Latest news with #Loh
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Loh Kean Yew aims to be a good father as he juggles both new and old responsibilities
With the help of his wife, Singapore's top badminton player Loh Kean Yew has adapted well to life as a father and touring pro. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Loh Kean Yew aims to be a good father as he juggles both new and old responsibilities SINGAPORE – His main goals have not changed – become an Olympic champion and rise to world No. 1 – but the responsibilities have. The past 12 months have seen several key changes to Loh Kean Yew's life as the Singapore badminton star became a father in July and had a coaching change in January. So, at the start of 2025, the 27-year-old wrote down new targets on top of doing well at the May 27-June 1 KFF Singapore Open, world championships and SEA Games: 'Earn money, be a good dad and spend more time with family.' Not losing sight of his dream of winning an Olympic gold and becoming the top-ranked player to inspire the younger generation, Loh is now very much motivated by his own son and wife these days. He shared that as he juggles changing nappies and retrieving smashes from the world's best players, he is able to continue being a touring badminton pro, thanks to his wife's support. Loh told The Straits Times on May 26: 'I've been more of a badminton player than a father. I also want to spend more time with my son and my wife. This is why, whenever I can, I'll try my best to be with them, and do whatever I can – change his diapers, play with him, feed him, nap with him, put him to bed – to let my wife rest. 'She has been very understanding... There's not much I can do to help her at home when I'm not around, so I need to do my part, which is play the best I can. 'After having a baby, there are many things I don't see as important any more. I just want to focus on my badminton and be a good role model for my son.' In an Instagram post on Mother's Day, Singapore badminton star Loh Kean Yew thanks his wife for taking care of their baby son as he focuses on his playing career. PHOTO: LOHKEANYEW/INSTAGRAM Consistency has often been a challenge for Loh. After reaching the quarter-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he lost to Denmark's eventual champion Viktor Axelsen, he won just five out of his next 15 matches, was knocked out in the first round at six out of nine events, and slipped out of the top 10. 'There are a lot of tournaments we must play on tour, so I had no choice but to be there and try my best, even though I needed to rest after the Olympics,' he explained, adding that the six years of preparation for the Tokyo and Paris Games in 2021 and 2024 respectively had been very taxing. Beneath his smiley exterior, losing hurts. Loh said he has daily psychological battles within himself. 'Like whether I'll be able to perform, whether I will lose today? How will I play, what can I do to win today? It sounds like simple stuff... but it is actually a very tough battle that nobody knows,' he added. After spending some time with his family, Loh started soaring again. In 2025, he reached the German Open final and All England quarter-finals, before winning the Taipei Open in between semi-final appearances at the Badminton Asia Championships and Thailand Open, to take his prize money for the year past $70,000. His fine run has coincided with his tutelage under singles head coach Kim Ji-hyun, who was hired in January, though he also credited former coach Kelvin Ho for 'making me very strong as a player'. The world No. 10 added: 'Coach Kim has given me much more confidence in certain things she asks me to do and try out... I can feel the difference when I'm playing on the court.' Loh hopes to make an impact at the Indoor Stadium, with the US$1 million (S$1.28 million) KFF Singapore Open offering significant prize money and ranking points. In the first round of the Super 750 event on May 27, he takes on the ninth-ranked Alex Lanier, while 22nd-ranked compatriot Jason Teh will meet China's world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi. Women's singles world No. 12 Yeo Jia Min will face Thailand's 10th-ranked Busanan Ongbamrungphan, while the 28th-ranked Terry Hee and Jin Yujia play Indonesia's Rehan Kusharjanto and Gloria Widjaja in the mixed doubles on May 28. Loh said eighth seed Lanier is a 'buddy off court and we are going to 'kill' each other on court'. 'He's a tough opponent and a very good player who just won the European Championship, so he's definitely a strong challenger, and I look forward to playing with him. But he is seeded higher, so he should be the one who has the pressure,' added Loh, who is unseeded. While the Frenchman won their only previous encounter on tour – the 2024 Denmark Open quarter-final – by edging out the rubber game 24-22, Loh seems to have found a mental breakthrough lately, winning his last six three-game matches. These include extended affairs against Shi in the Asia Championships quarter-final and Taiwanese world No. 7 Chou Tien-chen in the Taipei Open final. But he recognises that more work needs to be done, saying: 'My goal is not to do well in just these few months. I want to be more and more consistent throughout the year and throughout multiple years.' David Lee is senior sports correspondent at The Straits Times focusing on aquatics, badminton, basketball, cue sports, football and table tennis. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
PeterLabs shares jump 43pct to fresh high amid director misconduct probe
