Tuesday September 25, 2007
Chui leaves for Hong Kong
MAISIE Chui, who has played an active role in promoting women ice hockey players, has no plans to sever her ties with Malaysia.
Chui, the chief marketing officer of Maestro Planning Solutions, will be based in Hong Kong from October. She has been entrusted with the responsibility of setting up Maestro Planning Solutions in Hong Kong.
Though she will be in Hong Kong, Chui said she would never detach herself from Malaysian ice hockey and Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (Khas).
“I have been with Khas for the past five years. I cherish the mo-ments I spent with them. Khas have gone through many obstacles in making ice hockey what it is today.
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To Maisie with love: Lee (in black shirt) handing over the autographed jersey to Chui (in pink top).
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“It's sad that the time has come for me to leave them. But I will always keep in touch with them, and whenever possible, I will return to Malaysia and join their training programmes. The people are friendly and have made me part of their family,” said Chui.
She was also happy with the large number of ice hockey players in the Klang Valley. When Chui came to Malaysia in 2002, there were about 60 involved in ice hockey.
“Most of them were expatriates and the locals were social and re-creational players. But today, thanks to Khas' efforts, the number has soared to about 500. I am also pleased to see more young kids active in ice hockey.
“I have reasons to be happy to be part of Khas' programmes. The friendship and camaraderie is something I will miss a lot in Hong Kong,” said Chui.
“And, I had the opportunity to lead a women's team in interna-tional competitions.”
Khas patron Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, who presented an autographed jersey to Chui, said the ice hockey player had played a big role in inspiring the young girls in the programme.
“We will miss the motivation and also her ever-smiling face. We wish her all the best and we will always welcome her,” he said.
During her stay in Malaysia, Chui helped spearhead the formation of the women's ice hockey team. The team – Malaysia Slayers – showed tremendous progress and emerged second in the 2006 World Ice Hockey 5s in Kuala Lumpur. Chui was also voted the Best Forward in Kuala Lumpur.
This year, Chui once again proved her leadership qualities by helping Malaysia Slayers to finish third in the World Ice Hockey 5s in Hong Kong.
Khas secretary Susan Loh was full of praise for Chui, who had played a big part in fostering ice hockey relationship among wo-men players throughout the Asian region.
“She also sat in the Khas com-mittee as an adviser representing the women's teams. She was the driving force behind the younger players and always had encouraging words for them. We wish her all the best. She will always be welcome to Malaysia,” said Loh.
