Singapore Weiqi Association was founded in 1981. Activities started in the
same year at the Ulu Pandan Community Center. The association has not only succeeded
in establishing a foothold in Singapore, but has also attracted attention in the
international Weiqi circles. During the late 80's, the association successfully held
several international tournaments and received visits of many Weiqi Grand
Masters from China, Japan and Korea. The Weiqi population in Singapore has increased
from about 100 in 1981 to more than 20000 in 2000.
The association is training
more than 3000 students each year at our clubhouses
and schools. In 2001,
three professional Weiqi players from China are teaching
for the association. Presently, there are more than 250 students learning Weiqi
in the two clubhouses. Each learner can start from beginner's courses, intermediate
courses and up to advance courses. After two three years of learning, a student
should be able to achieve a 1-Dan level.
About 20 schools and institution offer Weiqi training classes. This includes
the two universities and several top schools in Singapore. Most of the training
classes are conducted by our professional coaches. Our association also provides
support to community clubs to promote their Weiqi activities.
Each year there are more than ten Weiqi tournaments held in Singapore to cater for
different groups and different level of players. This includes children and youth
tournaments, lady and veteran tournaments, open single, pair and group tournaments.
Our association also send about 5 to 10 representatives for overseas championships
each year.