Paul Chua, DSM, IFBB Vice President for Asia
and the "Father of Bodybuilding in Asia"

In Asia, Singapore has been the foundation of bodybuilding for decades. In 1983, the Singapore Bodybuilding Federation (SBBF) had the distinction of being the first Asian country to organize the IFBB Mr. Universe. This historic event was organized under the capable hands of 61 year-old Paul Chua, D.S.M., IFBB Vice President for Asia.

Under Chua's bold leadership the SBBF has created and organized several new championships such as the Asian Pro-Am, the Asian Women, the Asian Masters, and the Asian Juniors. A true visionary, in 1990 Chua wisely instituted the use of computers to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the scoring sheets during the highly contested SBBF championships. This move was instrumental in eliminating errors and speeding up the tedious and time consuming judging process. For over four decades, Chua has been one of the towering bodybuilding figures in Asia and his broad shoulders have helped take the sport from dingy, dark gyms to some of the most prestigious auditoriums in Asia.

Bodybuilding was first introduced in Singapore in the early 1940's when British military personnel working at the British Ordinance Department (BOD) began strength training to build a better physique. At that time Singaporeans, intrigued by this new and mysterious activity, considered bodybuilding a privilege reserved for the members of the BOD. Curiosity grew rapidly and shortly, enough interest in bodybuilding was generated that the Strength & Health Club, considered Singapore's first bodybuilding gym opened its doors. The club attracted the country's top boxers, weightlifters, and within a short amount of time, people began to train and become bodybuilders.

The popularity of bodybuilding soared, as many young people were attracted to it despite the fact the Singapore Weightlifting Federation considered bodybuilding a second-class sport and routinely made participants wait until 12:00 am to compete. The first Mr. Malya competition was held in Kuala Lumpur in 1955 and thanks to the success of this spirited and highly competitive competition, bodybuilding received a large amount of support and prestige and additional competitions were quickly organized in key cities such as Singapore, Perak, Penang, Malacca, and Selangor.

Enthusiastic and dedicated bodybuilder's eager to compete, helped organize and promote the sport throughout Asia. Chua, a skilled boxer, quickly became interested in bodybuilding and soon dedicated himself to making the sport more popular throughout Asia.

In 1958, Chua began his bodybuilding career as the SBBF assistant treasurer. Through hard work and the ability to develop and implement new ideas in order to improve the sport, he quickly advanced. He was eventually selected as the IFBB Vice-President, Asia, in 1978 in Acapulco, Mexico.

Thanks to Chua and his knowledgeable SBBF staff, Singapore bodybuilders have won 139 gold, 95 silver, and 67 bronze medals during regional and international competitions.

When asked to comment on the success of bodybuilding in Asia, Chua remarked, "I am a firm believer in discipline, dedication, and devotion. By applying these three simple but important rules, a person will greatly improve their chances for success."

The future of bodybuilding in Asia continues to shine brightly. Thanks to Chua's hard work, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) recently selected bodybuilding to be part of the 15th Asian Games to be held in Doha, Qatar, December 1-15, 2006

In a letter to IFBB President Ben Weider, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, the Founder and President of the Olympic Council of Asia and a member of the International Olympic Committee, said, "38 sports have been tentatively chosen for competitions during the Games and I have great pleasure in informing you that bodybuilding is one of the selected disciplines."

Chua's expert advice and guidance were key factors in addressing the concerns the Olympic Council of Asia had regarding bodybuilding. He also provided technical advice and other assistance, including financing. Chua has committed himself to doing whatever it takes to guarantee the success of the bodybuilding portion of the Asian Games.

Chua's influence was key as the IFBB obtained recognition by the Olympic Council of Asia and gain participation in the South East Asian Games and the Asian Games. This permitted over 20 Asian National Olympic Committees to recognize bodybuilding and demonstrated the professionalism of our sport to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"I cannot think of a bigger supporter of bodybuilding then Paul," remarked Ben Weider. "In his role as the IFBB Vice President, Asia, Paul has provided me with fantastic, rock-solid support and thanks to his continuous efforts; bodybuilders throughout Asia are respected on the same level as athletes in other sports. Paul has created a solid foundation for bodybuilding in Asia and is held in the highest esteem by the entire bodybuilding community," said Weider.

Widely recognized as "The Father of Asian BodyBuilding," the IFBB proudly salutes Chua for his dedication and essential role in the expansion of bodybuilding and fitness throughout Asia and the world.