Thursday, 16 October 2025
Tangkis 2030
Tangkis 2030 is a strategic 5-year roadmap launched by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) under its president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, with the aim of returning Malaysia to being a powerhouse in international badminton.
Here are the key components and goals of Tangkis 2030:
🎯 Main Goals
1. Win the Thomas Cup in 2026 — Malaysia has been chasing this since last winning in 1992.
2. Secure our first ever Olympic gold in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
3. Produce world No. 1 players in at least 3 out of 5 event categories (i.e. men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles)
🛠Strategic Focus Areas
Grassroots & Early Recruitment: Lowering the age of recruitment of junior players. Engaging more with schools, state associations, clubs, and academies to build a strong base of talent.
Athlete Welfare and Support: Improving conditions for players, including better nutrition, increased allowances, and better infrastructure. For example, the food budget per athlete at the academy is being doubled.
Holistic Ecosystem Development: Not just focusing on elite players but the whole badminton ecosystem — coaches, training programmes, sports science, branding, marketing, finance, etc.
Engagement of Experts & Notable Figures: For example, Lee Chong Wei was brought in as an independent council member to help with athlete performance & welfare. Also bringing in experts in legal, sponsors, media branding etc.
🧠Why It Matters / Context
Malaysia has long had a strong badminton tradition but has been facing stiff competition internationally. The “Tangkis 2030” plan is seen as a holistic response to that, trying to modernize and rebuild not just for immediate results but to ensure sustainability over years.
Recent performances (e.g. breakthrough at the BWF World Championships, women’s & mixed doubles pairs reaching finals) have been used as indicators that the direction is promising.
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
The Chengdu Connection
Here’s a full explanation of why BAM sends its National Junior players every year to the Badminton Asia U15 & U17 Championships in Chengdu, China. It’s actually a strategic move by the BAM.
1. Official Continental Championship (Badminton Asia Sanctioned)
The BAT Yonex U15 & U17 Asia Junior Championships are the official continental event organized by Badminton Asia, the governing body for Asia. Every member nation — including Malaysia is required and expected to send representatives to this annual championship. It’s equivalent to a “continental championship” for junior players, just like the Asian Games or Thomas Cup for seniors. So BAM sends their players because it’s an official international duty under the Badminton Asia calendar.
2. Exposure and Experience for Young Players
The event gathers the best U15 and U17 players from all Asian countries — China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, UAE and Chinese Taipei.
BAM sees it as a key platform for player development, giving juniors:
- International match experience.
- Exposure to different playing styles.
- Mental and physical preparation for future world-level tournaments.
This helps BAM evaluate young talents for future national teams and BWF World Junior Championships.
3. Benchmarking Against Asia’s Strongest Players
Asia dominates world badminton — so the U15 and U17 Asia Championships are the toughest junior events in the world. Competing here allows Malaysian coaches to measure how far behind or ahead their players are compared to:
- China’s national juniors,
- Indonesia’s PBSI youth squad,
- Korea’s and Taiwan's school system, Thailand's and India's club system etc.
It’s an important performance benchmark for Malaysia’s junior centralised development program.
4. Part of BAM’s Talent Development Pathway.
The players BAM sends to Chengdu are usually from:
- Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS),
- State Badminton Association programs (like Penang BA, Johor BA, Selangor BA), or
- The National Junior Elite squad (ABM)
These players are carefully chosen through Afffin 100PLUS National Junior Circuits, National Championships, and internal trials. The Chengdu event is a final test and exposure stage before moving into the World Junior Championship (U19) level.
5. Centralized and Stable Venue
Since Chengdu has hosted the event consistently since around 2022–2023, it provides:
- World class badminton facility,
- Predictable travel arrangements,
- Cost efficient infrastructures,
- Reliable tournament management.
BAM benefits from this consistency and reduced logistical uncertainty, so Malaysia continues to send teams every year.
6. Building International Relations
Sending teams yearly helps BAM maintain good relations with Badminton Asia, China Badminton Association, and other federations.
This cooperation can lead to:
- Joint training camps,
- Exchange programs,
- Invitations to friendly tournaments.
