KUALA LUMPUR — Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has voiced concern over the growing trend of former national athletes being “lured” abroad to offer their expertise.
While expressing disappointment, she acknowledged that the issue might stem from unattractive salary schemes for coaches in Malaysia. She urged corporate support to improve incentives and retain coaching talent within the country.
Former national diver Wendy Ng Yan Yee recently joined Singapore Aquatics as a talent development coach, a move Hannah found disheartening.
“Frankly, I am sad to see Wendy leave the Federal Territories (as a coach). It’s not just Wendy, many other (former) gymnasts have also left for Singapore. When we look at the currency exchange, it does seem more attractive.
“We can’t stop them from going (abroad) to gain experience. What is important now is that the salary scheme in Malaysia must be attractive.
“We also want to lure them (the former athletes) to come back and stay here,” she told reporters at the ceremony to hand over the basketball court facilities upgrading project in Bukit Maluri here today.
Hannah warned that if the issue remains unaddressed, it could threaten Malaysia’s ability to compete in the global sports arena.
She highlighted the need for greater investment.
“For example, squash has the same problem with China stepping up efforts to shine in the sport. (Former national squash player) Ong Beng Hee has gone there, so I hope the existing coaches will not leave Malaysia to go elsewhere.
“Sports is a greatly competitive industry and other countries are busy investing in sports. We have to invest because I have asked the corporate firms for assistance,” she said.
Malaysia has already lost several former athletes to coaching roles overseas, including ex-shuttlers Wong Choong Han, Tan Bin Shen, and Jeremy Gan. — January 27, 2025