As one who has been following Singapore Badminton closely, I am delighted with our Women's Team performance at the current Doha Asian Games 2006. :)

Drawn against seemingly stronger opponents in the team event, Singapore had a close call but managed to pip Hong Kong to enter the Women's Team Semi-final on count-back as follows:

Singapore beat Thailand 4-1
(Thus avenging our defeat in the Manila SEA Games)

1. Li Li b Sortja 21-19, 21-12
2. Xing Aiying b Monthila 21-13, 21-19
3. Jiang Yanmei b Salakjit 21-8, 14-21, 21-18 (a surprise and decisive win!)
4. Li Yujia/Sari Shinta Mulia b Kunchal/Duanganong 21-19, 12-21, 21-17 (another surprise win, as Li was not paired with regular partner Jiang)
5. Jiang Yanmei/Vanessa Neo lost to Saralee/Satinee 6-21, 7-21

Singapore lost to Hong Kong 2-3

1. Li Li lost to Wang Chen #3, 12-21, 19-21
2. Xing Aiying lost to Yip Pui Yin #7, 11-21, 11-21 (even Zhang Ning #1 lost to Yip 19-21, 19-21 during the individual QF)
3. Jiang Yanmei b Assunta Ng 21-14, 21-11
4. Li Yujia/Sari b Yip Pui Yin/Chau Hoi Wah 21-18, 21-14
5. Jiang/Frances Liu lost to Wang Chen/Louisa Koon 11-21, 18-21

Hong Kong lost to Thailand 2-3.

Many thanks to Thailand, in the end, based on the number of matches won and lost, Singapore emerged on top to enter the semi-final:

1. Singapore (Won 6, Lost 4)
2. Hong Kong (5 & 5)
3. Thailand (4 & 6)

With this result, Singapore secured the team Bronze Medal, its first in badminton in the Asian Games.

Unfortunately, in the SF, Japan proved too strong for us, although it had a hard battle with South Korea before winning 3-2 for a place in the SF.

Results of Singapore's SF match with Japan (0-3):

1. Li Li lost to Mori Kaori 19-21, 11-21
2. Jiang Yanmei/Li Yujia lost to Ogura Kumiko/Shiota Reiko 21-23, 14-21
3. Xing Aiying lost to Hirose Eriko 14-21, 21-12, 18-21

Suffice to say that Jiang Yanmei, our doubles specialist, won valuable points for Singapore playing at third singles although she lost her doubles matches with different partners, a strategy to split the regular partnership which worked well for Singapore.

New Discovery

But, Singapore has now rediscovered a 'new' gem in Xing Aiying, who performed better and better as the team events, followed by the individual competition progressed. Singaporeans who saw her live in action on TV yesterday must be proud of the way she almost defeated Korean, Hwang Hye Yeon in the QF. A brief description of this momentus match will come later.

Aiying gave higher ranked Hirose Eriko #5 a fright in the team event and almost won the decider and match as shown above. (On the other hand Saina Nehwal of India lost to Eriko 23-25, 7-21 during the individual competition. Xing had beaten Saina in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. But Eriko eventually lost to Xie Xingfang #2, 7-21, 24-22, 16-21, but certainly not disgraced.

Xing Aiying's results during her individual campaign:

R1: beat Shrestha Sumin (NEP) 21-1, 21-6 (14m).
R2. beat Mori Kaori (JPN) 21-15, 21-12 (30m) (Li Li lost to Mori in the Team event)
QF: lost to Hwang Hye Yeon (KOR) 21-14, 15-21, 18-21 (65m)

In the decisive final game against Hwang, the line judge made a grave error by calling Xing's baseline shot "out". The TV replay clearly showed it to be on the line. At that time the score was close (15-17, I think) but because of this error Hwang went on to score 18 points, when Xing should get 16 and Hwang remained at 17 - a net difference of 2 points! Certainly a costly error by the line judge which must have deprived Xing of a possible win.)

So Xing lost a good chance of appearing in the SF and a possible AG medal! :(

Li Li did not do too badly either. In the individual singles R1, she beat Cheng Shao Chieh (TPE) 21-11, 18-21, 21-15 (52m) but succumbed again to Team event opponent, Wang Chen (HKG), 13-21, 20-22 (34m), a slight improvement over her earlier loss at 12-21, 19-21 (30m).

Watch out for Xing Aiying, who now has a new coach to guide her. :)

Yup, I concur that Singapore team played very well. And Xing Aiying and Jiang Yan Mei impress me the most ! Congrats to the girls and Loh !

A nice piece yet again by Loh. Indeed, Xing Aiying has a bright future in front of her. The Women's Team had a great year so far. They won the Silver in the SEA Games exactly 12 months ago, followed by an appearance in the Uber Cup Finals and now the Bronze medal in the Asian Games team event. Congratulations indeed...

I thought Aiying and the other juniors fared miserably at the World Juniors last month. Aiying even lost very early :cool: But, they made up for that and performed incredibly in the Asian Games.

Aiying indeed has a bright future ahead of her.

yala yala..
singapore did a great job la...

A nice piece yet again by Loh. Indeed, Xing Aiying has a bright future in front of her. The Women's Team had a great year so far. They won the Silver in the SEA Games exactly 12 months ago, followed by an appearance in the Uber Cup Finals and now the Bronze medal in the Asian Games team event. Congratulations indeed...

I thought Aiying and the other juniors fared miserably at the World Juniors last month. Aiying even lost very early :cool: But, they made up for that and performed incredibly in the Asian Games.

Aiying indeed has a bright future ahead of her.

I think you will be as happy if you were in my position. Indeed, just like you, I thought our juniors were regressing judging by their dismal WJC performance.

I just hope that this precious medal, which comes with monetary rewards, will inspire all our girls and coaches to do better. Aiying fought on bravely and was not rattled by the occasion. Her strokes and strength have improved in a relatively short time under her new coach, but I'm sure she will become better as her mental strength has also improved. ;)

Congrats to Singapore by fine performances by their women's team. absolutely gutsy show of fighting spirit!

Cheers

TBBMBB(N)

congrats but not really a singaporean team........

Just wondering why only the Malaysians respond like that.
Anyway wonder if you "guys " follow soccer.
It's like saying Chelsea , Arsenal Football is not really an English Club.

Just wondering why only the Malaysians respond like that.
Anyway wonder if you "guys " follow soccer.
It's like saying Chelsea , Arsenal Football is not really an English Club.

Who would want to give up one's citizenship for another?

Our Malaysian friend should know that many of his 'ex'-countrymen have also changed citizenship. They prefer to be called differently but why not let them be if they are happier than where they were. Why chastise, why be negative??? :confused:

Just wondering why only the Malaysians respond like that.
Anyway wonder if you "guys " follow soccer.
It's like saying Chelsea , Arsenal Football is not really an English Club.

It's typical of them, isn't it :cool:

Very impressed with Xing's performance, and I must say that line call was daylight robbery, maybe should use video evidence. In this 21 pts system, the cost of a bad line call is significant.

In fact I was looking forward for another Xing vs Yip game. The top 2 youngsters of the new age.

Li Li played well too, but I'm afraid her days as SG no 1 is numbered. Xing had better build and body strength to succeed in the power game.

yes definitely very typical of them. ask urselves, do you ever see a person commenting on team sin when they lost with " yea team sin lost.. but they are mainly made up of previously CHINA players! not entirely singapore's defeat!"
my point is, pple get 'red eyes' when they see success in other countries, esp. when their own national team had not much success.

so stop being so negative towards a improving country and start digging up their profiles. :)

Very impressed with Xing's performance, and I must say that line call was daylight robbery, maybe should use video evidence. In this 21 pts system, the cost of a bad line call is significant.

