Ng Boon Bee

Ng started to play badminton when he was ten years inspired by his badminton-playing father. He was the third child from five siblings. His first success in badminton came in 1955 when he became Perak schoolboy champ in the singles and doubles. A year later, he won the Perak junior. He also excelled in all types of sports beside badminton such as athletics, tennis, rugby, and playing association football at the national level. It was some time in 1961 that he finally decided to concentrate on badminton.^[2]

During the 1960s, Ng and his partner, Tan Yee Khan formed one of the most successful men's doubles teams of the decade, winning most of the sport's biggest titles including the coveted All England, Asian Games and Asian Championships.^[3] Known for his quickness, power, and anticipation, Ng was a member of the Malaysian squad that won the 1967 Thomas Cup, in a 6–3 controversial victory over Indonesia at the Istora Senayan Stadium.^[4]

After Yee Khan retired in 1969, Ng formed a successful partnership with Punch Gunalan. One of their biggest achievements was beating Indonesia's combination of Rudy Hartono/Indra Gunawan in the 1971 All-England final. There were other accomplishments too, including winning the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games and 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.^[5]

Ng was married to Tong Yee Cheng. Together they had 2 children – Gillian and Thomas. Thomas was named after the prestigious Thomas Cup.^[6]

On 3 August 2022, Ng died at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital due to aneurysm.^[2]

• 1968 Malaysia's Sportsman of the Year^[7]
• He was inducted into the World Badminton Hall of Fame in 1998.^[8]
• Olympic Council of Malaysia's (OCM) Hall of Fame 2015.^[9]

• Member of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (A.M.N.) (1972).^[10]
• Commander of the Order of Meritorious Service (PJN) – Datuk (2023).^[11]
• Knight Commander of the Grand Order of Tuanku Ja’afar (D.P.T.J.) – Dato' (2008).^[12]