Mark Chay Jung Jun’s far-reaching career has navigated the competitive swimming lanes, administrative offices of sports federations, and the hallowed halls of Singapore’s Parliament. As a former Olympic swimmer and now a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP), Chay’s diverse roles highlight his commitment to using sports as a platform for social change.
Born on February 18, 1982, in Singapore, Chay had a remarkable talent for swimming from a young age, nurtured through his education at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and Anglo-Chinese Junior College. His swimming prowess earned him a scholarship to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, where he continued to excel, becoming the Mountain West Conference Champion and earning a degree in Communications.
On January 21, 2021, Mark Chay was appointed as one of the nine Nominated Members of Parliament for the 14th Parliament of Singapore. His appointment marked a significant shift from sports to politics, where he aimed to leverage his sports background to address social issues. In Parliament, Chay has been a vocal advocate for using sports as a tool for social change and unity.
Chay has emphasized the importance of sports in building community spirit, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic impacted Singapore’s sports and fitness sector, and Chay has used his platform to highlight the need for support and recovery strategies for this sector. He has proposed various initiatives to enhance community engagement through sports, advocating for policies that make sports accessible to all segments of society.
Chay co-chaired the Local Organizing Committee for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships and Singapore’s inaugural Olympic Esports Week in 2023. These roles have allowed him to showcase Singapore as a hub for international sports competitions, sharing a sense of national pride and community engagement. His work in sports administration reflects his belief in the power of sports to bring people together and drive social cohesion.
From 2019 to 2022, Chay coached Yip Pin Xiu, a famous Singaporean para-swimmer. Under his guidance, Pin Xiu won two gold medals at the London 2019 World Para Swimming Championships, two gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, and two gold medals at the Madeira 2022 World Para Swimming Championships. Chay’s coaching excellence was recognized with the Coach of the Year (High Performance) award at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards in 2021 and 2022.
Chay’s contributions in Parliament are not limited to sports. Drawing on his extensive experience in sports administration, he has proposed policies to benefit the sporting community and the broader population. He has advocated for increased funding and support for sports programs, particularly those that target underprivileged communities and promote inclusivity.
Chay has also addressed major economic concerns, utilizing his background to propose policies that ensure the sustainability and growth of the sports sector. He has emphasized the economic benefits of sports infrastructure and programs, arguing that such investments can drive job creation, tourism, and community development. By highlighting the multifaceted benefits of sports, Chay has made a compelling case for their inclusion in broader economic and social policies.
Chay’s advocacy for using sports as a catalyst for social change and unity reflects a deep understanding of sports’ power. As a Nominated Member of Parliament, sports administrator, and coach, Chay continues to champion the interests of athletes and the broader community, promoting policies that foster inclusivity, resilience, and economic growth.
Chay’s legacy inspires many, demonstrating that with passion and commitment, sports can be a powerful tool for social change. As he continues to take on his diverse roles, Chay remains pivotal in promoting sports and social development in Singapore and beyond.