KUALA LUMPUR: PeterLabs Holdings Bhd surged 11.69 per cent to a fresh all-time high of 43 sen, extending a rally that began last month amid a widening probe into alleged misconduct involving its directors. The counter opened lower at 37 sen, down 3.90 per cent from Wednesday's close of 38.5 sen, before rebounding sharply to a morning high of 55 sen, up nearly 43 per cent. As at press time, 4.42 million shares had changed hands. Yesterday, PeterLabs announced that the company and its subsidiary Thye On Tong Trading Sdn Bhd had initiated legal proceedings against its suspended executive director Datuk Loh Saw Foong and another director Datin Lin Ching Yein. This follows earlier disclosures made on May 13 and May 26, 2025, regarding Loh's suspension. The group is seeking various declaratory reliefs and damages as part of the legal action. PeterLabs' share price rally began on April 8, when the stock was trading at 18.5 sen. At its current price, the stock has gained 132.43 per cent in just over seven weeks. On April 21, the stock jumped to 29.5 sen, with trading volume spiking to 22.87 million shares, the highest in at least two years. This followed a raid by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on PeterLabs' offices as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct involving Loh and Lin. PeterLabs logged its previous all-time high of 37 sen per share on April 5, 2019. The group, which manufactures and distributes animal health and nutrition products, has yet to detail the potential operational impact of the legal developments. For the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2024, PeterLabs' net profit fell 9.5 per cent to RM667,000 from RM737,000 a year earlier, on higher administrative and distribution costs. The group said the decline was largely due to lower operating profit, which dropped 59.7 per cent year-on-year to RM631,000, despite relatively stable revenue. Revenue for the quarter slipped 2.0 per cent to RM45.37 million from RM46.29 million previously, mainly due to weaker sales from the trading segment, which recorded a pre-tax loss of RM162,000. For the full financial year, PeterLabs posted a net profit of RM2.84 million, down 17.5 per cent from RM3.45 million in 2023, while revenue dropped 5.5 per cent to RM176.03 million from RM186.21 million. The group has changed its financial year end from Dec 31 to June 30, with the next reporting period covering 18 months from Jan 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Budget-conscious beauty
GEORGE TOWN: With the rising cost of living amid global economic uncertainty, many Malaysians are now more thrifty, spending only on special occasions even for their looks. Accounts assistant Candy Loh, 31, indulges in haircare and manicures only when there is something worth celebrating. 'I dyed my hair and got a manicure because my close friend is getting married. I want to look my best for her big day. 'Otherwise, the only other time I treat myself like this was during Chinese New Year. Even then, I searched for salons offering discounts before booking an appointment. 'It's just too expensive these days, and I have financial commitments,' she said when met at a salon in Prangin Mall here. Earning less than RM3,000 a month, Loh said her income could barely cover essential expenses. She has to pay rent, car instalments, utility bills, petrol, food and also give some money to her parents. 'There is hardly anything left after that,' she said. 'The prices of daily necessities, especially food, have gone up. Since I do not have time to cook, I eat out a lot, which adds to my expenses. 'A few years ago, I could save around RM400 to RM500 each month, but now it's nearly impossible. 'I just try to put aside whatever little I can, especially for things like car servicing,' Loh added. With her growing list of financial obligations, Loh said she could no longer afford skincare and wellness products. For the past two years, lawyer M. Saraswathy, 36, has scaled back on facial, manicure and wellness products. She used to go for a facial every three weeks when it was just RM140 to RM160 per treatment. Now, it costs RM240 to RM260 per treatment. 'In this economy, splurging like that just does not feel right,' she said. Saraswathy now limits herself to a facial every three months and saves manicures for special occasions. Even her supplement purchases have changed. 'I used to stock up on popular branded supplements. Now, I look for products with the same ingredients that are on promotion or offer better value,' she added. Although Saraswathy's income has increased over the years, she admits that her savings take a hit whenever she indulges in personal care. 'Previously, I could save up to RM1,500 a month, even with regular facials and self-care. But if I treat myself now, my savings drop below RM1,000. 'These days, the only things I spend freely on are food and good quality groceries,' she said. Optical shop manager Grace Poh, 49, only does her hair and nails at a friend's salon, where she gets a discount. 'Even then, I only go about twice a year. Manicure and pedicure are a Chinese New Year treat for me, as spending over RM100 on nails alone these days just does not make sense. 'That money can go towards paying my bills,' she said. Poh pointed out that items like shampoo and home hair treatment have become pricey. She now waits for discounts before buying them online. However, Poh does not compromise on skincare. 'I cannot imagine spending hundreds on a single facial session. I would rather invest in quality skincare that lasts for months. 'It's more practical and still allows me to care for my skin within budget,' she said. Poh still takes supplements but sticks to basic vitamins for now. She has also adopted a healthier lifestyle to avoid unnecessary health costs, which helps her save a few hundred ringgit each month. Even so, her savings have taken a dive. 'I used to save about RM800 a month. Now, I can only manage RM300 to RM400,' she said, adding that she occasionally treats herself to a new blouse or outfit.
