In a potentially game-changing development for Malaysian badminton, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has signaled its openness to allowing national men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin—collectively known as Sze Fei-Izzuddin—to train under the legendary Indonesian coach Herry Iman Pierngadi (Herry IP). The move, if materialized, could be a significant step forward in Malaysia’s efforts to revitalize its men’s doubles division, which has struggled with consistency in recent tournaments.
The proposition comes amid growing concern over the form and future of the Malaysian men’s doubles scene post the golden period of players like Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and the brief peak of Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong. Now, with the 2024 Olympic cycle behind and a new wave of competitions on the horizon, BAM is exploring unorthodox methods to reignite the fire among its doubles contingent.
Understanding the Context Why Herry IP
For anyone remotely familiar with international badminton, Herry Iman Pierngadi is a household name. Often referred to as the “Godfather” of Indonesian men’s doubles, Herry IP has coached some of the greatest pairs in history—Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan, and more recently, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto.
His ability to turn raw potential into elite performance is legendary. With his no-nonsense approach to training, strategic clarity, and man-management skills, Herry has elevated Indonesia’s men’s doubles to world-beating levels over the past two decades.
Now, the possibility of Sze Fei-Izzuddin tapping into that reservoir of knowledge has ignited optimism among Malaysian fans and stakeholders.
“Herry IP has a proven track record. If there’s a chance for our boys to benefit from his methods—even temporarily—it could make a huge difference,” said a senior BAM official on condition of anonymity.
BAM’s Changing Philosophy Flexibility over Rigidity
Traditionally, Badminton Association of Malaysia BAM has maintained a structured, centralized approach to player development. National players train under BAM-appointed coaches at the national academy in Bukit Kiara, with rare exceptions. However, recent years have seen a shift towards greater flexibility, especially following the pandemic and a string of underwhelming results.
The mixed success of independent players, such as Lee Zii Jia, who briefly thrived outside the BAM system, and the resurgence of pairs like Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, have forced the governing body to reconsider its previously rigid policies.
In that spirit, BAM technical director Rexy Mainaky, himself a former Olympic champion, has been exploring cross-border collaboration opportunities, particularly with nations that excel in doubles, such as Indonesia, South Korea, and China.
“We want to do what’s best for Malaysian badminton, even if it means thinking beyond our traditional boundaries,” Rexy told reporters recently. “At the end of the day, it’s about performance.”
Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s Rocky Road and the Need for a Reset
After a breakthrough year in 2022, where Sze Fei-Izzuddin won the German Open and reached the finals of several major events, expectations soared. However, the 2023 and 2024 seasons were marred by inconsistent performances, internal tension, and even a brief split between the two.
The duo reunited in late 2024, hoping to recapture their rhythm and rebuild synergy, but results have remained unpredictable. Their latest outing at the 2025 Japan Open ended in a disappointing second-round exit, where they showed flashes of brilliance but also lapses in focus and coordination.
Many experts believe that the pair suffers not from a lack of skill—but from an unclear tactical identity and fragile mental resilience in high-stakes situations.
This is precisely the type of issue Herry IP is known for fixing.
Reactions from the Malaysian Badminton Community
The news of BAM’s openness to collaboration with Herry IP has been met with widespread support on social media and badminton forums.
On X (formerly Twitter), user @badmintonMY wrote:
“Let them go train with Herry IP. What’s there to lose? We’ve tried everything else.”
Another user, @NetSmashHero, added:
“BAM finally taking a brave step. If we want world champions, we need world-class exposure.”
Even former Malaysian great Rashid Sidek weighed in during a recent panel discussion, calling the move “bold and necessary.”
“Sometimes we need to admit that others are doing better than us in certain areas. Herry IP is the best in the world for doubles. Let our boys learn from the best.”
Possible Challenges and Hurdles
While the intent is positive, several logistical and bureaucratic challenges remain.
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Permission from PBSI (Indonesian Badminton Association)
Though Herry IP is a national coach in Indonesia, any collaboration involving him and foreign athletes would require official clearance from PBSI. There’s no guarantee that such permission will be granted, especially if there are national interests at play.
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Training Duration and Format
Would Sze Fei-Izzuddin train under Herry IP for a short stint (e.g., a few weeks) or an extended period? Would they remain based in Malaysia and fly to Jakarta occasionally, or embed themselves in the Indonesian system temporarily?
These details need careful planning, considering tournament schedules and recovery periods.
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Chemistry and Coaching Compatibility
Every coach-athlete relationship is unique. Even with Herry’s credentials, there’s no automatic guarantee of success unless the pair are receptive to his methods and adapt well to a different style of training.
What Could the Training Look Like Under Herry IP
Those familiar with Herry IP’s methodology highlight three core pillars that define his coaching:
- Explosive Fitness and Speed Training:
Herry prioritizes short-burst intensity, focusing on fast court coverage and reaction times—crucial for modern men’s doubles. - Tactical Discipline and Rotation:
His training emphasizes smart rotation, positional discipline, and creating attacking structures with calculated risk. - Mental Resilience Drills:
Herry is known to simulate high-pressure match scenarios in training. Players are drilled not just physically but mentally—building the stamina to make the right decisions in tight situations.
Should Sze Fei-Izzuddin undergo even a few weeks of this regimen, they could return to Malaysia sharper, more cohesive, and mentally tougher.
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