Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Stalwarts from the Asian golfing industry were feted at the glittering Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Golf Awards Dinner.

Among the highlights of the three-day AGIF Annual International Summit, the awards honoured individuals and clubs who have excelled and made significant contributions to golf in the region.

With more than 200 people in attendance at the Sime Darby Convention Centre, a total of 18 awards were presented across five categories:

• Country Leadership (Individual)
• Country Leadership (Institutions/Golf Clubs)
• Young Leaders (<40 years)
• Women in Golf Leadership (Women Leaders)
• Lifetime Achievement

The awards were open to individuals of all nationalities, provided their work has contributed significantly to the growth and development of golf in Asia.

Nominations were submitted by industry peers, organisations, or through self-nomination, subject to verification by the AGIF Awards Committee. All nominees had to demonstrate a measurable impact on the advancement of golf in Asia, whether through leadership, innovation, sustainability, education, or community development.

In the category for Young Leaders open to individuals under the age of 40, Darma Mangkuluhur Hutomo, Main Commissioner at Indonesia’s PT New Kuta Golf and Ocean View, Seehachet ‘Pro It’ Saifon, General Manager at Thailand’s Robinswood Golf Club, and Long Nguyen, Course Superintendent at Vietnam’s Hoiana Shores Golf Club, were identified.

Meanwhile, Farhana Hamzah and Lim Siew Ai were singled out in the segment for Women in Golf Leadership. Farhana, President of the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Malaysia has been a pioneer for females in the turf industry in the region, while Lim was among the first Malaysian women to play golf professionally.

In receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards, Rae-Vadee T. Suwan and Andrew Johnston were cited for their distinguished contributions to the game over a sustained period of time.

Completing the award winners was Henry Ng, Regional Manager, Sustane Natural Fertilizer who was named in the Country Leadership category for individuals. A long-time former Board member of the AGIF, Ng has been an influential figure in the Certificate in Greenkeeping programme that has helped raise standards in golf course management and maintenance across Asia.

In the category for Country Leadership, clubs from 10 countries were cited –

Cambodia (Chhun On Golf Resort, Dara Lim); Hong Kong China (Hong Kong Golf Club, David Baron); India (Prestige Golfshire, Declan McCollam); Indonesia (Damai Indah Golf, Sian Christine Wiradinata); Malaysia (Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Ungku Ghazni Ungku Ahmad); Philippines (Anvaya Cove Golf Club, Raymond Bunquin); Singapore (The Singapore Island Country Club, Ian Roberts); Sri Lanka (Royal Colombo Golf Club, Andy Andrews); Thailand (Nikanti Golf Club, Sukum Phongprateep); Vietnam (The Bluffs Ho Tram, Ian Cording).

Chris Gray, President of the AGIF, said: “There are so many individuals and organisations who have had a positive influence of the game in Asia that deserve to be rewarded and lifted into the spotlight.

“The Federation is delighted to celebrate excellence in golf by recognising them during our annual Summit.”

Lifetime Achievement Award

Andrew Johnston, General Manager & Director of Agronomy, Sentosa Golf Club (Singapore)
Rae-Vadee T. Suwan, Queen Sirikit Cup Founder (Thailand)

Country Leadership Award (Clubs)

Cambodia: Chhun On Golf Resort (Dara Lim, Head of Operations)
Hong Kong China: Hong Kong Golf Club (David Baron, Director of Golf)
India: Prestige Golfshire (Declan McCollam, General Manager)
Indonesia: Damai Indah Golf (Sian Christine Wiradinata, Director)
Malaysia: Kota Permai Golf & Country Club (Ungku Ghazni Ungku Ahmad, Senior Manager, Club Operations)
Philippines: Anvaya Cove Golf Club (Raymond Bunquin, General Manager)
Singapore: The Singapore Island Country Club (Ian Roberts, General Manager)
Sri Lanka: Royal Colombo Golf Club (Andy Andrews, Director of Golf)
Thailand: Nikanti Golf Club (Sukum Phongprateep, Golf Club Manager)
Vietnam: The Bluffs Ho Tram (Ian Cording, General Manager)

Country Leadership Award (Individual)

Henry Ng, Regional Manager, Sustane Natural Fertilizer (Malaysia)

Young Leader Award

Darma Mangkuluhur Hutomo, Main Commissioner, PT New Kuta Golf and Ocean View (Indonesia)
Seehachet ‘Pro It’ Saifon, General Manager, Robinswood Golf Club (Thailand)
Long Nguyen, Course Superintendent, Hoiana Shores Golf Club (Vietnam)

Women in Golf Leadership 

Farhana Hamzah, President, Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Malaysia (Malaysia)
Lim Siew Ai, Ex-Professional Golfer (Malaysia)