Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) has conferred its Rising Star Award on Joshua Ho and Vu Nguyen, recognising their rapid ascent from national athletes to new-generation leaders in Asian golf administration and development.

While Ho serves as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Golf Association (SGA), Vu is General Secretary of the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA).

Chris Gray, AGIF President, said: “To have risen into such influential positions at such young ages is a testament to the abilities and character of Joshua and Vu. Having represented their countries with distinction in international amateur competition, both have transitioned into outstanding administrators who are shaping the future of golf in their respective countries and around the region.”

In his role as the SGA’s CEO, 31-year-old Ho leads the national development of the sport and drives Singapore’s strategic progression in regional and global golf.

Ho joined the SGA in 2019 as High Performance Manager following his graduation from Singapore Management University with a Bachelor of Business Management. His strong leadership potential quickly propelled him through key roles, including acting General Manager in 2021 and full appointment to that position in 2022.

In July this year he stepped into the position of CEO, where he continues to champion nationwide golfing pathways, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, and build new opportunities for talent and community engagement.

Before his executive career, Ho represented Singapore as a national golfer for a decade (2009-2019). His accomplishments include winning the team gold medal at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games and being honoured as a meritorious awardee at the Singapore Sports Awards in 2018. His history as an elite player allows him to deeply understand the needs of athletes, coaches and the evolving golf landscape in Singapore.

Like Ho, 34-year-old Vu is a former national team player for his country who has transitioned seamlessly into administration.

As well as his role with the VGA, Vu also represents the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) on the R&A Rules of Golf Committee, contributing to the on-going development of governance and rules education across the region. At Royal Liverpool in 2023, Vu became the first Vietnamese to referee at The Open. He was again among the referees at Royal Portrush this year.

As well as playing a key role in expanding participation pathways and strengthening competitive structures within Vietnam, Vu has been recognised for advancing the profile of Vietnamese golf through regional collaboration and forward-looking leadership initiatives.

Gray said: “Joshua and Vu represent the future of golf leadership in Asia. Their balanced understanding of player development, governance and growth reflects the qualities we aim to encourage through this recognition.”

Gold sponsors of the 2025 AGIF Annual International Summit were The R&A, Club Car and Trojan Battery Company with Centaur Asia Pacific and Jebsen & Jessen as Silver sponsors. Tourism Malaysia was the Event Partner and Sime Darby Convention Centre the Venue Partner.

The Malaysian Association of Golf Recreational Club Owners, the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Malaysia and the Golf Club Managers Association of Malaysia were Supporting Partners.