✅ In summary:
BAM sends Malaysian junior players every year to the Asia U15 & U17 Championships in Chengdu because it’s an official continental event, gives vital international exposure, serves as a talent benchmark, and supports long-term player development under a stable and strategic hosting setup.
1. Official Continental Championship (Badminton Asia Sanctioned)
The BAT Yonex U15 & U17 Asia Junior Championships are the official continental event organized by Badminton Asia, the governing body for Asia. Every member nation — including Malaysia is required and expected to send representatives to this annual championship. It’s equivalent to a “continental championship” for junior players, just like the Asian Games or Thomas Cup for seniors. So BAM sends their players because it’s an official international duty under the Badminton Asia calendar.
2. Exposure and Experience for Young Players
The event gathers the best U15 and U17 players from all Asian countries — China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, UAE and Chinese Taipei.
BAM sees it as a key platform for player development, giving juniors:
- International match experience.
- Exposure to different playing styles.
- Mental and physical preparation for future world-level tournaments.
This helps BAM evaluate young talents for future national teams and BWF World Junior Championships.
3. Benchmarking Against Asia’s Strongest Players
Asia dominates world badminton — so the U15 and U17 Asia Championships are the toughest junior events in the world. Competing here allows Malaysian coaches to measure how far behind or ahead their players are compared to:
- China’s national juniors,
- Indonesia’s PBSI youth squad,
- Korea’s and Taiwan's school system, Thailand's and India's club system etc.
It’s an important performance benchmark for Malaysia’s junior centralised development program.
4. Part of BAM’s Talent Development Pathway.
The players BAM sends to Chengdu are usually from:
- Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS),
- State Badminton Association programs (like Penang BA, Johor BA, Selangor BA), or
- The National Junior Elite squad (ABM)
These players are carefully chosen through Afffin 100PLUS National Junior Circuits, National Championships, and internal trials. The Chengdu event is a final test and exposure stage before moving into the World Junior Championship (U19) level.
5. Centralized and Stable Venue
Since Chengdu has hosted the event consistently since around 2022–2023, it provides:
- World class badminton facility,
- Predictable travel arrangements,
- Cost efficient infrastructures,
- Reliable tournament management.
BAM benefits from this consistency and reduced logistical uncertainty, so Malaysia continues to send teams every year.
6. Building International Relations
Sending teams yearly helps BAM maintain good relations with Badminton Asia, China Badminton Association, and other federations.
This cooperation can lead to:
- Joint training camps,
- Exchange programs,
- Invitations to friendly tournaments.
✅ In summary:
BAM sends Malaysian junior players every year to the Asia U15 & U17 Championships in Chengdu because it’s an official continental event, gives vital international exposure, serves as a talent benchmark, and supports long-term player development under a stable and strategic hosting setup.
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Strategy vs Low Zi Yu
Kiera's main adversary now remains the formidable Johorean, Low Zi yu whom had a 5-0 head-to-head win record against Kiera todate. Despite her diagnosed with hyperthyriodism in May 2024, she still competed actively (particularly in doubles) representing the Country in International Junior Tournaments. Kiera was able to take one set of her in two of the matches while the rest were straight game loses. The best opportunity to turn the tide around woud have been the recent MSSM finals but it wasnt to be. She will continue to find ways to build her game further and bridge the gap down and hopefully one day soon, she will be able to get her first win. Here are some of the footage, coach has given some good pointers how to play against Zi Yu.
The following are matches vs Low Zi Yu
1) 19th Nov 2023, Allianz Finals Semi-Finals lost 14-21, 15-21
2) 9th June 2025, JET Finals Preliminary Group A lost 21-14, 10-21, 15-2
3) 14th June 2025, JET Finals Final lost 5-21, 19-21
4) 23rd Aug 2025, Petronas Interstate U18 Team Event lost 12-21, 17-21
5) 17th Sept 2025, MSSM Final lost 21-17, 11-21, 12-21
The following are matches vs Low Zi Yu
1) 19th Nov 2023, Allianz Finals Semi-Finals lost 14-21, 15-21
2) 9th June 2025, JET Finals Preliminary Group A lost 21-14, 10-21, 15-2
3) 14th June 2025, JET Finals Final lost 5-21, 19-21
4) 23rd Aug 2025, Petronas Interstate U18 Team Event lost 12-21, 17-21
5) 17th Sept 2025, MSSM Final lost 21-17, 11-21, 12-21
First MSSM
In Sept 2025, Kiera made it to MSSM GSU15 finals for the first time in three years. Be that as it may, she would face-off with the talented Low Zi Yu again whom had 4 - 0 head-to-head lead over Kiera todate. Here is a flash back on how she did it...
