So you think you can coach?

Hola! I'm back blogging.

Heyha-s! I've been missing in action for some time. I've been enjoying my holiday while doing some part time badminton coaching. I just got my result on Wednesday and it was a huge relieve when i received the result back in college. The result was unexpected and thanks to Ms Yusnita for the As and Mr Beng for a smooth completion of my degree course. I was unable to sleep the whole night before the result was out. Thank God, everything was on the right track and so the next thought began- What am i going to do next? I'm still interested in the field of psychology; particularly in sports psychology. I'm looking for opportunities but first i have to gain experience as a sports psychologist/mental trainer.

During the first week of my holiday, i attended a coaching course organized by the BAM. I've gained some valuable insight that probably changed my coaching principles towards children in the future. Even though i've been an ex-national player before, it doesn't mean i'm competent enough to be a good coach. In fact, i'm humbled by how little i know about being a knowledgeable coach, be it in sports science theorectical knowledge or in practical application and experience as a coach. I believe that there are ex-players like me who thought that we knew everything about the game but yet we know nothing but the pride had left us missed the opportunity to learn to growth as an individual and a better coach. Being a player, they just have to follow the coach's instructions to train but as a coach there are unlimited responsibilities that one have to shoulder especially in coaching young talented kids. Perhaps one of the most important thing that i realize and was able relate to myself in the past as well as the young players today is the whole unsystematic/unethical training of young talented players today are being push too early and too hard. Why? Pressure, competitiveness and coaches just want results without having second thoughts on the possibilities of injury and growing mechanism disruption of these players. Hence, many are unable to go far when they reached 17 and 18 years old. This, not to mention the psychological well being of adolescent players who experience all kinds of distractions, curiousity, emotional being, adaptability with their surrounding. Sometimes coaches just don't care about the psychological being of these young players and label them with various negative comments that probably leave a lifetime scarring in their life.

Recently, BAM hired Hendrawan to revive the back up players that seems to be so far away from Chong Wei. Few years back, Li Mao requested few players from Rashid's 2010 squad to be train under him but was being rejected - (it's all about credit, for selfish reasons if Li Mao is able to bring any of the youngster up, Rashid will lose the credits for training them in 2010 squad). So, he manage to keep all the players to himself and Li Mao was unhappy with the politics, selfish environment and uncooperative nature among the coaches that drive him to return to Korean team. At least he is well respected in Korea and they treat him well unlike in Malaysia. Now, after a couple of years, there is no players from Rashid's 2010 squad that can narrow their gap with Chong Wei and they start to panic. Thus, the hiring of Hendrawan to revive the back-up players. Rashid mentioned in NST

"Hendrawan is known as an excellent worker, especially with lesser gifted players and he himself is an example of how well a player with a small physique can be so successful on the international stage.

"Hendrawan will definitely offer something new for the players. The majority of the our back-up players don't have the advantage of size so we hope that he (Hendrawan) will be able to relate his experience and pass on his effective training methods.

"If this group still fail to become established internationals, we have to start looking at younger talent and start focusing on them."

Personally, i think the comment is stupid. What's more, there are rumours saying Hafiz and Kuan Beng Hong will be place under Hendrawan. Just admit that you are not good enough for the job and don't blame it on LESS GIFTED players and save yourself some face when BAM already doubting your ability. This makes me wonder what's so great about a coach who can only produce Lee Chong Wei who is more talented from the rest of the players in the country? If the coach is so great, he should have produce 10 Lee Chong Weis.... having said that, i agree that talent is important in grooming world class players.

How long does it take BAM to realize that they lack talent management and what is the use of implementing coaching licenses for the grass root level and louding the importance of sports science but yet they do the opposite by hiring foreigh coaches without the knowledge of sports science at all? Funny isn't it how they think. In fact, we are not lack of talents and you will be surprise with the numbers of children & youngsters participating in various tournaments but there is no systematic development program. The state BAs are all unactive in playing their role and some BAs are even in spotlight for having corruption issues. Where the money goes?

With all the uncertainties, no wonder parents today are not encouraging their children to be professional badminton players. What is their future if they sacrifice their time, education, money and effort but end up going no where. Afterall, there is only one Lee Chong Wei.

My advise - not worth it unless your child is very very very talented.

I've finished the race finally!

It took me a long time to finish my degree and there is a huge relieve after i finished my last two paper yesterday. I'm not very confident with my chemistry paper though, but hopefully i will manage to get through and for time being, i just want to relax for a while, rejuvanate and prepare for working life/job hunting.