In fact I was looking forward for another Xing vs Yip game. The top 2 youngsters of the new age.

Li Li played well too, but I'm afraid her days as SG no 1 is numbered. Xing had better build and body strength to succeed in the power game.

by the way, Li Li is singaporean? or is she another player with susilo's fate... ahem.. (i mean most of singapore's atheletes are from foreign countries)

KZ is still very young and his comments may be just a little bit sensitive.Honestly most educated Malaysians are not that paranoid regarding citizenship issue.There are thousands of Malaysians all over the world contributing to their host nation's progress.Anyway,his viewpoint may change as he grows older.

KZ is still very young and his comments may be just a little bit sensitive.Honestly most educated Malaysians are not that paranoid regarding citizenship issue.There are thousands of Malaysians all over the world contributing to their host nation's progress.Anyway,his viewpoint may change as he grows older.

Yes, I agree that at 15, he is still very young and we should not take his remarks too seriously.

But it is also good to make him reflect on what he has said and what others feel about it. I hope he understands that the entire world has been brought so much closer and those who are able can travel to any country in a relatively short time and make their contributions. So-called globalisation has even made employment and lengthy stays in any country of choice much easier.

So much so that Malaysia is able to benefit from foreign coaches like Li Mao and Rexy. Rexy, together with past 'foreign imported coaches" like Park Joo Bong, Indra Gunawan, Han Jian, Yang Yang and Morten Frost, have made their contributions to the success of Malaysian badminton. This may have escaped the knowledge of KZ.

In any case KZ should dig up all the past postings in this forum on this subject of "Foreign Imports" so that he can gain a better insight.

singapore TVs called Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait sprinter

"Kenyan imported citizen"

shouldnt we call the shuttlers?

"Chinese imported citizen"

There wont be any benefit with foreign import players. Look at the badminton, where are all the real Singaporean after more than 4-5 years?

Didnt most secondary schools complain regarding Monfort's foreign player scheme last year?

Foreign coach & foreign player are totally two different matters.

singapore TVs called Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait sprinter

"Kenyan imported citizen"

shouldnt we call the same?

"Chinese imported citizen"

There wont be any benefit with foreign import players. Look at the badminton, where are all the real Singaporean after more than 4-5 years?

Didnt most secondary schools complain regarding foreign players at Monfort last year?

It's nothing new from you. You're still harping on the same thing, unfortunately.

If our sports CEO's are as myopic as you, then we'll never be able to progress in the sports arena. If you ask me, Singapore badminton has improved a great deal over the years, with greater interest from both parents and their children and greater participation in the schools and in tournaments and as a good form of recreation among the working adults.

When once 'O' Level school leavers were reluctant to take up full-time badminton training, we now have a number who dared to take that risk. When once parents were unwilling to place their talented children in the Sports School, we now have more who applied for the limited places available yearly.

Wining 5 gold medals in sailing for Singapore by our youngsters at this Doha Asian Games speaks volumes for the Sports Council, the Sports School and the Sailing Academy. Although badminton has not yet attained similar success, I think we have in place an action plan to reach there in good time. :)

The mindset of parents and their talented children is changing and the recent announcement that the Government will do much more for sports henceforth will be pivotal in accelerating this change. :)

Have patience. Rome is not built in a day! Aren't you asking too much, 4-5 years to produce champions. Do you know how long it takes to produce someone in the mould of Lin Dan and Taufik or even lower-ranked players of international standard? Coupled with similar ambitions by other countries who also want to put badminton on top of their pedestal, achieving international success is now made more difficult.

So Singapore needs all the help it could gather in the sports arena, including foreign talents: players, coaches, sports specialists, organizers, administrators, etc. ;)

Hi Loh,

A Merry Xmas & Happy New Year 2007 to all Singaporeans !!! :):):)

I met Li Li, Xing & rest of team, when they were here in Melbourne@Commonwealth Games 2006.

Congratulations for doing well @Doha 2006.

And I wish all of you All the BEST in 2007.

Cheers... chris@ccc

When once 'O' Level school leavers were reluctant to take up full-time badminton training, we now have a number who dared to take that risk. When once parents were unwilling to place their talented children in the Sports School, we now have more who applied for the limited places available yearly.
Unlike my country, Singapore Goverment has done a very great job in promoting sports to the public. However, I dont see any reason why foreign players scheme can change the mindset.

Badminton Coaches & players felt very dissapointed during last year school tournament. Their feedbacks & comments were published on newspaper. When coaches & players had given the same conclusion, do you still think that I have myopic eyes?

Wining 5 gold medals in sailing for Singapore by our youngsters at this Doha Asian Games speaks volumes for the Sports Council
And they did it without foreign players scheme. It proves that you do not need foreign import players to compete with others.

Aren't you asking too much, 4-5 years to produce champions.
Those spots should have been filled by the local Singaporeans. So, they gain quality experience to enhance in the future. How can they improve, when they are not given chance to do so?

Personally, I would prefer to see local Singapore athletes winning gold (sailing, bowling, body building) than looking at the foreign import winning a medal.

Who would want to give up one's citizenship for another?

Theorically, nobody would. Practically, there are many external factors. eg. $$$, better opportunity, etc.

Unlike my country, Singapore Goverment has done a very great job in promoting sports to the public. However, I dont see any reason why foreign players scheme can change the mindset.

Ah, I remember you must be Indonesian. and as Indonesia has such a huge population and so many talents to choose from for badminton, a game in which it is traditionally a world superpower, you don't face the same problems as Singapore. Unfortunately, Singapore doesn't not possess such a tradition and somehow our parents' and to a certain extent, our children's values are not quite similar although as I've said the mindset is changing, especially when the Singapore government can assure parents that their talented children's future are also looked into and cared for.

As such, we need full-time foreign talents to show us the way, to create the necessary interest among our own talented, to win honours for Singapore at the world stage and to inspire confidence in our locals that it could be done! There may come a time when we are fully developed ourselves and the need for foreign imports will be less important.


Badminton Coaches & players felt very dissapointed during last year school tournament. Their feedbacks & comments were published on newspaper. When coaches & players had given the same conclusion, do you still think that I have myopic eyes?

Sorry, I'm unaware of this and don't know the details to comment on this matter. Perhaps you could supply them for some meaningful discussion? When I talked about myopia, I refer to the big picture, not individual interest.

And they did it without foreign players scheme. It proves that you do not need foreign import players to compete with others.

Sure and I'm just overjoyed with our young sailors' brilliant performance at Doha. Those at the helm of Singapore Sailing must have done a splendid job over the years and I read that they will continue to upgrade with an eye to winning Olympic medals. I think it was Dr Ben Tan who won Singapore's first AG sailing gold and has thus set a very high standard and good model for those after him to emulate. As I recalled, Ben went into sailing full time despite being qualified to practise medicine, and he also had spent enormous time to train overseas in all sorts of weather conditions. He had the passion, dedication and commitment to achieve success and worked hard at it. In the recent past, I can't think of any local born Singaporean badminton player who was of that mould.

Now, I think one big difference between Sailing and Badminton is tradition and the laying out of a master plan and a set of realistic goals for successful implementation. Ben Tan had assured the sailing fraternity that it could be done and he generated a great deal of confidence. But our young sailors still need foreign coaches to help them do better. Now Singapore is reaping a record harvest of 5 Asian Games gold medals in Doha.


