AFC General Secretary Dato' Alex Soosay can rightfully claim to have seen the entire spectrum of the beautiful game.

Be it the pressures of playing at the national level or coaching a top-level state side or carrying out onerous administrative duties, the 53-year-old Malaysian has done it all. 

Known for his affable manner and razor-sharp intellect, Dato' Alex Soosay has been closely involved in charting Asian football’s growth since 1995 as a top AFC administrator.

Dato' Alex Soosay’s foray into football started in 1977 as a midfielder with the Negeri Sembilan Indian Association team and before long he had been drafted for State action, playing in the Malaysia Cup from 1979 till 1985. 

As a coach, Dato' Alex Soosay took charge of Negeri Sembilan in 1987 and steered the team until 1989. In the following year he was appointed as Executive Secretary of the Negeri Sembilan FA and continued in this position for five years before joining AFC.

At the continent’s football governing body, Dato' Alex Soosay has worked as the Director in various departments, including referees, legal, youth competitions and Olympics, men’s and clubs’ football, technical and logistics. He also earned an AFC ‘A’ Coaching Licence in 1997.

The Malaysian was elevated to the position of AFC Assistant General Secretary in 2006 and was named as the AFC Acting General Secretary in 2008 before being confirmed in 2009 as the AFC General Secretary. 

“Asia is a sleeping giant and we have to unleash its potential,” says Dato' Alex Soosay. “I am determined to play my part in this.”

As a hands-on administrator, Dato' Alex Soosay has been involved in the AFC Asian Cups of 1996, 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2011, the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Championship, 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The mantra driving Dato' Alex Soosay, as he claims, is immense faith in God, his family, colleagues and friends. 

Dato' Alex Soosay’s work-philosophy revolves around dedication, attention to detail and discipline, and he lays much store by harmony, trust and patience.

Dato' Alex Soosay married Juanita Shoba in 1990 and they have three sons - Ivan, Isaac and Isaiah.