Badminton player Loh Kean Yew a ‘role model' for children at HSCB event
[SINGAPORE] A smash and sharp drop were some of the moves made at the Singapore Badminton Hall East Coast @ Expo on Saturday (May 24).
It may have seemed like any other day on the court, except that the person demonstrating the techniques was none other than former men's singles world champion Loh Kean Yew.
Loh was coaching some 30 primary school children from low-income families at the badminton coaching clinic, which was hosted by HSBC.
Wong Kee Joo, chief executive of HSBC Singapore, said: 'This badminton clinic is a way for us to engage the community, and ensure that the community also gets to participate in sports – versus just being a spectator. (With) regard to the children, hopefully we can also inspire them.'
In addition to participating in the clinic, the children received a pair of tickets to the KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2025, which will start on Tuesday and run until Jun 1. Loh will be competing in the tournament.
Wong added that Loh is a 'great role model' for the children. 'The kids can look up to him and hopefully learn the same grit, determination and perseverance.'
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HSBC has supported a variety of sporting events – and particularly youth sports development in – not just badminton, but also rugby, golf and tennis.
'I think sports is an activity that is very transformational. Because when it comes to sports, it gives you the ability to understand teamwork and collaboration, (as well as) focus, resilience and determination,' Wong said, adding that these are important values to teach the younger generation.
Loh noted: 'My journey in the sport began at a young age, and I understand how transformative these early experiences can be.'
' Sports is an activity that is very transformational... It gives you the ability to understand teamwork and collaboration, (as well as) focus, resilience and determination. '
—
HSBC Singapore Wong Kee Joo chief executive
In addition, the bank hosts the long-running HSBC Youth Golf Challenge in partnership with the Singapore Golf Association. In March, HSBC partnered social service agency Trybe for an event where professional female golfers shared their experiences with young people facing adversities.
Engaging the community
In April, HSBC held its first rugby coaching clinic for beneficiaries from the same organisation.
Wong highlighted that the bank's employees are also involved in engaging the community through sports.
'Just last year, employees from across the bank came together to form a sports community that seeks to not only serve as a platform for employees to connect and stay active through sports, but also work and engage with various sporting associations and organisations in Singapore to explore ways to give back to the community,' he said.
The CEO added that the bank will continue to 'create opportunities' for the communities in which it operates.
The attendees of the event are beneficiaries of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which aims to support children from low-income families.
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