Loh Kean Yew supported by foreigners, not by SG government. Sia suay or not?

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Badminton: Loh Kean Yew gets $200k cash reward from Indonesian tycoon's foundation​

National shuttler Loh Kean Yew in action at the India Open, on Jan 11, 2022. PHOTO: BADMINTONPHOTO

David Lee

Jan 12, 2022

SINGAPORE - National shuttler Loh Kean Yew's cash rewards for winning the Badminton World Federation World Championships are now close to $500,000 as he received his single biggest incentive yet on Wednesday (Jan 12).
The Karim Family Foundation, which is set up by the family of Indonesian tycoon Bachtiar Karim and his wife Dewi Sukwanto, has given the Singaporean $200,000 to reward him for his exploits at the World Championships, and to urge him to continue pursuing his dream of winning an Olympic medal.
The foundation had contacted SPH Media Trust's Chinese Media Group to get in touch with the Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) in order to make the contribution last week.
Karim is ranked 10th on Forbes' list of Indonesia's 50 richest in 2021 with a net worth of US$3.5 billion (S$4.73 billion). He runs Musim Mas, an integrated palm oil firm, with his brothers Burhan and Bahari.
The 65-year-old is known for his philanthropy, with Musim Mas Holdings having gifted $2.27 million to Karim's alma mater, the National University of Singapore, to start a professorship in sustainability in its business school in 2010. The company also donated $5 million to various causes, including the Singapore General Hospital and the Alzheimer's Disease Association, in 2020.
His son Chayadi Karim, one of the foundation's principals, told Lianhe Zaobao: "We always believe in giving back to society and supporting various community programmes. The purpose of this incentive is to make him a role model for youths.
"I feel Loh Kean Yew is an impressive young man. Competition among badminton's elite is very intense. One needs not just good technique, but also strong will to succeed. I have observed this young man for a long time now and I very much admire his indefatigable spirit.

"We hope Kean Yew can continue playing good badminton without any worries. We want to show that it is good to pursue sports not just as a hobby, but also as a career. We hope more young aspiring athletes will follow in his footsteps so that Singapore's sporting standards can be raised."
Karim's daughter Cindy Karim, who is also a principal of the foundation, was also quoted in Lianhe Zaobao, saying: "Our entire family has been stirred by Kean Yew's fighting spirit. We are also moved by his humility after achieving such great success. We hope to inspire more to be like him for the future."
The Karims' gesture takes Loh's rewards kitty to over $495,000. This includes money from a crowdfunding exercise initiated by Wei Chan, an SBA committee member, on a personal basis on Jan 2, which drew more than 700 donors who contributed $165,299. Local business leaders and individuals, as well as SBA and its equipment and apparel sponsor Li-Ning have also chipped to the tune of $130,000.


The pot could increase to $1 million as The Straits Times understands that the SBA is in the midst of negotiating a multi-year, six-figure sponsorship deal.
Loh, who is currently competing at the India Open, said: "I am very grateful to the many sponsors and well-wishers like Mr Karim who have offered various rewards and encouragement following my win. For athletes, this is a recognition of our hard work and sacrifices.
"Doing my best and making my country proud have always been my priority. Knowing that there are many people out there who are very supportive, generous and encouraging towards local athletes means a lot to me.
"I am also very thankful for Sport Singapore, SBA, Li-Ning and Singapore Sports School as they have been taking care of me and stuck with me every step of the way since I came to Singapore.
"There are too many people who have helped me in my life and I can never thank them enough. Without all the support and encouragement, I wouldn't be standing on the podium."

On Dec 19, Loh became the first Singaporean to win the World Championships. But the 24-year-old did not pocket any prize money as the tournament is one of two major events in the sport - the other is the Olympics - that do not offer any financial incentives.
He is also not eligible for the Singapore National Olympic Council's Major Games Award Programme - which is funded by the Tote Board Group - as it applies only to the SEA, Asian, Commonwealth, and Olympic Games.
SBA president Lawrence Leow was also encouraged by Karim's "significant donation" and the outpouring of support for Loh since his momentous win.
He added: "Kean Yew's feat has now captured the imagination of generations of future badminton players and is a powerful testament that despite being a small nation, we can achieve excellence with the support of everyone in Singapore.
"Every source of encouragement - be it through scholarships, donations, sponsorships or words of encouragement - is deeply appreciated by everyone at the SBA as it means a lot to the athletes, coaches, staff and management.
"With the continued support of Sport Singapore and sponsors, we are inspired and well-placed to groom more players to give Singaporeans more reasons to cheer in the coming years."

Meanwhile, Singapore's shuttlers remained unbeaten at the India Open in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Mixed doubles world No. 182 Terry Hee and Tan Wei Han beat India's 564th-ranked pair of T. Hema Nagendra Babu and Srivedya Gurazada 21-12, 21-17 in 26 minutes and will meet another local duo, world No. 978 Akhsan Shetty and Simran Singhi on Thursday.
Hee will partner Loh Kean Hean later on Wednesday as the world No. 106 men's doubles pair take on India's 81st-ranked Krishna Prasad Garaga and Vishnuvardhan Goud Panjala.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

On the same day, the SG government paid lip service to supporting local athletes.
Talk is cheap.