I have settled the course fees and will be applying for graduation next week. Next wednesday will have to attend the coaching course and have to prepare myself with some read up. Meanwhile, i will be doing some badminton coaching and plan to clear up all my notes, textbooks. So, to all my juniors out there, if you want to borrow my assignments, please be quick before destroy it.. haha. I plan to revise back and read back all my psychology books within this month when i'm soooo free. Have to keep in touch with the knowledge before i lose it cause i might want to join the NSC psy department in the near future.

I can't help but to think back of my first day in college to the last day in college. A bittersweet experience for me and all the late nights rushing for assignment, arguments with group members, stress and also changes in course policy. It's not a smooth journey and i've been struggling in every semester not because of the subject course assessment but more of handling dificult people. I realize i'm not good in managing people. I'm weak and always worry about offending others when i should be tough. I end up sulking up all by myself and doing most of the work. Even to the very last semester, the same thing happen that cause me much stress and sleepless night. I remembered giving up half way through the course and wondering if i will ever complete the course. Now, i'm feeling very proud of myself.

Of course i need to thank my big bro for supporting me financially this couple of college years. I believe it is now a huge relieve for him as well. I aim to pursue a master in the near future and if possible i wish i could do a doctorate as well in my interest field in sport psychology. But all this will depends on the changes that happen in the future.

All the best to me!!

Helping Yvonne to raise fund at college

Becoming a messenger for Yvonne in her eye surgery fund raising at SEGI college.

Posted on February 15, 2009 by Stephanella

PLEASE HELP YVONNE JIE JIE TO SAVE HER EYE SIGHT…..

Yvonne Foong is one of my collegemate who is raising fund for her latest tumor on her optic nerve. Neurofibromatosis might sounds foreign to you but for Yvonne, the genetic disorder is dreadful, disabling and incurable which caused her lost her hearing. Yvonne Foong was recognised for her fight against a rare genetic disorder which caused tumours to grow randomly in her body — including a brain tumour that affected her hearing and several along her spine that weakened her limbs.

Despite the trials and tribulations, the former ballet dancer, figure skater and soprano singer fought on. Yvonne just wish to live an ordinary life just like any girl next door but it will not happen if she lost her eye sight. I cannot imagine living in a world without sound and sight. The thought of it is enough for me to count my blessing.

Please help Yvonne in anyway you can even a simple word of encouragement, an email or leaving a message on her blog. In her fear of facing blindness, let’s let her know that she is not alone.

I had two classes with Yvonne before – Abnormal Psychology and Issue and ethics. At first, I didn’t know how to communicate with her as I thought she could hear me. I was nervous as I concerned if I did anything offended her. After a few times interacting with her, it’s getting better. She is a cheerful, cute and bubbly girl. I realize that, sometimes when we are too careful, that’s when we make her feel unease. Perhaps after doing my internship with BRIdGES, I’m better in communicating with Yvonne this time around.

After learning Yvonne’s eye condition, my heart feels heavy. I still remembered chatting with her during one of our Issue and ethics class. We share our dreams, ambition and hope for the future. Yvonne told me that she is interested in Child Psychology and hopes to pursue in that field in the future. A talented student, she can grasp the deeper understanding of psychology knowledge and she presented us in one of our class presentation. I admire her persistence and optimism in life and she had the quality and charisma of a psychologist with a heart of compassion. Disability doesn’t stop her from chasing her dream but yet how many of us give up trying to chase our dream although we have an able body when we face adversities?

People says when there is a will, there is a way. Can it apply to Yvonne as well? Yvonne has the will but is there a way for her to live a normal life like any other young adult out there? Well, Only God could answer that because He is the only One who could make the way. Its weird…. While many people trying to pursue a perfect life with 5,6, 7,Cs - materialism, fame and wealth, Yvonne just wish to life like a normal girl next door. “Life is unfair and it is not fair that life is unfair”!

I always believe that every person that I met has a fate and a purpose. They might be someone who sent by God to touch my life and reminds me to be grateful. It can also be God sending me to this particular person to reach out and touch their life. A strong voice telling me to reach out and help her. I was reluctant mainly because I’m shy and introvert. Plus, what will other think of me – a busybody kay po chi who wants attention by getting close to her since she is a well-known writer and columnist. The voice getting stronger – REACH OUT TO HER NOW! Well, who cares what other think of me as long as I’m sincere in helping a friend – a valuable friend that touched my life and No WAY I’m not going to help her. Besides, what she needs most now are messengers to help her to spread the words.

