The former sailor has been entrusted with the role at the venue in Seoul, which was established by the South Korean Government and hosted the first World Championships in 1973.

"I feel honoured and I believe that taekwondo is more than just a martial art and a sport," said 68-year-old Ng, a former sailor, to the Straits Times.

"It manifests itself through the values of the Olympic Movement - excellence, friendship and respect.

"Taekwondo has been an Olympic sport since 2000 and there is a lot of scope for development. 

"A key motivation for me when I take on international appointments is how I can use the role to support the sport in Singapore.

"With this appointment in Kukkiwon, I believe it will help Singapore taekwondo very much."

A demonstration team is based at the Kukkiwon while the headquarters is also in charge of training, grading, research and innovation, in a bid to spread the Korean martial art worldwide.

Ng said he was friends with Kukkiwon founder Kim Un-yong, who has now died, which has sparked his interest in taekwondo.

"This is a great honour and I am delighted to see a Singaporean holding this high appointment at Kukkiwon," said Singapore Taekwondo Federation President Milan Kwee to the Strait Times.

"Mr Ng is a person known by many in the world of sports and he is well-liked. 

"He is very humble and a very helpful person."