Those spots should have been filled by the local Singaporeans. So, they gain quality experience to enhance in the future. How can they improve, when they are not given chance to do so?

Like you, I look forward to the day when our local born Singaporeans are good enough to fill the shoes of our foreign talents. Unfortunately, they have been tested before and are found not up to the very competitive standards of our neighbours and the world at large. So foreign imports are necessary to set the minimum standards and offer locals a chance to test their skills against them. It is still a long way, but at least a start has been made to inculcate this sense of dedication, professionalism and hard work on our local trainees. There are no shortcuts and the locals have to decide whether they are up to it. They will then know what it takes to reach the top. As I have posted, our women players have done relatively well at this AG and this was in no small part due to their efforts (mainly foreign talent who became Singapore citizens) but also those of the SBA and SSC.


Personally, I would prefer to see local Singapore athletes winning gold (sailing, bowling, body building) than looking at the foreign import winning a medal.


Of course you are entitled to your own opinion but thankfully our government and Sports Chiefs are more open as they quite logically see limitations to such a policy. I hope I don't have to repeat again that Singapore has to count on foreign talents to excel in all its fields of endeavour because it has a limited talent pool with such a small population. Despite all the education and training we give to our people, it is still not enough for us to achieve the highest standards and higher goals.

Singapore's economic development history is a story based on foreign talent making its various contributions to the development of modern Singapore. Quite different from many newly-independent countries in the past who relied on nationalism or on its own people to make economic and social progress in all fronts, Singapore continued to welcome foreign companies, or the multi-national corporations to invest, expand and upgrade its operations in the city state that propelled Singapore as the first Southeast Asian country into the first-world ranks. We've had had a successful and enriching experience with foreign talent and it is unlikely that we would want to depart from this win-win relationship.


Theorically, nobody would. Practically, there are many external factors. eg. $$$, better opportunity, etc.

Exactly! Who would want to be uprooted from friends and families to migrate to a foreign place for long periods of time unless for very good reasons. Maybe, you also have good reasons for wanting to live in Singapore for some time now.

That's why Ronald Susilo, Li Li, Jiang Yanmei, Li Yujia, Sari, Xing Aiying and others made the important decision to become Singapore Citizens.

Hi Loh,

A Merry Xmas & Happy New Year 2007 to all Singaporeans !!! :):):)

I met Li Li, Xing & rest of team, when they were here in Melbourne@Commonwealth Games 2006.

Congratulations for doing well @Doha 2006.

And I wish all of you All the BEST in 2007.

Cheers... chris@ccc

Thank you Chris for remembering us during this festive time of the year. :)

A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY 2007 TO ALL OUR FRIENDS DOWNUNDER, ESPECIALLY TO ALL OUR MELBOURNE BADDY FANS IN CHRIS@CCC"

:) :) :)

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,83071,00.html

There are always pros and cons, but majority are against it based on poll which was done during the period.

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,83071,00.html

There are always pros and cons, but majority are against it based on poll which was done during the period.

Thanks for that piece of information about the competition in the schools.

I think it is only a natural response by teachers and coaches of normal schools who do not have 'quality' players to take on the better ones from overseas who decided to study here. I assume many of the better players have been absorbed by the Sports School which should be the one more concerned if their trainees cannot measure up to the foreign imports. But there are always some good local players who chose not to attend the SS for various reasons. And for Montford Secondary and perhaps a few others to think of such a scheme to get good foreign players to heighten the competition and make it more interesting, they should be congratulated. Otherwise our school badminton scene will remain dull and of a low standard.

About the poll, I'm not sure whether we can confirm that the majority are against 'imported players' as nothing official has been conducted. In any case some of those interviewed chose not to have their names disclosed. Even then, over time those involved will have to accept the challenge and think of ways to do better. In a way, it is a wake-up call to those who have not performed. Fortunately, the 'anti-foreign import' view you mentioned is not shared by our government who encourages foreign talent to provide the competition and raise our own standards.

The motivated local school players found the foreign challenge invigorating as they can assess their own standards, exchange knowledge and train harder to improve themselves. Some have confessed that they have benefitted as a result.

At the national level, we can't hold the selfish view of just keeping to ourselves and hope to do the best in international tournaments. We will be slaughtered. The foreign talent scheme is meant to help us achieve international standards faster in some of our sports, badminton being one of them.

So I believe we are on the right track and those involved in our core sports should not waste time being negative but should work towards a common goal of achieving success for Singapore in the world sports arena.

This is just another example of Singaporean opinion:

http://info.channelnewsasia.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=656972&sid=88bd3ebd6fa42b7f187ac04f21212f55

You may search and find more at google.

Monfort has always been having a good history in Badminton. So, it is not a normal school.

Coaches & players who made complain are not coming from normal school as well. At least they are in top 8 of national competition.

Poll is an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people. The result may represent the whole population. That's the purpose of polling.

At the national level, we can't hold the selfish view of just keeping to ourselves and hope to do the best in international tournaments. We will be slaughtered.
Not really. Remy Ong (bowling) does well in international events.

So I believe we are on the right track and those involved in our core sports should not waste time being negative but should work towards a common goal of achieving success for Singapore in the world sports arena.
So far, I still cannot see any impressive local born in badminton after the introduction of foreign talent. Only time will tell, but we should wait for another 10-15 years with every 5 years milestones. Based on the first 5 years, foreign talent is still a failure.

While local media keep calling other countries foreign talent as for example: Bahrain Kenyan imported sprinters, there should be nothing wrong with others calling Singaporean Chinese/Indonesian imported shuttlers.

man Loh are you member of national squad or what, you got lots of info

Singapore wins Optimist Sailing Team Racing World Championship in Uruguay beating 3 times gold medallists. (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sportsnews/view/250829/1/.html)

This is just another example why Singapore doesnt need foreign import to achieve great result in International Events.

As one who has been following Singapore Badminton closely, I am delighted with our Women's Team performance at the current Doha Asian Games 2006. :)

Drawn against seemingly stronger opponents in the team event, Singapore had a close call but managed to pip Hong Kong to enter the Women's Team Semi-final on count-back as follows:

Singapore beat Thailand 4-1
(Thus avenging our defeat in the Manila SEA Games)

1. Li Li b Sortja 21-19, 21-12
2. Xing Aiying b Monthila 21-13, 21-19
3. Jiang Yanmei b Salakjit 21-8, 14-21, 21-18 (a surprise and decisive win!)
4. Li Yujia/Sari Shinta Mulia b Kunchal/Duanganong 21-19, 12-21, 21-17 (another surprise win, as Li was not paired with regular partner Jiang)
5. Jiang Yanmei/Vanessa Neo lost to Saralee/Satinee 6-21, 7-21

Singapore lost to Hong Kong 2-3

1. Li Li lost to Wang Chen #3, 12-21, 19-21
2. Xing Aiying lost to Yip Pui Yin #7, 11-21, 11-21 (even Zhang Ning #1 lost to Yip 19-21, 19-21 during the individual QF)
3. Jiang Yanmei b Assunta Ng 21-14, 21-11
4. Li Yujia/Sari b Yip Pui Yin/Chau Hoi Wah 21-18, 21-14
5. Jiang/Frances Liu lost to Wang Chen/Louisa Koon 11-21, 18-21

Hong Kong lost to Thailand 2-3.

