PETALING JAYA: Malaysian badminton coaches are in demand overseas.
This was proven yet again with James Chua being hired as the head coach by Czech Republic under a two-year contract. He will begin work on Oct 1, overseeing work at the national training centre in Pilsen.
He is one of the few Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) coaches currently plying their trade overseas. Most of them usually start their coaching career at the national body before being snapped up by foreign teams.
Besides James, the others who have had stints with other countries are Wong Choong Hann (Hong Kong), Jeremy Gan (Japan), Tan Kim Her (Japan), Chin Ee Hui (Australia), Lim Pek Siah (Singapore), Vountus Indra Mawan (Australia).
Those who previously dabbled with coaching jobs outside were Wong Tat Meng, Rosman Razak, Yap Kim Hock and K. Yogendran, to mention a few.
Datuk Misbun Sidek, former BAM coach, did not go overseas but he had trained many foreign players at his base here in Kuala Lumpur under the Nusa Mahsuri banner.
While the exodus of local coaches continue, BAM sees the movement in a positive light.
BAM’s secretary Datuk Kenny Goh said with globalisation, it was common to see coaches plying their trade overseas.
“For example, Indonesians are all over the world, and so are the Koreans. Of course, you also need to command certain experiences and knowledge for these coaches to be enticed by other countries,” said Kenny.
“Therefore, I believe Malaysian coaches do have such attributes to be enticed by others.
“As a badminton administrator, I see this as a positive development. It works two ways. We also can import top notch coaches,” he said.
Malaysia are know for engaging many foreign coaches under their fold. Currently, they have Rexy Mainaky as the supremo and followed by Hendrawan (men’s singles), Nova Widianto (mixed doubles)
“We have benefitted from coaches like Rexy and Nova. And in the past, we have had many from China, including the late Fang Kaixiang. Ultimately, everyone wants the best coaches and Malaysia are no different.”
Kenny said they may not seek a replacement for James as they already have Datuk Tey Seu Bock and Hendrawan handling the men’s singles.
Hendrawan’s contract ends this year but it’s still unsure whether BAM will keep him but signs are they may bring in a new face.
