Champions Behind the Scenes - Lilian Chee

Lilian Chee: A Journey from Inspiration to the Olympics

Lilian Chee, posing for a photo at the race track of the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix. Photo Credit : Lilian Chee

Lilian Chee, posing at the race track of the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, is more than just a figure in Singapore's sports community. As she anticipates her role as a Technical Official at the Paris Olympic Games, her journey began much earlier, inspired by the 1988 Seoul Olympics. From climbing the ranks as a national hockey player to becoming a revered technical official globally, Lilian’s story is a beacon of inspiration.

Discovering a Passion

Watching the Seoul Olympics at 13, Lilian was captivated by hockey. It was serendipitous that her secondary school, Crescent Girls, offered hockey as a CCA. Known for its strong hockey program, the school became the breeding ground for her passion. Within six years, Lilian was already playing for Team Singapore.

“I played several positions at different life stages,” Lilian recalls with a laugh. “When I was younger, I was a forward. In my mid-20s to late 20s, I played as a midfielder. And in my early 30s, I transitioned to a defender.” Her favorite role remains in the midfield, where she could act as the "connector" between attack and defense, orchestrating the team’s movements and controlling the game's flow.

Memorable Playing Days

Lilian’s tenure with the senior hockey squad spanned from 1994 to 2005, filled with memorable moments. One of the highlights was the 1999 Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia. Despite facing stronger teams, Team Singapore emerged champions. That same year, at the Brunei SEA Games, Lilian scored the winning goal in the 3rd/4th place match, securing a bronze medal for Singapore.

After retiring from the national team in 2005 at 30, Lilian’s passion for hockey didn’t wane. Instead, she transitioned into a new role—Technical Official (TO).

Lilian Chee (Front row, 1^st from Right), with her fellow squad members in the Singapore Women’s Masters Team, at the 2023 World Masters Hockey Asian Continental Cup, Hong Kong. Photo Credit : Lilian Chee

Embracing a New Role

As a Technical Official, Lilian ensures tournaments are efficiently managed according to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Rules and Regulations. Her responsibilities include overseeing match operations, supervising team benches, managing match timing, and conducting disciplinary hearings.

Initially, the transition from player to official was daunting. Coaching didn’t appeal to her as she felt limited in her ability to contribute at a high level. Umpiring, which she had tried in her younger days, didn’t resonate with her either. However, the TO role allowed her to remain connected to the sport she loved while exploring different perspectives beyond the sports industry.

Rising as a Technical Official

Seventeen years since her first assignment as a TO, Lilian has officiated at prestigious tournaments worldwide, including the Asian Games, the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup, and two Olympiads. She attributes her success to two core values: integrity and empathy.

“Integrity is crucial,” Lilian explains. “We must be fair and transparent in our officiating, without biases. Our role is to educate teams on the proper application of rules, ensuring a level playing field.” Empathy, on the other hand, helps in understanding the pressures coaches and team managers face, fostering better collaboration.

Lilian Chee (Right) in the Technical Officials’ area of a Hockey match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo Credit : Lilian Chee

Representing Singapore at the Olympics

Paris 2024 marks Lilian’s third consecutive appearance as a TO at the Olympics. Over the years, the landscape of hockey officiating has evolved. Gender equality has progressed, with female officials now involved in mixed-gender officiating, a move Lilian welcomes.

“One key learning from previous Olympiads is the need to stay focused,” she shares. “It’s easy to get distracted by other sports or supporting fellow Singaporeans. In Rio, I had to remind myself to stay committed to my role.”

Lilian Chee (3rd from Left), with her fellow Singaporean Technical Officials, at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Asian Games, Hangzhou. Photo Credit : Lilian Chee

Impact on Local Hockey

Despite Singapore’s growing status in international hockey, its officials consistently receive appointments to major games. This reflects their ability to develop outstanding technical officials respected worldwide. Lilian hopes to continue this legacy, providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, to enrich their lives through sports officiating.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Lilian hopes Singapore’s national teams continue to excel internationally. She advocates for a systematic approach to encourage participation and stresses the importance of sacrifice, commitment, and support from the entire ecosystem.

She also urges the community to support the development of officials, noting that young officials often face maltreatment. Creating an encouraging environment can help grow the pool of officials and continue the legacy of officiating at world-class sports events.

Lilian’s journey from a young girl inspired by the Seoul Olympics to a respected technical official at the Paris Olympic Games is a testament to her dedication, integrity, and passion for hockey. Her story continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations in Singapore’s sporting community. ​

Lilian Chee, Vice President of Singapore’s Hockey Federation (Back Row, 3rd from Right), with Singapore’s National Women’s National Team at the 4 Nations Tournament 2023, Singapore. Photo Credit : Lilian Chee