Who is Michael Siong?
Michael Siong won the Johor Bandaraya 2006 tournament. Just who is Michael Siong?
I have met him before in Singapore during the Malaysia vs Singapore 2005 friendly match. No he didn’t play in the match but turned up to meet Mok Tze Meng for some food and drinks at a ‘mamak’ stall in Singapore.
From my personal observation is that he is very friendly and nice person. Anyway, I found out he is a veteran in the field of chess having been an organiser and arbiter as well as held some post in some chess organisation. Which organisation I do not know.
Other info:
Full Name: Michael Siong Beng Huat
Organiser and arbiter for : Great World City Charity Chess Challenge in 1998
Taiping 2005 Allegro : Finished 9th place
Rated : 2189
Good in blitz and excellent tactician (according to nutcrusher)
That’s all I know about Michael Siong. Here’s a chance for others to fill in the blanks by posting in the comments section 
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Michael was a chess coach in the 80s. He coached the Singapore National Juniors then (or at least the Juniors from Cairnhill Chess Club which formed the bulk of the national juniors) which had players like Low Pee Yeow, Wong foong Yin, Ong Chong Ghee, etc. If I am not mistaken, he was an SCF official then too.
He also coached a school in Johor Bahru during that time which produced our national champion, Mohd Kamal Abdullah.
He is a loyal supporter of Malaysian Chess as he takes part in our tournaments whenever possible. I believe he has not failed to sent at least one team to our Merdeka tournament since the 80s. A proud achievement which even many malaysians cannot match.
As for his chess playing standard, he is quite good in blitz, but i reserve my comments on his overall standard. hehehe.