2025 Tournaments : Play 60, Win 49, Lost 11 (Win ratio 82%)
2025 Tournaments : Play 60, Win 49, Lost 11 (Win ratio 82%)
Wednesday, 25 June 2025
Kiera's Biggest Achievement Todate
10 years ago, Kiera’s brother, Aaron won a bronze medal for NATIONAL JUNIOR BADMINTON GRAND PRIX FINALS 2015 in Kedah for BSU12 category, the first in PJba history.
The saying goes achieving good results in tournaments is great… but achieving good results in big tournaments is where it matters… will take the players a long way in their badminton journey.
It took 10 years of waiting for Aaron’s little sister to surpass his feat with a silver medal in the recent Affin 100Plus JET Finals 2025 in Kelantan for GSU16 category.
Watch her here…
This results has pushed her to the second spot in GSU15 National Junior (unofficial) Ranking.
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
TRANSFORMATION Part 4
3) Performance Knowledge
This is third and final part of the Transformation series and probably the most interesting one. This is a wide topic to cover but I will just share the ones that has worked for us.
A. Periodization
The original theory upon which periodization has been built since 1964 has evolved. Now it is acceptably defined as a systematic approach to training and planning for the athlete to reach their peak at a specific, pre-determined time. If it is planned well, the athlete can be at his best or ideally be on top form at the intended tournament. After they have peaked, it is only natural that they will dip in their performance. An athlete cannot be at their peak all season. If there are no major tournaments (off season), there is no necessity for the athlete to be at their peak. Therefore, during this period, the player can plan for proper rest for recovery, healing and also pursue other hobbies and interests – just to get their mind off badminton.
In a year, I will plan out Kiera’s major tournament dates for the next 12 months en route to her major tournament dates ie. JET 1, 2 & Finals, Overseas Tournaments, MSSD/S/M, Interstate Team Event etc. These are the target dates to peak. Once these dates are marked out, we can now start to plan backwards, how and what to train in a purposeful and systematic way by working together with her coaches.
The impactful way I feel is to have her coach addressing what is lacking in her game and work on these short comings. Playback from video recordings of her games will help by identifying areas for correction. Training now will be more purposeful. It is best to have a coach that shares the same ideals, that knows her well personally and plan a personalised training programme holistically.
We also complemented her trainings with physical fitness exercises and gymn for strength and conditioning. Periodically, we will arrange sparring sessions and particularly, participate in private tournaments (when available). We belief this will solidify the training process because players’ mentality are different when playing in tournaments with a stake on.
The table below is an example of Kiera’s 2023 calender showing the dates of her major tournaments that were intended for her to peak.
Annual Calander
Note that August month was earmarked for rest and active recovery. The intention was when she returns to pre-season in October, she comes back afresh with renewed energy and hopefully with high enthusiasm. However, it may take some time for an athlete to pick up mentally and physically to the level where they were before the break. So it will require some lead time to build up to form again. That is why the yearly periodization calendar helps with her badminton performance planning.
B. Supercompensation
Supercompensation is a sports science conception that completing a progressive intense training (loading) phase followed by a recovery period leads to better physiological adaptations (e.g., strength/skill/speed gain). It’s based on the idea that higher stress levels take a more significant toll on the body, triggering it to adapt better and effectively handle similar stress level in future.