Many thanks to Thailand, in the end, based on the number of matches won and lost, Singapore emerged on top to enter the semi-final:

1. Singapore (Won 6, Lost 4)
2. Hong Kong (5 & 5)
3. Thailand (4 & 6)

With this result, Singapore secured the team Bronze Medal, its first in badminton in the Asian Games.

Unfortunately, in the SF, Japan proved too strong for us, although it had a hard battle with South Korea before winning 3-2 for a place in the SF.

Results of Singapore's SF match with Japan (0-3):

1. Li Li lost to Mori Kaori 19-21, 11-21
2. Jiang Yanmei/Li Yujia lost to Ogura Kumiko/Shiota Reiko 21-23, 14-21
3. Xing Aiying lost to Hirose Eriko 14-21, 21-12, 18-21

Suffice to say that Jiang Yanmei, our doubles specialist, won valuable points for Singapore playing at third singles although she lost her doubles matches with different partners, a strategy to split the regular partnership which worked well for Singapore.

New Discovery

But, Singapore has now rediscovered a 'new' gem in Xing Aiying, who performed better and better as the team events, followed by the individual competition progressed. Singaporeans who saw her live in action on TV yesterday must be proud of the way she almost defeated Korean, Hwang Hye Yeon in the QF. A brief description of this momentus match will come later.

Aiying gave higher ranked Hirose Eriko #5 a fright in the team event and almost won the decider and match as shown above. (On the other hand Saina Nehwal of India lost to Eriko 23-25, 7-21 during the individual competition. Xing had beaten Saina in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. But Eriko eventually lost to Xie Xingfang #2, 7-21, 24-22, 16-21, but certainly not disgraced.

Xing Aiying's results during her individual campaign:

R1: beat Shrestha Sumin (NEP) 21-1, 21-6 (14m).
R2. beat Mori Kaori (JPN) 21-15, 21-12 (30m) (Li Li lost to Mori in the Team event)
QF: lost to Hwang Hye Yeon (KOR) 21-14, 15-21, 18-21 (65m)

In the decisive final game against Hwang, the line judge made a grave error by calling Xing's baseline shot "out". The TV replay clearly showed it to be on the line. At that time the score was close (15-17, I think) but because of this error Hwang went on to score 18 points, when Xing should get 16 and Hwang remained at 17 - a net difference of 2 points! Certainly a costly error by the line judge which must have deprived Xing of a possible win.)

So Xing lost a good chance of appearing in the SF and a possible AG medal! :(

Li Li did not do too badly either. In the individual singles R1, she beat Cheng Shao Chieh (TPE) 21-11, 18-21, 21-15 (52m) but succumbed again to Team event opponent, Wang Chen (HKG), 13-21, 20-22 (34m), a slight improvement over her earlier loss at 12-21, 19-21 (30m).

Watch out for Xing Aiying, who now has a new coach to guide her. :)
You can blah all you want about she but sorry xing Aiying is not as hot as you have suggested. What about your local boy Kendrick?:confused: Well kendrick lee is just being kendrick lee:D And that remains a constant:o :cool: :p

Singapore wins Optimist Sailing Team Racing World Championship in Uruguay beating 3 times gold medallists. (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sportsnews/view/250829/1/.html)

This is just another example why Singapore doesnt need foreign import to achieve great result in International Events.

Every time I learned that Singaporean athletes could beat the best in the world in their chosen sports and events, I felt immensely proud and happy that despite our small population, we still have it to become world champions! :) But I don't agree that Singapore doesn't need to import foreign talent. It depends on the situation and prevailing circumstances.

We have had world champions in sailing (as you've just indicated, this is a new achievement I believe), bowling, bodybuilding and silat, but not on a consisent basis and in a number of cases, we have to count on the 'veterans' in the latter three, which are not Olympic sports, to deliver. Quite logically, Singapore will concentrate on the Olympic sports in which it feels our athletes will have a chance to shine.

As I have mentioned before, Sailing's success is not an overnight miracle. Plans have been established long ago to create the necessary interest in our schools, to spot the local talents and to train them to the highest level with top-notch coaches and exposed them to overseas competitions. Much resources, talent and time have already been poured into this sport to ensure its continued success.

We need not import foreign talent in sailing because we have enough of the necessary local material to work with, thanks to Sailing's foresight. Quite naturally, success begets success, and sailing will attact more new enthusiasts with its new-found successes at the Doha Asian Games and world competitons.

Unforturnately, badminton and some other chosen Olympic sports,
do not have the local talent pool just yet, but badminton together with table tennis have plotted out the road map for implementation, so it will be a mattter of time when these two Olympic sports will make their impact. The Sports School will produce our major source of talent to represent Singapore in the future and I hope we have the best coaches to train and guide them.

It is likely that Singapore will get its second Olympic medal from sailing, with only one silver medal won by Tan Howe Liang for weightlifting ages ago in Rome! Although Ang Peng Siong (whom the Singapore Swimming Association and Sports Council must have spent immensely on his overseas education and training) created a world record for the short course free style sprint in swimming, we have not won a medal at the Olympics. Our latest sensational foreign talent, Tao Li, now 16, who came to Singapore at 10 years of age and initially coached by Ang himself, will likely be the lady to win the first swimming honours for Singapore.

I think Singapore's approach is well-suited to its size and available resources. I have elaborated quite at large on this and thus will not repeat myself. Therefore to solely rely on local talent at this stage of our sports development is not the way to go for Singapore.

However, one thing that I observed lacking for Badminton is that we have only one high performance local coach to work with the foreigh coaches. If we want to have a full compliment of badminton armoury, we need to attract more locals to become full-fledged national coaches that our successful neighbours, Indonesia and Malaysia, have already cultivated.

Frankly speaking, Singapore has all the resources (players, coaches, dollars, facilities, etc).

This has been proven in Sailing.

It's just a matter of time whether they want to build it from scratch or getting foreign talent as a short cut to get a medal.

Did you take a notice during Li Tao's gold medal ceremony? Did she really sing Majulah Singapura? Based on my observation, it's a strange lips movement.

Is Jin Jun Hong still staying in Singapore after her retirement? I heard that she spent most of her time back in China.

Is this the kinda citizenship that Singaporeans are looking for? You may search on many local forum and surely this is not what they want.

I think Singapore's approach is well-suited to its size and available resources. I have elaborated quite at large on this and thus will not repeat myself. Therefore to solely rely on local talent at this stage of our sports development is not the way to go for Singapore.
This is what exactly happened in Badminton/Table Tennis. I hardly see any local talent represent Singapore during world competition even after the introduction of foreign talent scheme more than 1/2 decade ago.

Frankly speaking, Singapore has all the resources (players, coaches, dollars, facilities, etc).

This has been proven in Sailing.

It's just a matter of time whether they want to build it from scratch or getting foreign talent as a short cut to get a medal.

Did you take a notice during Li Tao's gold medal ceremony? Did she really sing Majulah Singapura? Based on my observation, it's a strange lips movement.

Is Jin Jun Hong still staying in Singapore after her retirement? I heard that she spent most of her time back in China.

Is this the kinda citizenship that Singaporeans are looking for? You may search on many local forum and surely this is not what they want.


This is what exactly happened in Badminton/Table Tennis. I hardly see any local talent represent Singapore during world competition even after the introduction of foreign talent scheme more than 1/2 decade ago.

I wish I could agree with you that Singapore has all the resources. Although I agree that sailing is a rare exception, still we have to look towards the more experienced foreign coaches to help us achieve success. As I've said, in badminton we practically have no proven local coaches to help build the national team. Additionally, although the mindset is changing, we still need to work hard on the parents and their sports talented children to turn professional.

