The pioneer who put Malaysia on cycling’s Olympic map

Ng Joo Pong, the trailblazer who brought Malaysia onto the world's cycling stage, has passed away at the age of 80. His journey from the streets of Kuala Lumpur to two Olympic Games helped put Malaysian cycling on the map. Joo Pong's passion for the sport began early, borrowing his father's bicycle without permission and later winning a China-made bicycle by selling raffle booklets.

With encouragement from his father, Swee Long, and his brother Joo Ngan, the two brothers made the most of limited resources, training on local roads and participating in various races. Joo Pong's breakthrough came when he earned a bronze medal in the 1,000m individual time trial at the 1963 Asian Cycling Championships and helped Malaysia win gold in a team event.

He represented Malaysia at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, finishing 24th in the 1,000m track time trial and competing in the team pursuit. Though he did not win a medal, his participation marked a significant milestone in Malaysian cycling history. Beyond his Olympic achievements, Joo Pong excelled in regional competitions, winning three silver and one bronze medal at the 1965 SEAP Games and two bronze medals at the 1967 SEAP Games.

He also claimed bronze in the 10,000m massed-start race at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. Tragically, his father died in a car accident in 1969, while following him on a training ride. This loss deeply affected the brothers, temporarily halting their cycling activities. After retiring from competitive cycling, Joo Pong worked various jobs, including selling lorries and driving a taxi.

However, his life was marked by health challenges, including strokes that limited his mobility. In October 2025, the Malaysia Olympians Association honored Joo Pong's Olympic career with a visit, recognizing his contributions to the sport. His brother, Joo Ngan, was present during the tribute, expressing his deep love for his late sibling.