singapore is not capable of holding international skating events in the next few years. You are proving them wrong time after time. Is there any conflict because of this? - First of all, I totally disagree with their announcement. We definitely can host high quality international events here. So far I don't see or feel any conflict and I hope it stays that way. - Did they ever indicate interest to come on board and help? What do you think federation can do for your events? Do they have good administrative team or expertise in speed or slalom to make your events even better? - No they have never really offered anything so far and I don't think they have any ability to run the sport with their current team, if there is a team in the first place. - Last year you went to Asian Championship in China as Singapore team manager/leader. Was it an eye opener for you? What do you think Singapore skaters need to do in order to get on the same level as Korean and Taiwanese athletes? - Quote from Mr. Bill Begg: "The first time is just to watch, the second time is to race and hopefully the third time we get a medal." It was definitely an eye opener and I hope our skaters think the same. The Koreans and Taiwanese are way ahead of us and we have to work very hard to catch up. - You met Bill Begg at the end of last year and now he is part of your AIC team. How did you manage to persuade him to join you? Was it hard to convince him to join AIC project? - I did not have to try very hard to persuade him about organizing AIC; he understands the needs and potentials far better than I do…. - How is your experience working with Bill so far? - One word: "Delighted" - Back to first two stages of AIC in Singapore - are you satisfied with outcome? Is it what you have expected? - Actually, it was better than expected given the budget and support we got. - What do you think AIC Singapore organizers need to improve in order to make the events here even better? - We need more volunteers, funding and promotion. - Do you think we have chance to see more foreign and local skaters taking part in next AIC race? - For sure, the word is already out and we will be expecting much more, everybody loves Singapore. I hope to see thousands coming one day and I definitely think it's possible. - Anything to add for readers of this interview? - It has been a long and difficult path for everyone, I know we will get there and I want everyone to cross that finish line. KEEP SKATING…… "Finally it's over!" - after AIC-2 Back to Media