Yes time is of the essence and for certain sports which we lagged far behind international standards, we need foreign talent to help us narrow the gulf and create more interest among our own populace. I'm sure most of us don't desire to wait another 10 to 20 years to have a national team worthy of international standards.

Tao Li is still young and came from a different background. Personally, I think she has adjusted well and is much admired by her friends in the Sports School. She came here to learn English and now has to learn to sing the National Anthem in Malay. Evidently from the TY footages we saw, she struggled with the language but was making valiant attempts. Even among local-born Singaporeans, we still have many who can't sing the NA. Thankfully, time is on Tao Li's side and I've no doubt that she will succeed in the end.

I can't comment on our present or past foreign talent athletes who have become citizens. Some are still contributing, others have made good after retirement but some have not. Some became model citizens, others may not. This is a fact of life for all citizens, whether local or foreign born. Even some Singapore citizens emigrate elsewhere for whatever reasons. So it is not quite right for us to pass judgment. So long as they have done their part and delivered when they are most wanted, they have fulfilled their obligations and we can only hope that they will be able to continue to live happily in Singapore.

At least they are better than so-called citizens who caused death and destruction to their own people in their own countries.

I'm sure most of us don't desire to wait another 10 to 20 years to have a national team worthy of international standards.

more than 1/2 decade has passed. if what you said is true, in another 2-3 years, we shall see the first batch of local born players participating more often in international events.

So long as they have done their part and delivered when they are most wanted, they have fulfilled their obligations and we can only hope that they will be able to continue to live happily in Singapore.

do their part, deliver and that's the end of it = mercenary

At least they are better than so-called citizens who caused death and destruction to their own people in their own countries.

those are rebels/terrorist. A true citizen will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the country.

oh well, let's see whether those imports can bring local players to another level. 2-3 more years is not a very long time to wait.

...... I don't agree that Singapore doesn't need to import foreign talent. It depends on the situation and prevailing circumstances......

As I have mentioned before, Sailing's success is not an overnight miracle. Plans have been established long ago to create the necessary interest in our schools, to spot the local talents and to train them to the highest level with top-notch coaches and exposed them to overseas competitions. Much resources, talent and time have already been poured into this sport to ensure its continued success.

We need not import foreign talent in sailing because we have enough of the necessary local material to work with, thanks to Sailing's foresight......

Unforturnately, badminton and some other chosen Olympic sports, do not have the local talent pool just yet, but badminton together with table tennis have plotted out the road map for implementation, so it will be a mattter of time when these two Olympic sports will make their impact. The Sports School will produce our major source of talent to represent Singapore in the future and I hope we have the best coaches to train and guide them......


Hi Loh,

Completely in agreement with you.

Tell you what's happening in Australia.

Some 50 years ago, Australia produced the most number of Tennis Champions in the World.

Now, it's almost "NIL".

Why???

Well, the answer...... Australia does not have a local talent pool anymore.

The reason...... Real Estate prices went up.

50 years ago, Australia had the most number of tennis courts per capita as compared with any other countries in the world. There were so many Australians playing tennis then.

But as the Real Estate prices went up, more and more tennis courts disappeared. So the Australian talent pool just diminished over the years.

However, at the the moment, Australia is still well known in the world for great coaches. But unfortunately, in another 50 years' time, as our previous talent pool of players turning coaches diminishes, our great Australian coaches will disappear too. SAD :(:(:(

Cheers... chris@ccc

Topic : Foreign Import Players

It's a classic case of Doing the 'Good' Thing vs Doing the 'Right' Thing.

Singapore IMHO is doing the 'Right' thing, and is definetely in the right path. Because they are doing what is needed to develop their sport further by taking such necesarry measures much elaborated by Loh.

Loh : I agree :D:D:D


Singapore is not doing the 'Good' thing. This is because, to do 'good', and to look 'good' / 'correct' (or any other terms that reflects 'politically straight policy') by not taking in foreign players.... Singapore would suffer greatly in the sports area which i am sure Singapore Govt ragards as an important component in maintaining Social / Moral / economic BALANCES.

Surely this is reflected in there yearly budget allocation for sport development. I don't have any figures but i can imagine :D

Spore definately have all the resources. But the Talents is just not enought at the moment. But considering its small population, i would say Spore done its job farely well towards sports development.

Topic : Foreign Import Players

It's a classic case of Doing the 'Good' Thing vs Doing the 'Right' Thing.

Singapore IMHO is doing the 'Right' thing, and is definetely in the right path. Because they are doing what is needed to develop their sport further by taking such necesarry measures much elaborated by Loh.

Loh : I agree :D:D:D


Singapore is not doing the 'Good' thing. This is because, to do 'good', and to look 'good' / 'correct' (or any other terms that reflects 'politically straight policy') by not taking in foreign players.... Singapore would suffer greatly in the sports area which i am sure Singapore Govt ragards as an important component in maintaining Social / Moral / economic BALANCES.

Surely this is reflected in there yearly budget allocation for sport development. I don't have any figures but i can imagine :D

I agree it is a rather sensitive balance for badminton in particular as all of Singapore's badminton imports are from traditionally strong Asian badminton countries.

Thankfully China and Indonesia have so many talented players that it doesn't create any dent at all to their talent pool if Singapore can offer them a place and professional training for future development.

Singapore mitigated the situation initially by importing very young talents in their early teens and not simply taking direct from their national teams. The latter would have created undesirable consequences. But Singapore seems willing to take in older foreign imports nowadays as it takes a shorter time to develop them to achieve a certain measure of international success needed to sustain local badminton interest. In this regard, Singapore seems to be more flexible but whether the foreign talent could fit in and perform is another matter.

The recent impasse of Zhou Mi, who is still keen on training for the Beijing Olympics 2008, having to give up Malaysia and trying her hand in Hong Kong as she no longer has a place in the China National Team, is a case in point. This is more acceptable to the Chinese as Hong Kong is a part of China. And many years back, when Indonesian national hero, Taufik Hidayat was dissatisfied with conditions at home and wanted to move to Singapore but later changed his mind after being convinced by the authorities.

Could you imagine what it would be if Singapore makes gestures to the Malaysian juniors to play for Singapore? Malaysians would find no difficulty in assimilating into Singaporean society and should be better adjusted than players from China and Indonesia.

Another politically sensitive issue indeed! ;)

Well Loh,

I have heard that that possibility has already begun to happen. But since some of these players are relatively new names in the national setup, you don't read it in the paper.

But with the really-really financially sound KLRC just next door, Singapore appears to be a lesser of two 'threats' in regards to their players.

For those in the know.

Cheers.

Hi Loh,

SBA can't develop they are own player. Just Import players from China and Indonesia...

Not only the players. Coaches also import from Indonesia and China.


But the problem now:
1. Some of import players (can say: all), the age is not actual.
2. Some of import players got serious injury last time.
3. Some of the Coaches has not enough experiences to coach for single players. Just has confident and come to singapore and coach at SBA. SBA only see them: OH From PBSI, so if from PBSI, SBA means: Good and Good....

One Example for SBA Import Player:
Riky widianto: Last Time in Indonesia player under WIMA CLUB, so He join at Jakarta and Surabaya competation under 19. But very funny, This people apply job to SBA and said: My age is 15 years. So we can see, at the Cheer Youth International 2006, Riky join play under 17 and he lost in final.

So not only Riky Widianto... The rest also same...

