Badminton has always been more than just a sport to me—it is a calling, a lifelong commitment to nurturing talents, lifting them up during their struggles, and celebrating their triumphs.

Many have heard the name Uncle “Looi” (similar pronunciation with “lightning” in Chinese), a name whispered in the shadows of Malaysia’s badminton history. My journey in badminton began decades ago, working alongside some of the country’s most renowned figures, including Datuk Misbun Sidek & family, Datuk Tey Seu Bock, and Choong Tan Fook.

Since the days when Datuk’ Wira Lee Chong Wei ruled the world rankings, to the moment he stood on the Olympic podium, my role has remained the same: not in the spotlight, but always there—guiding, supporting, and believing in those who dared to dream.

Yet, the dream did not stop there. Through Petaling Badminton Club (PBC) and the Malaysia’s Next Badminton Super Star (SS) Talent Program, I continued this mission— grooming a new generation of champions such as Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Chen Tang Jie, Man Wei Chong, and Leong Jun Hao. These players represented Malaysia on the global stage, carrying forward the legacy of those before them, and successfully delivered the nation first-ever World Championships Gold Medal.

However, talent alone is not enough; players need a stage to shine. With this in mind, and with the support of Senheng, Samsung, and Platinum Victory, we established the Malaysia Purple League—a professional badminton league designed to give players a competitive platform to showcase their abilities. This initiative led to the formation of over 50 professional clubs across Malaysia, benefiting thousands of world-class players and further strengthening our nation’s badminton ecosystem.

My greatest ambition is to see Malaysia stand atop the Olympic podium, to bring home that elusive gold medal. And to ensure those legacy stays forever, the Lightning Cup, a social-competitive tournament was created—not just to push the new wave of shuttlers but also to reunite the past legends, to bring them back onto the court where they belong, and to continue the legacy of this beautiful sport.

This tournament is more than a competition; it is a union—a place where champions, past and present, can gather, inspire, and fuel the next era of greatness. Together, let us keep the fire of Malaysian badminton burning, let us strike like lightning, and let us forge the future of champions.

See you on court!