The video here will do a better job in explaining what this means. There are many materials in the internet you can learn by using this keyword to search.
https://shorturl.at/uwvVp
The question is, what is the ideal frequency to attain Supercompensation? Coaches has to be mindful not all athletes possess the same tolerance level. There are many factors that determine the tolerance level of an athlete. Some will achieve supercompensation earlier and some may not. Some may suffer muscles soreness / discomfort and thus will require longer recovery time. The idea is to progressively lengthen and / or adding the intensity (loading) more than the previous session, within an athlete’s tolerance level, followed by a recovery session to achieve supercompensation. That is why a well structured training program with this principle in mind, may assist the athlete to achieve this benefit. The conceptual graph below sums it up.
I have also shared some of this content in my previous post here so as I do not have to repeat them here.
C. Performance Measurement
When it comes to performance improvement, the best way to know whether an athlete is improving is to measure and analyse their performance. Only then a coach will understand an athlete’s abilities, capability and exposes room for improvement.
For 100m sprinters as an example, their goal is to break their personal best. They can also see other records achieved like the World record and will be able to know the gap and how much more to bridge. Without a stopwatch measurement, the athlete will not be able to see their performance objectively.
Where there is a benchmark to achieve, like the Beep test, coaches can set benchmark scores for athletes to pass certain required fitness level. Eg. > score of 10 for girls and > score of 12 for boys. Also the examiner / coach will also know the extend of fitness optimisation each athlete has when they achieve higher then these benchmark.
When it comes to measuring game performance, we use an index system with a base match vs Danish when she was 12yo. Although she lost in that match however she reported that she played one of her best match ever. Therefore we decided to give that match a base index of 10.
From then on, any matches she plays thereafter, she can measure (approximately) her own performance by comparing with the base match with index of 10.
Therefore, some of her significant matches indices are as follows :
Jan 2023 SBA Ranking win Lim Yew Ern : 14
Nov 2023 SSA Finals win Chanice Tan : 15
Dec 2023 SBA Closed win Siti Nuramina : 13
June 2024 JET Finals lost Mirza Batrisya : 12
This may be arguably a subjective measurement but it’s the best we can come up with to give her some impression of game performance measurement.
More to come in Transformation Part 5
D. Pre and Post match video reviews
E. Pre match warm ups on court
F. Mental Preparation and Visualisation
G. Win Error video Analysis
This is third and final part of the Transformation series and probably the most interesting one. This is a wide topic to cover but I will just share the ones that has worked for us.
A. Periodization
The original theory upon which periodization has been built since 1964 has evolved. Now it is acceptably defined as a systematic approach to training and planning for the athlete to reach their peak at a specific, pre-determined time. If it is planned well, the athlete can be at his best or ideally be on top form at the intended tournament. After they have peaked, it is only natural that they will dip in their performance. An athlete cannot be at their peak all season. If there are no major tournaments (off season), there is no necessity for the athlete to be at their peak. Therefore, during this period, the player can plan for proper rest for recovery, healing and also pursue other hobbies and interests – just to get their mind off badminton.
In a year, I will plan out Kiera’s major tournament dates for the next 12 months en route to her major tournament dates ie. JET 1, 2 & Finals, Overseas Tournaments, MSSD/S/M, Interstate Team Event etc. These are the target dates to peak. Once these dates are marked out, we can now start to plan backwards, how and what to train in a purposeful and systematic way by working together with her coaches.
The impactful way I feel is to have her coach addressing what is lacking in her game and work on these short comings. Playback from video recordings of her games will help by identifying areas for correction. Training now will be more purposeful. It is best to have a coach that shares the same ideals, that knows her well personally and plan a personalised training programme holistically.
We also complemented her trainings with physical fitness exercises and gymn for strength and conditioning. Periodically, we will arrange sparring sessions and particularly, participate in private tournaments (when available). We belief this will solidify the training process because players’ mentality are different when playing in tournaments with a stake on.
The table below is an example of Kiera’s 2023 calender showing the dates of her major tournaments that were intended for her to peak.
Annual Calander
Note that August month was earmarked for rest and active recovery. The intention was when she returns to pre-season in October, she comes back afresh with renewed energy and hopefully with high enthusiasm. However, it may take some time for an athlete to pick up mentally and physically to the level where they were before the break. So it will require some lead time to build up to form again. That is why the yearly periodization calendar helps with her badminton performance planning.