At first I went to Fayette House to approach them to help her to sell the H4H T-shirt. That was before CNY. Some students bought her t-shirt but the sales were not so good mainly not many students know about it. So, the committee plans to help her to set up a booth to reach out to more students. I went to the Peer Support Group meeting and told them about Yvonne’s fund raising. To my surprise, they were aware of the fund raising but they were not aware of her possibility of going blind. They were equally surprised. I went to talk to more students about Yvonne’s condition and received much compassionate feedback. Many extended their help and went forward to offer more assistant. The result – overwhelming sales of T-shirts and books.

I went to Mydin to search for white cloth to make a banner for signature. It will cost around RM 10 per meter and we probably need 5 meter. Who to pay? I don’t know. Have to think of a way next week. Seow Ying is helping to design a message card so that students can leave a message of kind words and encouragement for Yvonne. Another 18 days to go and hopefully we could reach the target soon. It touched my heart seeing my fellow college mates came forward to support her. That is the wonder of SEGI students…. When we are united for the same cause, we can do a miracle. That’s how I feel and love most about the college. Through raising fund for Yvonne, I believe the SEGI-ADP students are getting closer and each and everyone doing a parting contributing for Yvonne’s fund raising – just like a family.

Another classmate Su Ling who is like me – from independent club volunteered herself to be Yvonne’s messenger. Other extended their help included Fayette House committee members; Psychology club president; Rose and Vicki helped Yvonne to get help from Rotary Club Subang Jaya. The psychology club also plans to do something for Yvonne as well. Vicki’s dad is a Rotarian at Subang Jaya Rotary club. I accompany Yvonne at Subang 3K for an appeal. WoW… it was an eye opener and I was SO honored to meet DATO S Subramaniam from MIC. There were probably several Datos as well and I’m not use to interacting with these upper class society people but I have to cause I’m Yvonne’s messenger. During the course of the meeting, the leaders were giving away presentations while I jot down what he said. Occasionally, Yvonne laughs at what I wrote in translation of what the leader said. My heartache when Yvonne wrote on the white board “it must be funny, if only I could listen to what he says”. We waited for them to finish off the presentation and the leader invite us- from Segi College to give a speech. I’ve been chicken outlah… Yvonne kautim herself. Man, if you listen to her speech, you will be captivated by her confidence and once again she impressed the crowd and i sighed in relieve. What a chicken messenger I am.

What’s more surprising is that I meet Salleh (ex-player and BAMcoach) and TanBoon Heong (National Double Player) is at 3K. Salleh still recognize me lah but Tan Boon Heong is my junior and I hardly know his when he was junior. Nevertheless, just say ‘hi’ to Salleh who is now the director of Kangaroo express…. Believe it!

It is a challenge in approaching people and explains Yvonne’s condition and need for fund raising. It is easier to explain to my fellow college mates, as they know Yvonne in some way and could relate to her. How to explain it to friends and family members and sometimes it is disheartening when people didn’t show any response. For them, it’s just another sad and unfortunate story in the real harsh world. Yvonne asked me why people are only enthusiastic in helping once but lose their passion in the second time. That is why she was reluctant to ask donation from the same people and fear of offending them. I told her she need to let other know more about her needs – spread the words and like she mentioned in her blog – “those who support will remain supportive and those who don’t will not no matter what you say”. In another word, God will always send someone to be her guardian angel and it doesn’t matter if people stop helping but have faith that God will send more new angels to help her and keep her safe.

I discussed with Yvonne what I had planned to help her to raise fund and I manage to ask her about her feelings at this moment. Is it fearful? “It is not blindness that I fear, it’s my dream. If I go blind, I will not be able to go to college and fulfill my dream in the future.”

I treat her a Gelatomio ice-cream before seeing her off with her mum. Eating ice-cream together with Yvonne while waiting at the entrence corridoo reminds me of my old school days. It’s like having a little sister.

Life is unfair and it’s not fair that life is unfair.

Life has never been easy and it's never fair no matter how you measure it. The best you can do is to accept that life is tough and it can never be fair and square. When you can't avoid it, you have to find away to live with it - peacefully and happily. Age is catching up and i'm growing old... haha, i found that human being can be very diverse in the way they think, act and behave but yet all of us have the similar cycle of life. The point is - if you think that life is so unfair and comparing yourself not having a life like Brat Pitt and Angelina Jolie, you can console yourself that no matter how famous and rich a person can be, we all will leave this world one day. It's just that we are different in pursuing life's destiny.

