Oncology and squash? It’s not a combination most people think of. Yet, therein lies a fascinating story behind the private oncology centre that is also the title partner of both the Singapore Junior Open and Junior Circuits.

SGSquash caught up with Dr. Tay Miah Hiang, one of our nation’s finest oncologists and co-founder of ONCOCARE. What followed was a story of how squash played a part in leading Dr. Tay and ONCOCARE to success.

“I believe that squash gave me the competitive advantage to get into medical school,” Dr. Tay said convincingly.

“When we were applying to medical school, in retrospect, I think there were generally two pre-selected groups of candidates for interview. There are the ones likely to be selected as a result of their ECA (Extra Curriculum Activities, since renamed to Co-Curricular Activities) and academic results, and another group that might make it if they could convince the selection panel.

Fortunately for me, I am convinced that I fell into the first group and did not have much trouble getting in. And I really believe that it was squash that was one of the factors that tipped the scales. They even asked me if I would be able to juggle squash training and attending medical school!”

Having started squash in Secondary One, Dr. Tay’s journey as a player saw him pick up the coveted National Schools Champion with the St. Patrick’s School team, as well as finishing third place in the B Division of the SSRA League.

Dr. Tay reckons that his training years have taught him many valuable life lessons which he still applies today, such as facing difficulties with determination and dealing with obstacles. In a game of squash, when one loses, one gets right back up, trains harder, and aims to win at the next opportunity. He likened this to when he founded ONCOCARE, where not everything went to plan and there were setbacks. Yet that did not stop him, and his perseverance eventually earned him success.

Dr. Tay shared that dealing with a difficult condition like cancer is rather like being in a tough match of squash.

“Squash is a game of tenacity. You got to keep running and pace yourself (to last the entire match). The ball will keep coming back and you just have to take it in your stride.

When I deal with cancer patients, I tell them to keep fighting. We only have one life, so we need to treasure it and not give up easily.”

Dr. Tay is a firm believer that sports can help one become a better person. Discipline, dedication and hardwork are values gained through squash that can be applied to many things in life.

Recalling his experience playing at team events, Dr. Tay shared that these team events showed him the importance of teamwork and encouraging one another. This helped nurture him into the leader that he is today.

“I manage the team pretty similarly to a squash team. We work well together and encourage each other. When you have a good team that works together, the patients and their families are happy; with happy patients come more referrals.

I never thought that we will grow to be this big when I started the practice. We are now one of the largest private oncology centre in the country, and I am just thankful for the opportunities.”

During the 2017 Singapore Junior Open, Dr. Tay noticed that there were no local winners. In a bid to further encourage the juniors, Dr. Tay offered an additional $1,000 prize money – the Singapore Next Rising Star Award – to every Singaporean junior champion in any age category.

“It is not a lot of money. These kids have to fight it out in there and win many matches to earn it. But if this can encourage them to work harder, I am more than willing to do my part,” said Dr. Tay.

Since then, five Singaporean juniors have taken home both the ONCOCARE Singapore Junior Open title and the Singapore Next Rising Star Award (the full list of players available at the end of the article). In addition, participation in the Singapore Junior Open has grown such that in 2025, the Open will be held as an Asian Junior Super Series Platinum event for the first time. Dr. Tay summed up why he is doing this right now.

“Professionally, financially and personally, I’m in a comfortable stage of my life. Things are falling into place and I feel it is the right time for me to give back to society. Squash has given me opportunities; it is now time for me to play my part.

I want to inspire successful people, I believe there are others who got their break because of squash; maybe they do not realise this yet. But I hope many more will come forward.”

2024 – Kareena Sashikumar (GU11), Naisha Singh (GU15)

2022 – Naisha Singh (GU15), Ong Zhe Sim (GU17)

2019 – Ong Zhe Sim (GU13)