B. Supercompensation
Supercompensation is a sports science conception that completing a progressive intense training (loading) phase followed by a recovery period leads to better physiological adaptations (e.g., strength/skill/speed gain). It’s based on the idea that higher stress levels take a more significant toll on the body, triggering it to adapt better and effectively handle similar stress level in future.
The video here will do a better job in explaining what this means. There are many materials in the internet you can learn by using this keyword to search.
https://shorturl.at/uwvVp
The question is, what is the ideal frequency to attain Supercompensation? Coaches has to be mindful not all athletes possess the same tolerance level. There are many factors that determine the tolerance level of an athlete. Some will achieve supercompensation earlier and some may not. Some may suffer muscles soreness / discomfort and thus will require longer recovery time. The idea is to progressively lengthen and / or adding the intensity (loading) more than the previous session, within an athlete’s tolerance level, followed by a recovery session to achieve supercompensation. That is why a well structured training program with this principle in mind, may assist the athlete to achieve this benefit. The conceptual graph below sums it up.
I have also shared some of this content in my previous post here so as I do not have to repeat them here.
C. Performance Measurement
When it comes to performance improvement, the best way to know whether an athlete is improving is to measure and analyse their performance. Only then a coach will understand an athlete’s abilities, capability and exposes room for improvement.
For 100m sprinters as an example, their goal is to break their personal best. They can also see other records achieved like the World record and will be able to know the gap and how much more to bridge. Without a stopwatch measurement, the athlete will not be able to see their performance objectively.
Where there is a benchmark to achieve, like the Beep test, coaches can set benchmark scores for athletes to pass certain required fitness level. Eg. > score of 10 for girls and > score of 12 for boys. Also the examiner / coach will also know the extend of fitness optimisation each athlete has when they achieve higher then these benchmark.
When it comes to measuring game performance, we use an index system with a base match vs Danish when she was 12yo. Although she lost in that match however she reported that she played one of her best match ever. Therefore we decided to give that match a base index of 10.
From then on, any matches she plays thereafter, she can measure (approximately) her own performance by comparing with the base match with index of 10.
Therefore, some of her significant matches indices are as follows :
Jan 2023 SBA Ranking win Lim Yew Ern : 14
Nov 2023 SSA Finals win Chanice Tan : 15
Dec 2023 SBA Closed win Siti Nuramina : 13
June 2024 JET Finals lost Mirza Batrisya : 12
This may be arguably a subjective measurement but it’s the best we can come up with to give her some impression of game performance measurement.
More to come in Transformation Part 5
D. Pre and Post match video reviews
E. Pre match warm ups on court
F. Mental Preparation and Visualisation
G. Win Error video Analysis
Friday, 20 September 2024
The One Tournament That Eluded Kiera
Introduction
The Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) was established since 1958 under the Malaysian Ministry of Education to promote sports in schools through the organization of sports competitions and development programs. It oversee 24 sports at school level including badminton. The MSSM Level Tournament is only open to Malaysian students under the age of 18. It is organised in three stages :
Stage 1 : MSSD Daerah (Inter-School)
Stage 2 : MSSS Negeri (Inter-District)
Stage 3 : MSSM Kebangsaan (Inter-State)
This is one competition, Kiera could not get to MSSM stage 3 for three years in a row. Only the finalist (Champion & Runner-up) in each stage will qualify for the next higher stage, therefore the competition gets tougher as the stage progresses. This year, despite emerging Champions again for the MSSD Petaling Perdana district, having qualified for the MSSS, she suffered a first round defeat in the GSU15 category. Similarly in the GDU15 category, Kiera paired with Ho Wenjie only made it to the quarter finals in MSSS.
The prize for winning in the MSSM (Stage 3) is significant. In the past not only the top boy and girl in the U12 category will be selected for the Bukit Jalil Sports School (precursor to the National Junior squad. Now ABM) even the Singapore Sports School will poach them by offering full scholarship to study, train and play in Singapore. Those who excel in Education and Sports may be offered Singapore citizenship too. Such were the value of the top prize for MSSM.