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Watsons Malaysia introduces the all-new 45+ members club
(From left) Hoh, Loh and Watsons Malaysia trading director Foo Hwei Jiek posing during the official launch of the Watsons 45 Members Club. KUALA LUMPUR: Watsons Malaysia continues to champion holistic well-being with the official launch of the Watsons 45+ Members Club, a specially curated programme offering exclusive health and lifestyle benefits for individuals aged 45 and above. This initiative supports the national agenda of promoting active ageing and improving the quality of life for mature adults as Malaysia enters the demographic phase of an ageing population. 'Turning 45 and beyond is not about slowing down, it's about stepping into a new, empowered chapter of life,' said Watsons Malaysia managing director and AS Watson Group Health and Beauty Asia chief operating officer Caryn Loh. 'At this stage, health and self-care become even more important and Watsons is proud to be a supportive partner through the Watsons 45+ Members Club. 'Staying physically active, engaging in mental challenges, fostering social connections, and maintaining emotional well-being are all keys to a fulfilling life. This club is our way of saying, 'You deserve to stay fit, fabulous and thriving every day.' The Watsons 45+ Members Club offers a host of tailored benefits designed to support members in their wellness journey. Watsons members reaching the age of 45 will automatically be upgraded to the Watsons 45+ Member Club on their birthday month. 'As a member, you will receive an attractive welcome pack that includes discount vouchers worth RM130,' said Watsons Malaysia chief operating officer Danny Hoh. 'Members will also enjoy a five per cent discount on a wide range of vitamins and supplements, along with two complimentary health checks each year to help monitor their well-being.' In addition, the club offers monthly health promotions via Watsons Community on WhatsApp, an exclusive e-stamp programme to redeem premium gifts and access to special partner deals tailored to the needs of the 45+ community. Members will also be invited to exclusive workshops and wellness events. To celebrate the launch, Watsons Malaysia hosted a pickleball session, giving members a fun way to stay active and connected. Guests also gained valuable health tips on navigating life's changes with confidence and enjoyed free health checks, including cholesterol and glucose. To sign up or learn more, visit your nearest Watsons store or log on to
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Impressive Loh Kean Yew and Yeo Jia Min clear first hurdles at KFF Singapore Open
Singapore's Loh Kean Yew taking an hour to beat Alex Lanier from France on the first round of the KFF Singapore Open on May 27. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE – Loh Kean Yew had joked about sending his badminton buddy Alex Lanier packing to France before the start of the KFF Singapore Open, after the duo trained together just days before the US$1 million (S$1.29 million) event. On May 27, the world No. 10 Singaporean made good on his word with a battling 21-23, 21-17, 21-11 men's singles win over his ninth-ranked opponent in an hour at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The victory was Loh's first over Lanier, after losing to him in three games at the Denmark Open quarter-final in 2024. Asked if the familiarity from the sessions together helped him crack the deceptive techniques of Lanier, who likes to make no-look shots or play the shuttles late, the 27-year-old said: 'It works both ways, and we know each other's game. It was still a tough match. 