Government committed to developing and supporting athletes in Singapore: MCCY​

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong reiterated the Government's commitment to sport and recapped the Republic's various support schemes for the nation's elite athletes. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Deepanraj Ganesan

Jan 12, 2022

SINGAPORE - With 2021 being a remarkable year in Singapore sport, the Government is eager to continue nurturing elite athletes and building on the successes of the past year.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (Jan 12), Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong reiterated the Government's commitment to sport and recapped the Republic's various support schemes for the nation's elite athletes, in response to queries from parliamentarians.
Four Singaporean athletes conquered the world in 2021 - badminton world champion Loh Kean Yew, Tokyo Paralympics double-gold swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, world bowling champion Shayna Ng, and pool player Aloysius Yapp, who became the first Singaporean to be ranked world No. 1 in his sport.
Mr Tong told the House: "There are very few things that can motivate, galvanise and inspire in the way sports can. Singaporeans were top of the podium on the world stage several times in the past year. Each occasion was an inspiration, bringing our community together, fostering such a deep sense of national pride.
"The Government will therefore remain committed to sports in Singapore. We will keep our sports facilities, programmes and activities open and accessible to every Singaporean to promote a strong sporting culture and develop a pipeline of strong sporting talent.
"We will support every one of our national athletes with the assistance and resources they need to excel at the elite level, and emerge as national champions and world beaters at the best arenas and world stages possible."
Mr Tong cited the Government's investment of an average of almost $90 million annually over the last three years to develop and operate stadiums, running tracks, sports halls and other venues that are accessible to the public.

He also pointed to the investment of about $70 million the Government has made in the Singapore High Performance Sports system each year.
The investment, he said, has helped support the technology needed in sports science facilities, funded the cost of coaches and training programmes, and allowed elite athletes to train in the most optimal conditions possible. He added that these continued investments will ensure the production of more world beaters.
In his reply to Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong GRC), who had asked how the Government plans to continue supporting the likes of Loh, Mr Tong said: "It is imperative on us to continue to invest in the whole system because by doing so, providing holistic support, ensuring that the base is grown, then the possibility of more Kean Yews, more Shayna(s), more Aloysius(s), who are all world No. 1 last year, will continue to be not just an aspiration, but a reality.


"So we have to expand our base, build up better sporting infrastructure, talent spotting, talent development, nurturing, bringing them through the system, and ensuring that these trailblazers that Mr Xie has mentioned will continue to inspire future generations of sportsmen for Singapore."
Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang GRC) asked about safety nets for those pursuing a professional sporting career. She pointed out that it would help assure athletes and their parents if they decide to go full time to pursue sporting excellence.
In his reply, Mr Tong agreed that "we do need to ensure that our athletes are single-minded, focused, and put all their energies and devote their time and mental focus on training and eventually also on competition".
He pointed to the various sports excellence programmes available that provide a range of support, which allows athletes to focus on their training without having to worry about "ancillary matters".
He also cited the examples of two former athletes - Henry Koh and Kelvin Ho - who transitioned successfully after their sporting careers were over.
Koh, a double bronze medallist in fencing at the 2003 SEA Games, recently led Amita Berthier and Kiria Tikanah to their maiden Olympic Games in Tokyo, while current national badminton singles coach Ho is a former national athlete who won a bronze at the 2009 SEA Games.
Mr Tong also noted that it is in the interest of Singapore sport "to ensure that we take advantage of and leverage the expertise of these athletes". This would then allow them to find a post-competition career in sports-related areas such as sports science, nutrition, training and physiotherapy.
"We will take opportunities as much as we can to continue to develop these adjunct (areas) so that... the athletes themselves can continue to serve in that capacity and, at the same time, still find a career after their playing days are over."
But he also agreed with Ms Poh that "more can be done" and that the Government would continue to work with all stakeholders to achieve this.

 

[A Singaporean]

Should know by now PAP primary objective is to support foreigners eg in jobs, education etc.

 

[Linglinglonglong]

Lky should return sg flag and go back msia and get his Dato

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Thank goodness the mudlander not supported by singkies tax payers. Wat a waste of pubic resources if he was given money by tax payers

 

[mojito]

FT support FT is expected lah.

 

[laksaboy]

PAP govt is broke now, if you want generosity you'll need to depend on Indon tycoons.

 

[laksaboy]

On the same day, the SG government paid lip service to supporting local athletes.
Talk is cheap.

