PETALING JAYA: Drummer girl Lim Chiew Sien is upbeat over her new adventure as an independent shuttler – and the possibility of joining a musical band.
The 26-year-old Chiew Sien left the national team last month after 10 years of service under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
The petite lass, who joined Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) when she was 16, played as a singles player for six years before switching to doubles in 2016.
“I was fascinated with drums when I was young but my dad was against it. I took up badminton instead, ” said Chiew Sien.
“I did quite well in the junior tournaments, I’ve won numerous titles but I did not have similar luck in the senior team.”
Chiew Sien represented Malaysia at the 2014 Uber Cup Finals in New Delhi; the 2014 Incheon Asian Games but did not play big roles in both; won the Indian International Satellite with Goh Yea Ching (2017); and reached the semi-finals with Jodie Tan Sueh Jeou at the Russian Open (2019).
“Probably, the last two years were my best years in the seniors but yet, I did not win anything much. I worked hard in training but I struggled in competitions – I was working on my mental strength before I decided to leave.”
Chiew Sien hopes she will have better fortune as a professional player.
She will team up with youngster Tan Yihan in the mixed doubles and both are currently sparring with former internationals – Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong (men’s doubles), Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying (mixed doubles) – at Endah Parade, coached by Chew Choon Eng.
“I’m waiting for the international circuit to resume as it’s currently suspended due to Covid-19, ” said Chiew Sien.
“I want to be bolder in competitions and hopefully, being an independent player will help me overcome my lack of confidence on court. I’ve to stand on my own two feet now.”
She is also hoping that her life as an independent player would give her the time to pursue her dream to be a drummer in a band.
“I’ve been taking drum classes over the last two years. Now, I’m trying out a few gigs here and there. And my family is fully supportive of it.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to balance between my badminton career and a chance to become a drummer in a band. I’m busier as an independent player than I was a national player!
“I’ll always be thankful to BAM for all those wonderful times in the national camp, I’ve made many good friends.
“Now, it’s time to move on and start a whole new adventure, ” added Chiew Sien, who is currently with her family in Johor Baru.
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