PETALING JAYA – Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz is expected to unveil a strategic roadmap for the sport by the end of August, following extensive consultations with key stakeholders.
Appointed unopposed to the post in May, Tengku Zafrul has spent the past weeks meeting stakeholders, including former national shuttlers, to gather feedback and assess the current state of Malaysia’s badminton ecosystem.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. While opinions differ, everyone shares the same goal – to see the sport thrive,” he told reporters during a media engagement session today.
“Planning cannot happen overnight. We need to set targets for the next three, five, and ten years.”
Tengku Zafrul, who also serves as Investment, Trade and Industry minister, had earlier requested a 100-day period after his appointment to hold discussions with all relevant parties before finalising a comprehensive development plan for the sport.
He confirmed that discussions are still ongoing and that formal engagements with the Youth and Sports Ministry – including Minister Hannah Yeoh – as well as the National Sports Council (NSC) and national coaches are expected by the end of this month.
On what areas will be prioritised in the upcoming blueprint, Tengku Zafrul stressed the importance of first understanding the current landscape before setting long-term goals.
He underscored the need for a holistic approach that addresses every component of the badminton ecosystem – from grassroots development and coaching to infrastructure and sponsorship – warning that progress in one area cannot compensate for weaknesses in others.
“The expectations of the public and the badminton community towards BAM remain high. Meeting those expectations requires detailed planning, an integrated strategy, and a clear understanding of our current strengths,” he said. — July 17, 2025