In a move that could reshape the financial landscape of Malaysian badminton, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, President of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), has announced plans to implement a new, fairer prize money distribution framework for national players. The initiative aims to create a more equitable and transparent system that rewards both performance and contribution, addressing long-standing concerns over income disparity among athletes.
The announcement comes at a crucial time for Malaysian badminton — a sport that has produced world-class talents for decades yet continues to grapple with financial imbalances between elite shuttlers and rising stars. Tengku Zafrul’s proposal signals not just administrative reform but also a philosophical shift toward fairness, sustainability, and motivation within BAM’s player ecosystem.
The Beginning of a Structural Change
Speaking during a recent media briefing at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara, Tengku Zafrul emphasized that the new framework was being developed to ensure that all national players feel valued for their efforts and dedication.
“BAM’s success depends not only on our world champions but also on the depth and strength of our entire player pool,” he said. “It’s time we look at how financial rewards can be structured more fairly — to ensure every player who contributes to Malaysia’s badminton excellence feels recognized.”
For years, BAM’s prize money distribution policy has followed a conventional model: players retain a portion of their tournament winnings, while another portion is directed to the association, coaching staff, and supporting personnel. However, the exact percentages and calculations have often sparked debate — especially when players perceive discrepancies between effort, results, and rewards.
The proposed reform, Tengku Zafrul explained, seeks to eliminate ambiguity by creating a transparent, tiered structure that aligns financial incentives with measurable performance, teamwork, and developmental milestones.
The Rationale Addressing Long-Standing Inequities
In the past, several Malaysian shuttlers — both current and former — have privately expressed concern about how prize money and bonuses were distributed. Some felt that while star players benefited greatly from sponsorship deals and top-tier tournament earnings, those in development squads or backup roles received far less despite contributing to training, sparring, and overall team progress.
The imbalance, according to BAM insiders, occasionally led to morale issues. Younger players sometimes viewed the financial pathway as unclear or discouraging, particularly when national representation did not guarantee stable income.
By acknowledging these concerns, Tengku Zafrul’s administration demonstrates a willingness to confront what has long been an uncomfortable topic.
“We need a system that motivates every player, from our number one seed to the juniors coming up,” he stated. “Badminton is both an individual and a collective pursuit. Each player’s progress contributes to Malaysia’s global reputation, so fairness must be at the heart of how we reward success.”
Transparency and Trust The Core Principles
At the heart of BAM’s proposed system lies transparency. Tengku Zafrul explained that under the new model, prize money allocation will be documented, published internally, and periodically reviewed. This ensures accountability not only to the players but also to sponsors and stakeholders who support Malaysian badminton.
The plan is to introduce a three-tier framework, dividing earnings and bonuses based on:
- Performance Level – determined by tournament results, rankings, and consistency;
- Contribution Level – factoring in team roles, sparring duties, and mentoring younger players;
- Development Progress – recognizing athletes who show measurable improvement and dedication, even if not yet podium finishers.
Such a structure would allow BAM to strike a balance between rewarding excellence and nurturing potential. It also aims to reduce the income gap between senior and junior players while ensuring that success is rewarded proportionately.
Learning from the Past Historical Context
The issue of prize money distribution in Malaysian badminton is not new. Over the past two decades, several controversies have surfaced regarding how earnings were managed, especially when national players competed under BAM contracts versus as independents.
In earlier years, BAM’s percentage system — where a significant cut of players’ winnings went back to the association — was justified as a reinvestment into training, facilities, and coaching. However, as the global badminton scene evolved, so did expectations of financial independence among athletes.
Some independent players, such as Lee Zii Jia and Goh Liu Ying, later opted to manage their careers privately, seeking greater control over their income and sponsorships. While BAM respected their decisions, the exodus highlighted an urgent need to modernize financial structures within the national program.
Tengku Zafrul acknowledged this legacy candidly.
“We cannot ignore the lessons of the past. The new system must encourage players to remain with BAM by making it clear that they are treated fairly, both professionally and financially.”
A Collaborative Approach Players at the Table
One of the most promising aspects of the proposed framework is its collaborative design. Instead of being imposed from the top, the plan involves direct input from players, coaches, and administrative representatives.
BAM has already established a Players’ Advisory Committee, tasked with gathering feedback from national athletes across different age groups and categories — including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. The committee’s role is to ensure that the policy reflects the realities of life on tour.
A senior BAM official elaborated:
“We want players to feel ownership over this framework. If they’re part of the process, they’re more likely to trust the outcome.”
Several national players have reportedly welcomed this inclusive approach. One doubles player, speaking anonymously, noted that the consultation process marked a refreshing change.
“In the past, we didn’t always understand how prize money was split. Now, BAM is showing us the numbers and asking for our opinions. That’s a positive step.”
Global Benchmarking Learning from Other Nations
To ensure the system’s competitiveness and fairness, BAM is studying similar models used by other badminton powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Japan, Denmark, and South Korea. Each of these nations employs different prize money strategies — some centralized, others performance-based.
For example, Denmark emphasizes individual ownership of earnings but provides bonuses for national representation. China, on the other hand, channels all player earnings through its federation before redistributing them according to strict merit and contribution criteria. Indonesia uses a hybrid model, where the national body takes a smaller cut but provides robust support for travel and logistics.
“We’re not copying any one system,” Tengku Zafrul explained. “We’re creating a Malaysian model — one that reflects our culture, our structure, and our values.”
By benchmarking internationally, BAM hopes to balance competitiveness with fairness, ensuring that Malaysian players remain financially motivated to compete at the highest level.
Sustainability A Financial Model for the Future
The introduction of a new prize money framework isn’t just about fairness — it’s about sustainability. Tengku Zafrul, a former banker and finance minister, brings a strategic financial perspective to BAM’s operations. Under his leadership, the association has been exploring diversified revenue streams, including corporate sponsorships, digital partnerships, and grassroots funding initiatives.
The goal is to ensure that BAM’s prize money system is self-sustaining, rather than dependent on ad-hoc government grants.
“We want to future-proof Malaysian badminton,” he said. “A fair financial structure must also be financially viable. We’re building a system that can endure economic challenges and continue rewarding players for years to come.”
This long-term vision includes transparent budgeting for tournament participation, medical insurance for athletes, and clear reinvestment pathways for funds collected from winnings.
Impact on National Motivation and Team Unity
Beyond the financial aspect, the proposed system could have significant psychological benefits. Equitable reward structures have been shown to enhance motivation, reduce internal friction, and promote teamwork — especially in team events like the Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, and Sudirman Cup.
A fairer system ensures that every player — from the top-ranked star to the backup sparring partner — feels their contribution matters. In a sport where confidence is as crucial as skill, this sense of fairness could translate into improved performance on the international stage.
“When players see fairness, they play with freedom,” said national coach Rexy Mainaky. “It’s not just about money — it’s about respect.”
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