IN preparation for a grand centennial celebration next year, the Penang Badminton Association (PBA), the oldest badminton association in the country, aims to raise between RM800,000 and RM1 million for its 100th Anniversary Dinner at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre on Nov 22, 2025.
PBA president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak announced that to make the gala dinner a memorable one, all Penang state players and Malaysian Thomas Cuppers and Uber Cuppers, past and present, will be invited to the celebration.
He added that PBA, which was established in 1925 and is 10 years older than the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and nine years older than the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), plans to invite badminton legends such as Lin Dan from China, Taufik Hidayat from Indonesia, and Peter Gade from Denmark for the occasion.
“PBA will be 100 years old next year, and we want to celebrate this significant milestone in a big way.
“Penang has a rich badminton legacy with contributions and achievements from players like Datuk Eddy Choong, Datuk David Choong, Datuk Teh Kew San, Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe, Yew Cheng Hock, Ng Tat Wai, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Chan Peng Soon, Goh Jin Wei, Datuk Tan Aik Huang, Tan Aik Mong, Saw Swee Leong, Ho Khim Soon, Ong Ewe Hock, Ong Ewe Chye, Khor Lay See, Lee Yin Yin, Lim Siew Choon, and many others.
“We want to acknowledge and appreciate these stars, even though some of them have passed away. Our theme for the 100th Anniversary Dinner is ‘100 Years of Glory and Celebration,’” Kah said after attending the opening ceremony of the 100Plus Interstate Under-12 and Under-16 Team Championships 2024 at the Penang Badminton Hall in Bukit Dumbar today.
Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, the state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman, officiated the opening ceremony.
In addition to the players, Kah mentioned that prominent figures in the BWF, BAM, and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) will also be invited to the gala dinner.
“This will be a major event featuring 150 to 200 tables, so we need substantial preparation and a budget to ensure its success,” he added.
PBA plans to produce 200 special edition badminton rackets featuring the autographs of leading badminton players as part of its fundraising initiatives. They are also considering producing a commemorative book chronicling the achievements of the association and its players.
Since launching its fundraising campaign a month ago, PBA has received contributions from 30 donors, including some anonymous ones, totalling RM101,000.
Today, several donors presented mock cheques to PBA treasurer Loh Eng Swee during a simple ceremony at the National Under-12 and Under-16 Team Championships. Kah himself donated RM10,000, and Jack Liew, a well-wisher, also donated RM10,000.
“We want to express our deepest appreciation to all the generous donors for supporting the 100th Anniversary Dinner, which is fully endorsed by the state government,” remarked Kah, who is also a vice-president of BAM.
Also present was Datuk Ng Chin Chai, the president of the Negeri Sembilan Badminton Association and a vice-president of BAM.
Gooi congratulated PBA on its upcoming centenary celebration and wished them success.
He also thanked BAM for choosing Penang as the host for the 100Plus Interstate Under-12 & Under-16 Team Championships 2024, taking place from today until Oct 27 (Sunday).
“This tournament not only serves as a platform for discovering young talents and enhancing badminton skills, but also fosters friendships and cooperation among athletes and officials.
“I hope the sportsmanship displayed during this tournament helps each participant strengthen their self-confidence, hone their leadership abilities, and instil high values of discipline and responsibility,” Gooi said during his speech.
Gooi added that following the Paris Olympics, badminton in Malaysia has experienced a resurgence with many people picking up rackets and returning to the sport, leading to a badminton craze that has resulted in crowded local badminton halls.
“This is a positive phenomenon, as it shows that society is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle through sports. Badminton not only improves physical fitness but also helps to develop team spirit and mental resilience.”
A total of 360 players from 15 teams are participating in the five-day tournament, which features a total prize pool of RM15,000. This includes RM2,000 for the champion, RM1,000 for the runner-up, RM500 for the third place, and RM250 for the fourth place.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