Government committed to developing and supporting athletes in Singapore: MCCY​

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong reiterated the Government's commitment to sport and recapped the Republic's various support schemes for the nation's elite athletes. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Deepanraj Ganesan

Jan 12, 2022

SINGAPORE - With 2021 being a remarkable year in Singapore sport, the Government is eager to continue nurturing elite athletes and building on the successes of the past year.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (Jan 12), Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong reiterated the Government's commitment to sport and recapped the Republic's various support schemes for the nation's elite athletes, in response to queries from parliamentarians.
Four Singaporean athletes conquered the world in 2021 - badminton world champion Loh Kean Yew, Tokyo Paralympics double-gold swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, world bowling champion Shayna Ng, and pool player Aloysius Yapp, who became the first Singaporean to be ranked world No. 1 in his sport.
Mr Tong told the House: "There are very few things that can motivate, galvanise and inspire in the way sports can. Singaporeans were top of the podium on the world stage several times in the past year. Each occasion was an inspiration, bringing our community together, fostering such a deep sense of national pride.
"The Government will therefore remain committed to sports in Singapore. We will keep our sports facilities, programmes and activities open and accessible to every Singaporean to promote a strong sporting culture and develop a pipeline of strong sporting talent.
"We will support every one of our national athletes with the assistance and resources they need to excel at the elite level, and emerge as national champions and world beaters at the best arenas and world stages possible."
Mr Tong cited the Government's investment of an average of almost $90 million annually over the last three years to develop and operate stadiums, running tracks, sports halls and other venues that are accessible to the public.

He also pointed to the investment of about $70 million the Government has made in the Singapore High Performance Sports system each year.
The investment, he said, has helped support the technology needed in sports science facilities, funded the cost of coaches and training programmes, and allowed elite athletes to train in the most optimal conditions possible. He added that these continued investments will ensure the production of more world beaters.
In his reply to Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong GRC), who had asked how the Government plans to continue supporting the likes of Loh, Mr Tong said: "It is imperative on us to continue to invest in the whole system because by doing so, providing holistic support, ensuring that the base is grown, then the possibility of more Kean Yews, more Shayna(s), more Aloysius(s), who are all world No. 1 last year, will continue to be not just an aspiration, but a reality.


"So we have to expand our base, build up better sporting infrastructure, talent spotting, talent development, nurturing, bringing them through the system, and ensuring that these trailblazers that Mr Xie has mentioned will continue to inspire future generations of sportsmen for Singapore."
Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang GRC) asked about safety nets for those pursuing a professional sporting career. She pointed out that it would help assure athletes and their parents if they decide to go full time to pursue sporting excellence.
In his reply, Mr Tong agreed that "we do need to ensure that our athletes are single-minded, focused, and put all their energies and devote their time and mental focus on training and eventually also on competition".
He pointed to the various sports excellence programmes available that provide a range of support, which allows athletes to focus on their training without having to worry about "ancillary matters".
He also cited the examples of two former athletes - Henry Koh and Kelvin Ho - who transitioned successfully after their sporting careers were over.
Koh, a double bronze medallist in fencing at the 2003 SEA Games, recently led Amita Berthier and Kiria Tikanah to their maiden Olympic Games in Tokyo, while current national badminton singles coach Ho is a former national athlete who won a bronze at the 2009 SEA Games.
Mr Tong also noted that it is in the interest of Singapore sport "to ensure that we take advantage of and leverage the expertise of these athletes". This would then allow them to find a post-competition career in sports-related areas such as sports science, nutrition, training and physiotherapy.
"We will take opportunities as much as we can to continue to develop these adjunct (areas) so that... the athletes themselves can continue to serve in that capacity and, at the same time, still find a career after their playing days are over."
But he also agreed with Ms Poh that "more can be done" and that the Government would continue to work with all stakeholders to achieve this.

Edwin Tong can fuck off. He can go suck Bergoglio's dick at the Vatican, then join him in hell.

 

[LexLuthor]

We should all donate our CDC vouchers to Loh Kean Yew.

 

[no_faith]

Was born in penang?
So sg shd fund him?
Then it will be similar funding the previous prc table tennis player?

Or maybe they only focus to get lions into WC?

 

[tanwahtiu]

Sports are feel good heroship worshipping by ALL Pommy culture. Asian don't do this feel good things, go find your feel good culture things to do....

Don't follow Westerners bad habits. You are colonised by them only but not necessary be Like them. Even their feel good Jesus are created by them and was their story.... go find own feel good Asian God to worship....

Go find your own feel good flavour.... time to move on and be special feel good people..... divisive world now...

 

[red amoeba]

So what does he playing and winning Badminton do to improve my well being ?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

We should all donate our CDC vouchers to Loh Kean Yew.

Loh Kean Yew will have about 11 months left to use up the CDC vouchers before they expire on 31 Dec 2022.

Assuming citizens donated $500,000 worth of CDC vouchers to LKY, he will have to use, on average, $1,515 a day. That is a lot of provisions to buy and hawker centre food he will have to eat every day. He will become fatter than Joseph Schooling.