MY esteemed colleagues, management staff, coaches, players, and dear friends,
Today, with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration, we honour a man whose leadership has not only transformed the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) but has also left an indelible mark on the entire Malaysian sports landscape. It is my privilege to pay tribute to our outgoing president, Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.
Tan Sri Norza’s journey with BAM began in 2010, but his influence on sports administration stretches back many years. His impact extends far beyond sports; he is a visionary leader in both the corporate and societal realms. As president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and honorary president of Badminton Asia, he has played a pivotal role in elevating Malaysia’s presence on the global stage.
His corporate acumen and commitment to societal development have also seen him serve on various boards and committees, always striving to uplift Malaysian society through strategic initiatives and sound governance. His ability to lead with both heart and mind has earned him respect not just within Malaysia, but internationally.
From the outset, Tan Sri Norza demonstrated that his priority was the well-being of our players. One of his first actions as president was to increase the allowances and incentives for players and coaches, providing them with a sense of security and stability in their careers. This initiative was a clear testament to his commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring that those who represent our nation do so without the worry of financial insecurity.
Understanding that the future of Malaysian badminton lies in its grassroots, he also significantly increased the allocation to state badminton associations. This strategic move fostered a greater talent pool, ensuring that every corner of Malaysia could contribute to our national badminton legacy. His vision was not just for the present but for the future of Malaysian badminton—a future that now looks brighter than ever.
Tan Sri Norza’s innovative approach to leadership was also evident in his unprecedented decision to bring in the consulting arm, Pemandu, to study and recommend changes to BAM’s structure, technology, and people management. This move, never before seen in the history of Malaysian badminton, demonstrated his commitment to modernising the organisation and ensuring that BAM remained at the cutting edge of sports administration.
Under his leadership, BAM reached unprecedented heights, both on and off the court. Malaysia’s first World Championship title through Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik stands as a crowning achievement of his tenure. The rise of Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah as the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to win the French Open title also took place under his watch.
Moreover, our athletes achieved significant milestones in the Olympics and other international tournaments. Notably, the men’s doubles pair of Aaron and Wooi Yik clinched bronze medals in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
The women’s doubles team also reached the semi-finals for the first time in the recent Olympics, showcasing their consistency and excellence on the world stage. Additionally, the bronze medal victory in the Paris Olympics was a moment of immense pride for Malaysia, solidifying our place as a formidable force in badminton.
In an era where transparency and integrity are paramount, Tan Sri Norza led by example. Throughout his tenure, he never took any emoluments for himself, setting a standard of selflessness and dedication that few can match. His meticulous handling of finances, coupled with his unwavering commitment to transparency, has strengthened trust within our association and with our stakeholders.
One of his most remarkable achievements was securing the financial future of BAM. He initiated the sale of the Cheras Badminton facility—a bold move that demonstrated his strategic foresight. But it was not just about selling; he ensured that BAM acquired two acres of land adjacent to the Cheras facility, a property worth RM 55 million. This acquisition was a masterstroke in strengthening BAM’s financial position.
Moreover, to ensure that our players and coaches have the best facilities, he oversaw the establishment of a state-of-the-art badminton facility and accommodation in Mont Kiara, obtained at minimal cost, ensuring that BAM’s financial resources were used wisely and effectively.
But beyond the titles and accolades, what truly stands out is Tan Sri Norza’s unwavering commitment to the people he served. He has been a mentor, a guide, and a steadfast supporter of our athletes, coaches, and administrators. His leadership was not about personal gain but about the betterment of Malaysian sports. He led with humility, always prioritising the interests of the athletes and the sports community above all else.
As he steps down from his role as President of BAM, we are not bidding farewell to a leader; we are celebrating a legacy—a legacy of passion, integrity, and visionary leadership.
Tan Sri Norza, your impact on BAM and Malaysian sports will be felt for generations to come.
On behalf of the entire BAM, I extend our deepest gratitude to you. Your leadership has been transformative, and your legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward.
We wish you the very best in all your future endeavours, knowing that your journey in sports is far from over.
Thank you, Tan Sri, for everything you have done for BAM, for Malaysian sports, and for our nation.
We salute you, Sir.
Terima kasih, Tan Sri. – August 25, 2024
Datuk V. Subramaniam is BAM acting president