PETALING JAYA: As expected, former men’s singles player Lim Kenn (pic) has officially been appointed as head of talent pipeline development at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and will begin his duties on March 1.
BAM performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, in an official statement, said Lim Kenn will be responsible for overseeing the development of the state badminton associations in line with the national performance standards and direction.
Lim will monitor the development of the state associations and oversee BAM’s overall talent pathway structure, ensuring that state programmes move in tandem with the national training framework.
The role is a newly created position within the governing body aimed at narrowing the quality and skills gap between state players and the national squad to facilitate a smoother transition to the elite level.
“BAM will conduct regular monitoring every two or three months by sending coaches to the states.
“The purpose of these visits is to assess player development, provide additional guidance to state coaches and identify new talents with high potential.
“For me, the state badminton associations play a very important role in producing players who will be absorbed into the national squad each year.
“Therefore, strength at the grassroots level is the foundation of Malaysia’s success on the international stage,” said Chong Wei.
Lim Kenn, 40, was a product of the national junior programme and later featured in the senior men’s singles squad before leaving in 2007 to pursue his studies in England.
He graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2012 with a degree in business management.
At the same time, Chong Wei said BAM plans to revive talent identification efforts at the school level to ensure more young prospects are unearthed.
It forms part of BAM’s long term plan to prepare players for the 2032 and 2036 Olympic Games while ensuring continuity in the national team’s performance.
“We believe that early exposure to quality training, a competitive environment and comprehensive support will help shape a generation of players who are more resilient, disciplined and ready to face challenges at a higher level,” he added.
