IF Malaysia’s renowned shuttler Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei has proven his prowess as an investor, his doubles contemporary Koo Kien Keat has chosen to transition to the corporate world after hanging up his racquet professionally.
While other professional players may opt to become coach, manager or remain on the badminton court upon their retirement, the former All England and Asian Games Badminton Men’s Doubles Champion is now the executive director of XOX Networks Bhd and an independent non-executive director of Komarkcorp Bhd and Cheetah Holdings Bhd.
Ipoh-born Koo who has a personal interest in events and the fashion world shared that his decision to join the corporate world after his retirement in late 2016 was due to the passion he has on what corporate life entails – structuring, eyeing and seizing opportunities, proactively discovering solutions for every challenge and most importantly, leadership.
“Given that badminton runs in my blood, many badminton fans are sceptical if I could sustain long enough in the corporate world,” he told FocusM.
“But what many people do not know is that badminton has prepared me to be in corporate realm. The sport has enabled me to build a strong foundation on what it takes to become successful.
“Badminton taught me about discipline, endurance, leadership and grabbing the right opportunities in front you which are important ingredients to success which I apply wholesomely in my work now.
“Moreover, I’m a firm believer of life-long learning and I’ve never stopped learning, more so after my plunge into the corporate sphere.”
As probably the first professional badminton player to assume directorship of few public listed companies in the country, his message to his badminton juniors is that there is indeed life outside of sports so long as they are passionate to chase their dreams.
Busy year ahead
When asked on his plans for Trumpet International Sdn Bhd, the subsidiary of XOX Networks that manages events, Koo, 36, said that there are a number of projects and events in the pipeline.
The events are related to the tourism and entertainment industries in tandem with expectations that 2022 will see the revival of this segment which has long been halted due to movement restrictions.
“The month of May is significant to us. As the Health Ministry announced earlier that all sectors of industry will be able to fully operate by May 15, we are taking steps to continuously comply with government guidelines while organising world class events,” revealed Koo.
“We had a fantastic start! We’ve organised the biggest fashion show in Malaysia in March. We’ve just announced and launched our latest competition programme Show Me Your BAD-Minton which we believe is the first of its kind in Malaysia and potentially in the world too,” Koo added.
Koo said that the programme is open to all Malaysians regardless of age, skills, and background. There is no age limit for anyone to participate.
“There’s no set of rules or requirements for this competition programme. All participants need to be creative and skilful in showcasing their talent,” he stressed.
“During my badminton days, I’ve won many points by using trick shots in my games. Non-professional players can treat this competition as a platform to showcase their skill while professional players can flair tricks and deceptive moves that might not be very appropriate during competition.”
Registered and qualified participants will be judged by renowned names like Rexy Mainaky, Goh Liu Ying and Koo himself. The grand prize is worth RM10,000 alongside other consolation prizes for other eligible participants.
The audition will take place on May 14 with the finals slated on May 28 at the Sports Arena, Old Klang Road in Kuala Lumpur. Interested participants can register at www.excitix.com.my.
Besides Show Me Your BAD-Minton, other events and concerts that have been lined up in the coming months includes a Japanese festival-themed event, Nihon Matsuri, in July. Plans are also in motion to support both the local artists and local music scene.
When asked about his hopes for the future, Koo is optimistic that Trumpet International will continue to flourish and serve at its best capacity to its clients and target audience.
“Wait for the announcement this month. We have recently concluded discussions with two very famous entertainers,” he said.
“Humans are interactive beings. We’ve been missing live events and its atmosphere. Our mission is to bring back experiential events to Malaysians and this year – as a team – we are going to make it happen.” – May 4, 2022
