The formation of a new ‘privately run’ set-up by the BA of Malaysia (BAM), tasked with managing elite shuttlers in the country, will certainly be an interesting acid test for the Malaysian badminton scene.
It could, however, go either way.
The new entity, known as the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), comes as the national body is eager to bring home the Thomas Cup, last won in 1992, and to finally win the elusive Olympic gold medal as early as the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
Michelle Chai, who is observing her final days as Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) chief operating officer, has been named ABM’s new chief executive officer.
This was revealed by OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria right after an OCM board meeting on Sept 13. Norza is also BAM president.
While details of the new set-up remain unclear, it is understood that the council members – comprising presidents of state badminton associations – will act as the “board of directors”.
ABM will be run privately, like a company, but this will really depend on BAM’s constitution.
There will also be a clear distinction between BAM and ABM.
ABM’s role is to strictly provide elite shuttlers with an optimum environment for them to achieve success. This means ABM will have full access to the players and will be able to leverage them to ensure there’s enough funding to prepare them for the international stage.
BAM will, among others, look into badminton events – like the Malaysia Open and Malaysia Masters – and develop the sport at the grassroots level. As such, it will be tasked with monetising these events to raise funds.
What could also work is for ABM to provide a “token” to BAM to ensure that the revenue stream for the national body to run competitions and courses at all levels is not severely disrupted.
BAM’s multi-million ringgit sponsorship deal with Petronas is until 2025. The new set-up can be seen as a means to show Petronas that efforts are being made to inject professionalism into BAM. Badminton officials should also leverage on Petronas’ long-standing relationship with F1 and see what best practices can be adopted to ensure the facilities at Bukit Kiara are truly world-class.
Some may argue that by allowing ABM full access to the star shuttlers, BAM may lose out in trying to attract sponsors. That can be debunked by the fact that:
a) if the BAM-ABM synergy impresses Petronas, the national oil and gas company may continue pumping in more funds into both entities to leverage on the players and the events; AND
b) the Lee Zii Jia saga earlier this year showed that despite the departure of Malaysia’s top singles shuttler from the national stable, BAM still managed to get Petronas on board.
The main concern would be to pacify some council members who may believe that this could see their “powers” and “bragging rights” be whittled down.
The spotlight will surely be on ABM, henceforth. That would mean ABM taking full responsibility in ensuring that the welfare of the coaches, players, and supporting staff are taken care of.
However, only the senior elite players should be with ABM. The juniors should remain with BAM. Why? This is to ensure a systematic “graduation” process and to inspire the juniors to prove their worth in order to be a part of the elite few.
BAM’s top guns would also need to discuss if the new set-up will also be responsible for maintaining the facilities at Bukit Kiara, and if it will share certain assets and staff. The chain of command and parameters must be properly drawn up to avoid confusion that could frustrate work.
What BAM needs to also consider are ways to find new talents. The Kuala Lumpur BA, for example, has established a close relationship with schools in the city via its ‘Jejak Juara’ project, and it plans to do the same with clubs.
BAM must realise that clubs, just like state BAs, would often not want to release their players. As such, if the players don’t register under the state BAs, they would not be able to play in national competitions. Some of the council members will argue that BAM is merely adopting Badminton World Federation’s ruling that dictates players, independent or not, must be registered by the national association.
Some state BAs have clubs as affiliates but favouritism often comes into play, resulting in most clubs shying away from being affiliated with their state BAs.
It must be said that more children are studying in international schools, private schools, and are being home-schooled. They would, most likely, sign up and play for a private club.
BAM and the state BAs must ensure that no talent falls through the cracks.
As such, BAM could come up with a national club competition participated by shuttlers who are not part of the national body’s set-up. This would be seen as a recognition of private clubs and encourage club operators to produce players, while enjoying bragging rights.
This will certainly result in a bigger pool of players at the lower levels.