Example for SBA Import Coach:
Asep Suharno: I look at Today Newspaper that said: Asep is main coach in PBSI, so he train Simon, Sony, etc
And Said again: now Asep coach SBA Single player for main coach....

Is it right: No. Last Time Asep Suharno in PBSI not Main Coach.. He is Assistance Coach (less than 3 months). Before Assistance Coach, He is only the Feeder Guest (give drilling to player). So I mean: Asep not much experiences to be main coach. He can't make badminton program to improve the players. He just has confident..

Another Coach: Chafidz Yusuf. He is last time in Indonesia as assistance Coach for Yunior players. Now SBA Recruit him to coach SBA Double players.
This people, I think Good coach. He got alots experiences to coach double players. But He has not discipline and smoker.. So very bad: He come to singapore to coach because he got problem with his first wife... So he don't want to bring his wife to stay at singapore. He also got problem with his second wife...

Another things: Why Idris Hadi resign or SBA Terminated his contract?? Do you know what happens? I know is that.

I wish I could agree with you that Singapore has all the resources. Although I agree that sailing is a rare exception, still we have to look towards the more experienced foreign coaches to help us achieve success. As I've said, in badminton we practically have no proven local coaches to help build the national team. Additionally, although the mindset is changing, we still need to work hard on the parents and their sports talented children to turn professional.

Yes time is of the essence and for certain sports which we lagged far behind international standards, we need foreign talent to help us narrow the gulf and create more interest among our own populace. I'm sure most of us don't desire to wait another 10 to 20 years to have a national team worthy of international standards.

Tao Li is still young and came from a different background. Personally, I think she has adjusted well and is much admired by her friends in the Sports School. She came here to learn English and now has to learn to sing the National Anthem in Malay. Evidently from the TY footages we saw, she struggled with the language but was making valiant attempts. Even among local-born Singaporeans, we still have many who can't sing the NA. Thankfully, time is on Tao Li's side and I've no doubt that she will succeed in the end.

I can't comment on our present or past foreign talent athletes who have become citizens. Some are still contributing, others have made good after retirement but some have not. Some became model citizens, others may not. This is a fact of life for all citizens, whether local or foreign born. Even some Singapore citizens emigrate elsewhere for whatever reasons. So it is not quite right for us to pass judgment. So long as they have done their part and delivered when they are most wanted, they have fulfilled their obligations and we can only hope that they will be able to continue to live happily in Singapore.

At least they are better than so-called citizens who caused death and destruction to their own people in their own countries.

Frankly speaking, Singapore has all the resources (players, coaches, dollars, facilities, etc).

This has been proven in Sailing.


Sailing is a rich-man's / rich-country sport. Assuming you have to start them very young, how many youngsters in poorer countries have access to the costly equipment needed for sailing? Eventually though, countries will become wealthier and be able to catch up.

This is the same as Singapore swimming. Whereas Singapore may take the existence of public swimming pools etc for granted, they were a rarity in developing countries in the 1980s. Now, even poorer countries have swimming pools all over the place and they start producing swimming talent.

Mind you, there is nothing wrong with specialising in sports that cost a lot of money. But just pointing out why 'sailing' is not proof that Singapore can do well in sports where there are fewer barriers to entry.

Hi saugusli,

You have some interesting information on the Indonesian players and coaches which most of us outsiders do not have. I hope though that what you know is not pure rumours or half truths.

On the age of players, it does seem that some players appear to be older than their age group because of their bigger physical size, but this can be misleading as some mature faster than others and the more hardworking can build up their muscles quicker.

Also, the better players can play in a higher age group though they may be much younger. But the reverse cannot be allowed, ie, older players cannot play in a younger age group and it appears you are suggesting this is the case with some older players in some of our age-group competitions. If so the authorities must be notified so that an investigation can be made to verify their age and to be fair to all the other genuine participants. In any case, the team managers of the other countries can lodge a complaint if they are dissatisfied.

As for the coaches' ability, time will tell whether they are up to the task. Yes I saw many new faces from China and Indonesia and some former coaches must have finished their contracts. But these foreign coaches also take the risk when they come to Singapore to coach as they must perform otherwise they will not be retained. Foreign coaches are just like any other human being. They have their own problems at home, they have their fears, they have their own limitations but when a chance is given to them to experience a new life, to prove that they can do better, why deny them that chance? And the truth will come when our national players compete with others in the SS, Satellite and team tournaments. But I can tell you that to be a winner is getting harder by the day as other countries are also improving. You should understand this better as even powerful Indonesia has not been able to retain its pole position consistently! At the last World Championships, it was an English pair that won the men's doubles! Unlikely but true.

As I have tried to make others understand, Singapore is different from China or Indonesia or even Malaysia. We are much, much smaller in size, both in geography and in population. We are at different stage of economic development where young people are more attracted to enterprises that can give them a better future in terms of career and earning power. Unfortunately badminton as well as the sports industry have notbeen perceived to reach that stage yet that could match the demands of our young talents. It is changing and the better prize monies offered by BWF in the SS series is a step in the right direction.

Actually, Singapore's sports reward attractions are not to be sniffed at. Our parents and athletes should know that the Singapore Government and the National Sports Associations (NSAs) dish out attractive rewards. $1million for an Olympic gold, $250,000 for an Asian Games gold, etc, etc. Then there may be commercial endorsements for the winner. The industry may join in to reward with their company products like property developers may give a house or an apartment as a promotion for their own products or services. Malaysia's squash queen, Nicole, should know.

On the age of players, it does seem that some players appear to be older than their age group because of their bigger physical size, but this can be misleading as some mature faster than others and the more hardworking can build up their muscles quicker.


I do not mean to single out any country in particular, but Singapore has a regulation that domestic workers from foreign countries be of a minimum age of 23. However, you still have 19 year olds domestic workers coming with valid and genuine passports stating that they are 25 years old. So for some countries, it does not seem that hard to 'change' your age.

The problem of overaged players playing in age-group tournaments affects many sports, just do a search in yahoo or google "overaged players."

There is always a risk that imported players may be overaged, but at the same time, we should not automatically assume that they are overaged. At the national level - eg: selection for national squad, I presume that there is more careful screening done, i.e. look not only at passport but at school records etc. But at a lower level, eg: recruit to play for school, do they do a thorough screening or do they just rely on the age in the passport?

As for say, a protest lodged and verification done, it boils down to the same thing. If at a international level, perhaps they do a thorough verification. If protest at inter-school level, maybe all they can do is look at the passport and rely on the age stated.

I believe the main argument whether we should call them Singaporeans or Indonesian/Chinese imported shuttlers. :crying:

It comes to this point, because somebody isnt happy with the term Indonesian/Chinese imported shuttlers. However, as stated earlier on, Singapore TV/News coverage were still calling others "Bahrain Kenyan imported sprinters" during Asian Games.

So, it's not wrong for us (the public) to call them Indonesian/Chinese imported shuttlers.

Case closed and let's move on.

Yes, I agree with Storkbill that age verification should be done more indepth, in greater detail, especially when there is any indication that the player appears older for his declared age.

Cheating should not be condoned just because one wants to win. In the true spirit of sportsmanship, we should send a this signal to players who bring disrepute to the game.

I believe the main argument whether we should call them Singaporeans or Indonesian/Chinese imported shuttlers. :crying:

It comes to this point, because somebody isnt happy with the term Indonesian/Chinese imported shuttlers. However, as stated earlier on, Singapore TV/News coverage were still calling others "Bahrain Kenyan imported sprinters" during Asian Games.