In 2023 MSSS, at 13yo, Kiera made it to the semi-finals for both GSU15 and GDU15 categories which was close but not enough to qualify for MSSM.
In 2022 MSSS, at 12yo, she lost in the quarter finals in GSU12 but made it to the final in GDU12. However that year (post MCO) the Ministry of Education decided to exclude U12 doubles for MSSM presumably due to budget constraints. So there you go. This was one tournament that eluded her.
Over the many months of reflection, in my own post mortem as to why Kiera did not perform well in MSSS this year may be due to the following factors (although Kiera denied them) :
1) The week before MSSS, she received new Victor merchandize from Rexcool whom had sponsored Kiera for her badminton achievements. She may not be used to the new Victor racquet which was different from the usual Yonex racquets she has been using.
2) One week prior to the MSSS, the Petaling Perdana coaching team organised training sessions which was heavily weighted toward doubles. As the result of this, her lack of singles preparation may have been hampered by this factor.
3) The age category U15 may also be disadvantage for her having to compete with players a year senior to her in terms of strength and speed. Note the MSSS pool of players advancing to the later knockout stages were mostly SBA and Pjba players.
4) The coaching team (which comprises of school teachers) may be another factor but in my opinion this is not a significant factor for her poor performance.
Be that as it may, Kiera has another shot at the MSSM U15 category next year when she turn 15 years old. So lets see if she can break this jinx.
The Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) was established since 1958 under the Malaysian Ministry of Education to promote sports in schools through the organization of sports competitions and development programs. It oversee 24 sports at school level including badminton. The MSSM Level Tournament is only open to Malaysian students under the age of 18. It is organised in three stages :
Stage 1 : MSSD Daerah (Inter-School)
Stage 2 : MSSS Negeri (Inter-District)
Stage 3 : MSSM Kebangsaan (Inter-State)
This is one competition, Kiera could not get to MSSM stage 3 for three years in a row. Only the finalist (Champion & Runner-up) in each stage will qualify for the next higher stage, therefore the competition gets tougher as the stage progresses. This year, despite emerging Champions again for the MSSD Petaling Perdana district, having qualified for the MSSS, she suffered a first round defeat in the GSU15 category. Similarly in the GDU15 category, Kiera paired with Ho Wenjie only made it to the quarter finals in MSSS.
The prize for winning in the MSSM (Stage 3) is significant. In the past not only the top boy and girl in the U12 category will be selected for the Bukit Jalil Sports School (precursor to the National Junior squad. Now ABM) even the Singapore Sports School will poach them by offering full scholarship to study, train and play in Singapore. Those who excel in Education and Sports may be offered Singapore citizenship too. Such were the value of the top prize for MSSM.
In 2023 MSSS, at 13yo, Kiera made it to the semi-finals for both GSU15 and GDU15 categories which was close but not enough to qualify for MSSM.
In 2022 MSSS, at 12yo, she lost in the quarter finals in GSU12 but made it to the final in GDU12. However that year (post MCO) the Ministry of Education decided to exclude U12 doubles for MSSM presumably due to budget constraints. So there you go. This was one tournament that eluded her.
Over the many months of reflection, in my own post mortem as to why Kiera did not perform well in MSSS this year may be due to the following factors (although Kiera denied them) :
1) The week before MSSS, she received new Victor merchandize from Rexcool whom had sponsored Kiera for her badminton achievements. She may not be used to the new Victor racquet which was different from the usual Yonex racquets she has been using.
2) One week prior to the MSSS, the Petaling Perdana coaching team organised training sessions which was heavily weighted toward doubles. As the result of this, her lack of singles preparation may have been hampered by this factor.
3) The age category U15 may also be disadvantage for her having to compete with players a year senior to her in terms of strength and speed. Note the MSSS pool of players advancing to the later knockout stages were mostly SBA and Pjba players.
4) The coaching team (which comprises of school teachers) may be another factor but in my opinion this is not a significant factor for her poor performance.
Be that as it may, Kiera has another shot at the MSSM U15 category next year when she turn 15 years old. So lets see if she can break this jinx.
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