'He is a strong player and his skills are actually quite good, although it doesn't look like that with his body so jacked. It's not easy to play with him, because he has good smashes and is physically strong. It's also hard to play here, because the (draught) is very confusing sometimes. I tried to stay focused, and he lost a bit of focus and eventually his confidence.' In front of a partisan home crowd of 4,550, Loh showed true grit in the comeback win to set up a last-16 match on May 29 with another Frenchman, the 16th-ranked Toma Junior Popov. Despite clawing back from a 10-16 deficit, Loh conceded the first game when he smashed wide. Playing against the draught in the second game, he mixed things up with cross-court drop shots and down-the-line smashes to take the match to a decider. Pumped up by the vociferous fans, Loh unleashed a torrent of smashes as his opponent grew increasingly frustrated – flinging his racket in despair at 2-9 down – before clinching the match with a smash to the body. Since experiencing an uptick in form after making the German Open final in March, the Singaporean has appeared mentally stronger, winning his last seven matches that have gone to three games, including the Taipei Open final in May. Against Popov, he will face a player he has beaten in all five previous meetings, although it went to the wire in the 2024 Spain Masters. Loh said: 'I don't look at the statistics... maybe I'm winning more three-game matches, but I'm just going to keep focusing on trying to win each point.' The hosts' other top singles players also gave impressive accounts of themselves on May 27. Singapore's Jason Teh returning to China's Shi Yuqi during their first round match on May 27. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO World No. 24 Jason Teh lost 21-16, 21-16 to China's defending champion Shi Yuqi in 42 minutes, but not before giving the top-ranked player some serious problems. Despite being praised by Shi for his aggressive play, the 24-year-old said: 'He is a lot more composed and mature. The biggest difference between us was that I had to work really hard to get two or three points, but I gave away so many more points easily.' Singapore's Yeo Jia Min en route to beat Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan on May 27. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO In the women's singles, Yeo Jia Min showed great control to beat Thailand's 12th-ranked Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21-14, 21-13 in 41 minutes. She will meet world No. 1 An Se-young in the last 16 on May 29. The South Korean, who has an 8-2 record over Yeo, is aiming for a three-peat in Singapore. Ranked a career-high world No. 11, Yeo said: 'It's a good win because I needed to get rid of the nerves in the first round. I'm very happy I could keep my focus throughout the match. I'm also glad I'm moving better, and could get back to my gameplay more smoothly. 'An Se-young is someone whom I respect a lot for her spirit and ability to be so consistent, so there's a lot to learn from her. But there's nothing to fear and I'll try my best to challenge her.' There had been concerns over Yeo's injured right calf after she missed the Taipei Open and Malaysia Masters, but it did not prove to be a major issue although the 26-year-old admitted she is 'playing through pain and at 80 per cent'. Yeo had a slow start against Busanan as she trailed 3-6 in the first game. But with the home crowd behind her in full voice, she grew into the game and took the lead after winning a 39-shot rally. With the Thai looking to attack any loose shots, Yeo was patient and precise with her shots as she defended well and often came out on top in the long rallies. Despite trailing 10-11 at the interval, the home favourite won 11 of the next 14 points to take the opener. Yeo had to work her way back from a three-point deficit again as Busanan led 8-5, and led out a huge roar when her opponent smashed into the net to make it 8-8. The Singaporean kept up the pressure with well-disguised shots and delicate drops that prevented the visibly frustrated visitor from attacking, as she cruised to victory. Yeo said: 'It really feels quite different from playing overseas. I hear my name being cheered and it's heart-warming to know there are more supporters of local badminton now. It adds more excitement and I want to do well for my family, friends and Singaporeans.' There was an upset in the men's singles as Denmark's world No. 3 Anders Antonsen lost 21-17, 21-13 to the 23rd-ranked Frenchman Christo Popov, while other big names sailed through. On May 28, Singapore's 27th-ranked Terry Hee and Jin Yujia will open their mixed doubles campaign against Indonesia's world No. 26 Rehan Kusharjanto and Gloria Widjaja. David Lee is senior sports correspondent at The Straits Times focusing on aquatics, badminton, basketball, cue sports, football and table tennis. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