So, it's not wrong for us (the public) to call them Indonesian/Chinese imported shuttlers.

Case closed and let's move on.

No I don't think this is the main argument.

The main argument is on the importing of foreign talents, from any country who may not have a chance to develop to their full potential in their own country for various reasons.

Some host countries, like Singapore, are willing to take the risk to adopt foreign talents and invest in their development. These host countries hope the foreign talents can not only bring honour to the country but also raise its own standards and create an on-going interest in the game which may inspire the local talents to turn professional and fill the ranks of the National Teams in time to come.

We don't call them by the names you suggested, maybe out of jealousy or other reasons because some of our foreign imports, who later became Singapore citizens by choice, have made good and win international badminton titles, big or small and are able to assimilate into local society. They are far better off remaining in their home countries where they are not treasured for their abilities and rewarded accordingly.

Just as we don't think it is appropriate to call a Chinese now residing in Indonesia a "China-export-Chinese-Indonesian". We simply acknowledge him as Indonesian and if we want to be more explicit, we can elaborate further that he is an Indonesian of Chinese descent, because his forefathers came from China. We call Americans, Americans. We don't discriminate them as Chinese Americans, Indonesian Americans, etc, etc. If we want to short-cut, we may "perhaps" say to close friends that his is an American-Chinese or an American-Indonesian, simply because we should honour the host country's name first and not the other way round.

The main point is try not to discredit what a host country has done for the 'foreign import' or to cast the host country in bad light.

Some host countries, like Singapore, are willing to take the risk to adopt foreign talents and invest in their development.

Is that so? then, why are all the badminton team & table tennis team still consist 95% of imported shuttlers after more than 1/2 decade? A failure? YES.

just as we don't think it is appropriate to call a Chinese now residing in Indonesia a "China-export-Chinese-Indonesian".

You can call that to my Grand Father, because that what he is. He still shows his love for his country of origin even after living in Indonesian since 1942. I am the third generation. I was born in Indonesia. That's why I shall be faithful & bear allegiance to my country no matter how bad it is.

What is wrong with calling Indonesian/Chinese IMPORTED shuttlers? No matter how you re-word it to a better word "foreign talent"
, why cant you accept THE FACT that they are IMPORTED shuttlers.

which may inspire the local talents to turn professional and fill the ranks of the National Teams in time to come.

What happen to those foreign talent that DO NOT want to take the citizenship? Where are they now? If that is the main objective, Shouldnt they be still in the national team?

Is that so? then, why are all the badminton team & table tennis team still consist 95% of imported shuttlers after more than 1/2 decade? A failure? YES.


That's why I said you have a rather myopic view.

I personally believe that our foreign talent scheme has succeeded for badminton and will continue to make contributions to fulfilling Singapore's plans and ambitions.

You may not think it significant, but I think Ronald Susilo, Kendrick Lee, Li Li, Jiang Yanmei, Li Yujia, Hendri Supatra and Xing Aiying have in various events put Singapore on the world badminton map when they win individual and team titles.

This particular thread on "Singapore Women's Team Asian Games Performance" is my way of acknowledging that our women's team had succeeded when many thought we could not. Our ladies from wherever they were before, had made Singapore proud.

Imagine, much stronger badminton countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia were unable to win a women's team medal at the Doha Asian Gemes, but Singapore got a bronze. When our women's team won a place in the finals of the Uber Cup at the expense of some stronger Asian countries, it was unheard of. Of course, now the rest of the world has woken up to the fact that tiny Singapore can play badminton too!

These foreign talents have made a huge difference to the badminton scene in Singapore. They are role models to our talented young and have inspired many more school children to take up the game. Yes they serve as a foundation to the further development of the game here.

So much so that our government and our Sports Council have decided to invest further in badminton as one of the few core Olympic games that can produce Olympic medals. This accouncement was made only recently after Singapore's 8 gold medal success at the recent Doha Asian Games.

Yes, it has taken Singapore Badminton a long time to arrive at this stage, which I consider just past Foundation Stage, still early days indeed for it to grow. I don't expect too much in the next 2 to 3 years as you tried to instigate. Our Sports School is only about 3 years' old, our first real batch of a handful of local talents only started turning professional last year, so how ambitious can one be? We need more numbers, we need more to join the SS and we are waiting anxiously for the SS to provide us with local talents to be trained to represent Singapore. The last bit has not even started yet. So be patient, more reasonable and more realistic.

Just because Indonesia has so many local talents that it need not import foreign players does not give you the right to deride other countries who may not be so well endowed. As a badminton fan, you should encourage more interaction among countries and players so that we will have a more vibrant and exciting badminton industry that will raise standards all round.

I don't wish to discriminate against foreign talents by giving them different names just as I don't wish to call you Chinese Indonesian. I like to accord our citizens as Singaporeans or Singapore players.

What happen to those foreign talent that DO NOT want to take the citizenship? Where are they now? If that is the main objective, Shouldnt they be still in the national team?

Frankly, this is a free country. If one feels that one is better off residing elsewhere, it is his choice.

You are asking very personal questions for which you should not expect an answer. You should satisfy yourself by confronting those people in question. I can't answer for them.

On a similar note, you should also ask, if you are an Indonesian citizen. why are you in Singapore? Maybe some of their reasons may be similar to yours.

myopic view???

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,83071,00.html

http://info.channelnewsasia.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=656972&sid=88bd3ebd6fa42b7f187ac04 f21212f55 (http://info.channelnewsasia.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=656972&sid=88bd3ebd6fa42b7f187ac04f21212f55)

You may want to spend more time reading newspaper and local forums.

I dont bother much when someone is calling me Chinese Indonesian, because that's the truth. The same way as in IMPORTED shuttlers, because that is the truth as well.

You are asking very personal questions for which you should not expect an answer. You should satisfy yourself by confronting those people in question. I can't answer for them.

No, I dont. You keep narrating a story that foreign talent is introduced for the benefit of the public. So, they will be more interested in badminton, etc bla bla bla. If that's the fact, Why there are so many past players who were being terminated after they decide not to take the citizenship?

why are you in Singapore? Maybe some of their reasons may be similar to yours.

You can call me Imported Indonesian Skilled Resident, because that's the fact.

I am not as narrow-minded as you. Why is it so difficult to acknowledge that they are in FACT the IMPORTED shuttlers.

Develping badminton in Singapore is for both the public including the school children, the badminton fraternity as well as for the country, not the public alone. The country's citizens must have something to look forward to, to bond themselves, to identify with and to make them feel proud. Winning medals at important competitions such as the Olympic, Asian, Commonwealth and SEA Games is one of the ways to achieve this objective.

There is nothing wrong with imported players if we think they can help us achieve certain objectives as I have ennumerated on several occasions. Singapore is a country of imports and exports, we have been an entrepot for ages, so this is nothing new. What I take offence to is the way you try make our foreign talents look as though they are cheap, unwanted, second class, even traitors to their own country should they beat their ex-countrymen, someone whom you can ridicule at will. So it is not a "narrow-minded" difficulty to acknowledge the fact.

Why do we need to import foreign talents? Precisely because we need them to help us raise our own standards so that we can compete with the rest of the world. If a foreign talent cannot help us to do this, if he or she is unwilling to become a citizen to represent the country because certain important events like the Olympics only permit citizens to play, then why should Singapore continue to invest in and develop them? We should choose someone who is more willing.

If you are a true patriot, you should remain in your own country to impart your skills and help your own people to develop and grow.

