Loh Kean Yew a hit with kids at HSBC clinic for ST School Pocket Money Fund beneficiaries
SINGAPORE – As men's singles world No. 10 and a father to a 10-month-old boy, Singapore badminton star Loh Kean Yew proved to be a natural when it comes to coaching kids.
On May 24, the 27-year-old led a coaching clinic organised by HSBC, in partnership with The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF), which supports children from low-income families with financial assistance to help them through school.
Through the 90-minute clinic at SBH East Coast @ EXPO, Loh was a hit with the 30 primary school pupils as he interacted, warmed up and sparred with them. He patiently taught the weaker players to 'swing forward' their rackets, and reacted animatedly with a laugh whenever a kid smashed a shuttlecock past him.
He said: 'I'm excited to share my passion for badminton with these young players and be part of this meaningful clinic with HSBC and The Straits Times.
'My journey in the sport began at a young age, and I understand how transformative these early experiences can be. I look forward to inspiring these children and perhaps discovering Singapore's future badminton stars.'
For the kids, it was a rare opportunity to meet, play and learn from the 2021 world champion.
Aiden Leo, a 10-year-old from Ang Mo Kio Primary School who had just switched his co-curricular activity to badminton, said: 'The clinic was super fun. I learnt new skills, got better at playing, and made some new friends. Now I feel more confident when I play.'
For HSBC, the clinic represents the bank's ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for its global community.
Drawing on its rich portfolio of sports partnerships in badminton, rugby, golf, tennis and more, HSBC has benefited more than 550,000 children worldwide through its grassroots programmes.
Within Singapore, HSBC has a strong history of supporting youth sports development. They include the long-running HSBC Youth Golf Challenge in partnership with the Singapore Golf Association, which has nurtured professionals like Olympian Shannon Tan, Gregory Foo and James Leow.
The bank also conducted its first rugby coaching clinic in April, continuing its tradition of leveraging global sports partnerships to benefit local communities.
Wong Kee Joo, CEO of HSBC Singapore, said: 'Aligned with Singapore's Vision 2030 for sports development, we hope to leverage our international network in sport to inspire the next generation and contribute meaningfully to our community's sporting ambitions.'
STSPMF general manager Lau Hui Ling added: 'We are deeply appreciative of HSBC's continued support for our cause by creating these unique experiences for our students. These opportunities expand their horizons and encourage them to pursue their dreams with confidence.'
In addition to the coaching clinic, the participants got to keep their rackets and each received a pair of tickets to the May 27-June 1 KFF Singapore Badminton Open, which features world champions such as Thailand's men's singles world No. 2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn and South Korea's women's singles world No. 1 An Se-young.
But there is no question who the top draw will be for Khairul Amri, a 12-year-old from East Spring Primary School.
He said: 'I really look forward to seeing Loh Kean Yew, who is such an inspiration. His speed, power and fighting spirit make every match exciting to watch.
'Seeing him play live will be a big moment for me.'
Loh will be eyeing a deep run at the US$1 million (S$1.28 million) event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, where he will open his campaign against European champion and world No. 9 Alex Lanier.
In their only previous encounter, the 20-year-old Frenchman edged out the Singaporean in three games in the 2024 Denmark Open quarter-finals.
Loh, who will meet either the 18th-ranked Frenchman Toma Junior Popov or Japan's world No. 23 Yushi Tanaka if he progresses, said: 'It's going to be challenging, because we're up against the very best in the world here.
'But playing at home in Singapore is always special. The cheers from the crowd lift me, and I'm ready to give it everything I've got.'
Meanwhile, the 22nd-ranked Jason Teh faces a daunting first-round test against defending champion and world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi.
In the women's singles, world No. 12 Yeo Jia Min is looking to break a 3-3 head-to-head deadlock with Thailand's 10th-ranked Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the opening round, with the winner likely to meet Olympic champion An in the last 16.
In the mixed doubles, world No. 28 Terry Hee and Jin Yujia will take on Indonesia's 27th-ranked Rehan Kusharjanto and Gloria Widjaja.
Following overwhelming demand, organisers released additional tickets earlier this week via Ticketmaster, with daily passes ranging from $40 to $330 and season passes priced from $100 to $450.
David Lee is senior sports correspondent at The Straits Times focusing on aquatics, badminton, basketball, cue sports, football and table tennis.
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