Malaysia Takes Lead at the 8th MBA International Badminton Championship

As one of the largest and most prominent sport in Malaysia, badminton has impacted the nation in many ways, such as social development; bringing people together, and nation building; putting Malaysia on the world map via numerous historical wins.

Michael’s Badminton Academy (MBA) recently announced the opening of its third badminton hall in Port Dickson – a full badminton facility equipped with modern and contemporary design and technology. Officiated by Dato' Abd. Khalid Bin Mat, YDP Majlis Perbandaran Port Dickson, the launch of MBA PD kicked off with the 8th MBA International Badminton Championship 2016 from 11^th to 13^thMarch 2016.

The three-day event attracted over 450 local and international badminton players to Port Dickson participating in 25 different categories. The tournament includes all categories in an official tournament and also offers additional categories which are popular amongst families such as 3v3 (triples instead of just doubles) and family doubles (one parent and one child).

Overall, Malaysia took the lead with 11 gold medals, followed by Indonesia with 5 golds and China, Taiwan and Singapore had 3 golds respectively. 

“At MBA, badminton is more than just a sport. We help people discover and improve. We help educate and inform. We watched as friendships develop and families bond. This is why is a one-stop badminton solutions provider which includes a full-fledge training academy and MBA tournaments always include special categories for families,” explained Mr Lee Kok Choong, Managing Director of MBA.

As one of the pioneers in the badminton industry in Malaysia, MBA’s vision is to be the hub of private badminton training and solutions at the international level, to produce world-class players. “We have held over 10 major international tournaments over the years, hosting close to 10 thousand players from around the world. Our training academy has trained almost 35,000 students via our junior development programmes and provided free training for underprivileged children via our Hope for Change badminton charity programme,” said Lee. 

Former Thomas Cup player, Mr Kwek Chiew Peng, 63, who also participated in the Championship walked away with first and second place for categories in men’s doubles (combined aged 110) and men’s doubles (combined aged 120) respectively.

The badminton coach and former national player from Port Dickson expressed his excitement on the new MBA badminton facility being so close to home. “I want to urge all parents to encourage and bring their children to play badminton as it is a healthy activity. If I was 30 years old, I will be able to produce a lot of good players here,” said Kwek.

Mrs Tan, mother of Tan Yi Xian age 16 from Seremban shared that her daughter is very discipline after she started playing badminton. “It is good to encourage all the kids to play as they will not sway towards the wrong direction,” says the proud mother of Yi Xian who represented her school in badminton for MSSD in Standard 6 (12 years old).

Married couple Hema and Dinesh who are coaches in Petaling Jaya, also participated in the tournament for the category mixed double. “The plan was to bring our students here to play and gain experience. Since they have the mixed doubles category, we decided to play as well,” they happily quipped.

Apart from local badminton enthusiasts, MBA is also honoured to have the exceptional backing of its international counterparts from Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam that have continuously been supportive towards MBA’s International Tournaments over the years.

Myai from Vietnam has been playing badminton for 10 years and has participated in many tournaments around the world.  Commenting on how much fun she had at the 8^th MBA International Championship as she did in other international tournaments, Myai said, “This is not my first time playing in Malaysia and I will come back again to play if MBA is organizing another international tournament.”

Also in attendance of the official opening of MBA Port Dickson was Mr Ng Chin Chai, Secretary of Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM) and Mr Wu Jun Yan, President of the World Chinese Badminton Federation.

Under Armour Celebrates International Women’s Day in Collaboration with Biotherm Malaysia

In conjunction with International Women’s Day, Under Armour in collaboration with Biotherm Malaysia has successfully organised an event aimed at encouraging healthy living among the community and to educate the public on the importance of overall wellness. The event was held at the Under Armour brand house in Pavilion Shopping Centre.

Registered participants were given the opportunity to practice yoga with Under Armour’s Brand Influencer, Robyn Lau and Brand Athlete, Atilia Haron. They were also treated to a special Facial Yoga session conducted by Michelle Tay, Biotherm Malaysia’s Education Manager, specially curated to help participants achieve the post workout glow. 

Robyn Lau, Under Armour’s Brand Influencer guiding the ladies into their yoga poses.

Atilia Haron, Under Armour’s Brand Athlete intensified the second yoga session by getting the ladies into splits.

“Today’s event is all about celebrating women and their achievement worldwide. In the words of famous Russian novelist Ayn Rand, "The question isn't who's going to let me; it's who's going to stop me."Under Armour clearly acknowledges all the efforts women have done to inspire those around them and we want to encourage everyone to promote healthy living amongst yourself and those in your community.” said Lynn D Ong, Assistant Marketing Manager of UA Sports Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

“Biotherm new rebranding journey endorses the #LIVEMORE attitude to promote a fitter and healthier living. With this attitude, we encourage consumers to lead a ‘more fit’, ‘more health’, ‘more beauty’ lifestyle and together with the life power of water from Biotherm, we can achieve a healthier, natural beauty.” said Guendeline Phoon, Senior PR & Digital Executive of Biotherm Malaysia. 

Michelle Tay, Biotherm Malaysia’s Education Manager, educating the ladies to achieve their post workout glow.

Also present at the event was Debbie Goh, Malaysia’s film and TV actress, and Deborah Henry, Co-Founder of the Fugee School, a non-profit charity organisation that provides basic education to refugee children. Deborah shared her experiences with the participants, detailing how she got involved in teaching refugee children.

Deborah Henry, former beauty queen and Co-Founder of the Fugee School sharing her experience in teaching refugee children.

Debbie Goh, Malaysia’s film and TV actress inspiring the ladies on her fitness journey.

“What we are doing is providing these children with the right academic, creative, and life skills to enable them to have a brighter future. Everyone has a right to education and a healthy life, and Under Armour has graciously contributed a number of yoga mats for our students. Thanks to their contribution, we believe that this will definitely make our students happy as they are able to cultivate a new hobby that is beneficial for their well-being.” said Deborah Henry.

“Life hurls us challenges every day. Sometimes, you just feel like throwing in the towel. That’s why it’s important to always see the bigger picture and realise the core reasons and motivations behind what we do.  Always stay strong and true to yourself, and think to yourself, I will.” advised Debbie when asked about what her inspiring message to young women would be. 

The ladies coming together after their yoga session for a group shot.

As part of the ongoing promotions for the day, participants were all given a 20% discount on all storewide purchases of Under Armour items, and were also treated to a complimentary skin analysis by Biotherm Malaysia. Additionally, from 9^th–13^th March 2016, Under Armour and Biotherm Malaysia had a series of promotions. Customers who spent RM350 and above in any Under Armour brand house were eligible to receive a free Biotherm sample pack. Moreover, for those who purchase any Biotherm products, they were able to enjoy a 20% discount when they purchased two items and above in all Under Armour brand houses when they show a proof of purchase.