I really see this discussion going no where. Without taking sides or stirring the pot further, I suggest both to just end the discussion or perhaps this will be another thread locked?

TBBMBB(N)

foreign talents look as though they are cheap, unwanted, second class, even traitors to their own country should they beat their ex-countrymen, someone whom you can ridicule at will.

Get me the fact. In which section, did I post such comment???

Why do we need to import foreign talents? Precisely because we need them to help us raise our own standards so that we can compete with the rest of the world. If a foreign talent cannot help us to do this, if he or she is unwilling to become a citizen to represent the country because certain important events like the Olympics only permit citizens to play, then why should Singapore continue to invest and develop them? We should choose someone who is more willing.

As I have stated earlier on, why do they terminate those who are unwilling to take the citizenship if that's their main objective? It just doesnt make sense. Why do they have to be a citizen?

If you are a true patriot, you should remain in your own country to impart your skills and help your own people to develop and grow.

Because I am an Imported Skilled Resident. That's what I am getting paid for. I acknowledge it unlike you who is persistent with your myopic view.

I really see this discussion going no where. Without taking sides or stirring the pot further, I suggest both to just end the discussion or perhaps this will be another thread locked?

TBBMBB(N)

I totally agree with you. Thank you. :)

Greetings,

You guys have been talking about the short-term effects only.

I know we are talking about Singapore and Badminton... But we can open it up and talk about ANY country and ANY sport.

When a country wants to do well in Badminton, the Manangement of Badminton in that country has this in mind, like.... "Let us bring in some expertise/skill from other countries that are doing well in Badminton".

So, it could be players and/or coaches that they need, but they will have to pay for their services.

But that Management has a long-term goal. And they would say, "Once the performance of our own talent pool is strong enough, we can stop our recruitments from overseas".

And this is their long-term goal.

And they would tell their own people "Have patience, and let us learn from them... and will be developing our own talent pool as we learning from them".

jurong_twister is implying/assuming that Singapore is just buying players/coaches to do the Glory for Singapore. But, I can assure you that this is not the case. It is only for the short-term "fix-it" solution for the currrent problem/weakness.

Once Singapore can perform well with its own talent pool, Singapore will no longer need to import foreign talents anymore. But how long before this will happen, it will depend on how diligent Singapore works at it.

I don't think Singapore is trying to be dependent on foreign talents forever.

Every nation has its own national pride, and there is no such thing like, "We don't have to grow our own talents, we can just buy them from overseas".

Cheers... chris@ccc

I know we are talking about Singapore and Badminton... But we can open it up and talk about ANY country and ANY sport.
..(sorry guys, if my post doesn't relate exactly to the thread, mostly in effect to the recent posts) but just want to comment on this..
Actually this is quite true also to the U.S. Sure there are only a few, frankly, a handful of those "imported" professionals players in the U.S. But, IMO, getting foreign talents(in any sport, may it be soccer, gymnastics etc.) esp. to help a country like the U.S. is welcomed very much.
Case in point, U.S.(OCBC) hired Tony Gunawan & his wife, and recently Halim Haryanto, to work for them. And I'm sure the Canadians are ecstatic to have a player of Kim Dong Moon's calibre coaching there.:cool:
On whether those "imported" players should be allowed to play for the host country, IMO, i think they should be given the right to play for the host country and do so under the host country's name. Of course, if that player has been given the necessary & legal clearance(s) to represent the host country.
On the nationality's naming-convention, for example in the U.S., basically a melting pot or some would say a "hodge podge" country full of different ethnicities, once a person(born outside the U.S. or to a non-U.S. parents) has been granted naturalization to become a citizen of the U.S., that person automatically becomes an American.

Thank you chris and ctjcad for your views.

chris@ccc

My point is: You dont beat around the bush. No matter how good you re-word the term, the FACT will still be the TRUTH. When you acknowledge the fact, people will be more than willing to accept it.

chris@ccc

My point is: You dont beat around the bush. No matter how good you re-word the term, the FACT will still be the TRUTH. When you acknowledge the fact, people will be more than willing to accept it.

Since you are so insistent, just look back to what you have posted, starting with your first post, which I repeat as follows

QUOTE=jurong_twister]singapore TVs called Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait sprinter

"Kenyan imported citizen"

shouldnt we call the shuttlers?

"Chinese imported citizen"

There wont be any benefit with foreign import players. Look at the badminton, where are all the real Singaporean after more than 4-5 years?

Didnt most secondary schools complain regarding Monfort's foreign player scheme last year?

Foreign coach & foreign player are totally two different matters.[/QUOTE]

You have the intention from the very start to pass snide remarks on foreign imports in general and on Singapore's foreign talents from China in particular. You tried to prove your point by describing the unhappiness in our schools which I said is only a passing phase. It is good that ctjcad gave his positive views on foreign imports for the US and what ethnicity means.

You went on to say that foreign imports would not help our cause, which I disagreed and gave you my reasons. You said Singapore can rely on its own local talents and quoted the success of our sailors. But I explained that sailing and badminton are not the same in Singapore but even in sailing we need the services of foreign coaches. Chris has expanded it further to make it clearer for you - the short term and long term goals and how these could be achieved because your view is too shortsighted.

You kept on repeating that Singapore has no local born talents in the National Team even though we have foreign imports to help us; in other words you are trying to discredit our policies and plans as being ineffective but I explained to you that it is still too early to expect results. But the results will surely come - it is a matter of time.

You are not happy and brush off my replies as "beating about the bush".
In fact you are the one who is beating about the bush for you are harping on the same thing.

And despite the friendly call for stopping this discussion you still return to try to press your redundant views. For your information, you are not strictly contributing within the scope of this topic which is "Singapore Women's Team Asian Games Performance". You only want to take the opportunity to release your inflamed dissatisfaction over foreign imports for whatever reasons you may harbour.

You kept on repeating that Singapore has no local born talents in the National Team even though we have foreign imports to help us; in other words you are trying to discredit our policies and plans as being ineffective but I explained to you that it is still too early to expect results. But the results will surely come - it is a matter of time.

You dont beat around the bush. No matter how good you re-word the term, the FACT will still be the TRUTH. When you acknowledge the fact, people will be more than willing to accept it.

And despite the friendly call for stopping this discussion you still return to try to press your redundant views. For your information, you are not strictly contributing within the scope of this topic which is "Singapore Women's Team Asian Games Performance". You only want to take the opportunity to release your inflamed dissatisfaction over foreign imports for whatever reasons you may harbour.

You dont beat around the bush. No matter how good you re-word the term, the FACT will still be the TRUTH. When you acknowledge the fact, people will be more than willing to accept it.

chris@ccc

My point is: You dont beat around the bush. No matter how good you re-word the term, the FACT will still be the TRUTH. When you acknowledge the fact, people will be more than willing to accept it.


The fact / truth is we're relying on Foreign Talents (FTs) to not only help us win medals, but to raise the standards in S'pore. You can't just dismiss it as a failure now as it is a long term goal. Eventually of course, we'll prefer to rely on Local Talents (LTs) more than FTs.

It's just a policy/plan Singapore has adopted. You won't know whether or not a plan works unless it's implemented. Logically speaking though, it should. Even if it doesn't, at least we've tried. :)

5 years is not a very long time for a policy such as this to bear results considering the overall length of time it takes to develop a world class badminton player from the beginning. S'pore has also the difficulty of the parental and schooling emphasis on academic achievements which outweigh sporting interests.

Since most of the issues on FT has been covered, this thread will be closed.