With Detenamo stepping down, an Executive Board meeting in Eng's native Penang agreed to appoint the current vice-president to the Presidential role until a vote is taken at the CWF Electoral Congress in Glasgow next July.

That meeting will follow the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the Scottish city, which will be uppermost in Eng's thoughts as he prepares for the journey ahead.

As well as serving as vice-president since 2006, Eng is a well-respected sports executive with more than 20 years' experience in delivering international events, managing National Federation affairs and holding public office.

He is also currently vice-president of the International Weightlifting Federation and President of the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation.

A key figure in Penang, he also serves in regional roles in the sports of swimming, body-building, golf and ballroom dancing, and in the past served as chairman of the 2011 Junior World Championships Organising Committee.

"With a unique blend of leadership attributes, extensive sporting knowledge and a bespoke understanding of international diplomacy, Dato Ong Poh Eng is an outstanding official who has demonstrated a selfless contribution towards the advancement of sport," CWF general secretary Paul Coffa said.