Come to think of it, Yvonne Foong always comes to my mind when i ponder about life challenges. Yvonne taught me something valuable in life and no matter how hard life can be- it stilll goes on. For this young talented psychologist wannabe, life is an opportunity. Sickness doesn't stop her from pursuing her dream and she is still fighting a battle that could cause her eyesight. She is currently raising funds to save her eye and for more details on how you could help, please visit here



Yvonne has been raising fund through t-shirt selling with a brand new design "Heart4hope". She need RM94,000 for her next surgery and currently she only manage to collect Rm 26,000. You can view the design from her website at http://www.yvonnefoong.com/

Details from Yvonne's website -

Fundraising Purpose: To pay for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Need to kill an optic nerve tumor and save my sight.

Hospital: Good Samaritan Hospital

Doctors: Dr. David Huang M. D. (Radiation Oncologist), Dr. Gregory Lekovic M. D. (Neurosurgeon)

Diagnosis: Neurofibromatosis Type 2 - a genetic disorder that makes tumors grow in my brain, spine, and along peripheral nerves.

About this tumor: It is an Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma, located laterally and below the right optic nerve. It cannot be removed physically without making me blind.

Why the Gamma Knife: There are more supporting data and experience compared to other forms of Radiosurgery for treating this tumor and this condition.

Single-session Gamma Knife is safe for me because the tumor is located under the nerve, it does not encase the nerve.

Why Good Samaritan Hospital: The Radiation Oncologist here works closely with House Clinic where I’ve been treated for the past four years, and many of his patients have NF2. This is a not-for-profit research hospital. Their price for me has been discounted.

I find that establishing a consistent working relationship with doctors at a certain medical facility is beneficial for the long-term treatment of NF2.

Why this Neurosurgeon: Dr. Lekovic performed decompression of my right optic nerve in November 2008, which was the first part of the whole treatment. I want the same neurosurgeon to be involved in the second phase. He is also experienced in the overall treatment of NF2, not just this tumor.

When do you need the funds by: 28th February 2009. The opticpathways are very narrow. Any slight growth can decrease my vision further. .

How urgent is this: I have become deaf in both ears. The Auditory Brainstem Implant helps me to perceive sounds, but limited and may take many years to train. I was also born with an under-developed left eye. So vision in my right eye is very important. It must be preserved.

How can you donate:

Write cheques with your name and address behind, and pass it to my trustee.

Name to be written on cheque: Rockwills Trustee Berhad - Yvonne Foong NF Trust
Send to:

Alfin Majid
Wisma Rockwills
No. 62 Jalan 1/31A,
Off Jalan Klang Lama,
58200 Kuala Lumour

Or bank-in to:

Account no. 14235805099
Bank: Malayan Banking Berhad
Account Name: Rockwills Trustee Berhad - Yvonne Foong NF Trust
Rockwills’ Company Reg. No: 708932-T

Badminton Coaching Philosophy

Spring 2009 Semester has begun.....
New Spring semester started today. Back to college today for my final semester and also to take my results which surprisingly better than i've expected. I'm doing 3 subjects this semester and hopefully I can end my college years without any complication. Since i'm quiet free and only have 2 day classes perweek, i will be doing part-time badminton coaching.

I haven't sort out the training schedule yet since the players and me need to settle down first for the first week in school. The players that i'm coaching are in state level and they have high expectation to improve further. I'm trying my very best to help them but yet with the heavy course woek these semester, I don't know how much i can commit. It will be worthwhile effort if the player is sincere and commited to their goal but not all are serious. It's a great satisfaction to see the player improve and I want to break that stereotype that female coach cannot coach a male player. It's not going to be easy and i have to work very hard to prove myself. I have to use my actions to gain the trust of others about my capability. What makes me different from other coaches ? The ability to empower the players with the knowledge of psychology. Psychology in application to badminton includes - Cognitive learning, motivation, peak performance, handling stress and emotions, hypnosis, group behavior etc.

As a coach,if you know how to approach different players with different personality and gain their trust, you have succeeded half. Many coaches put a lot of concentration in the practical way of training where they forget to create an atmosphere that motivates the players to do better. Hence, the training seems dull and without direction. Training need to be specific to the individual needs in accordance to his or her weaknesses. Why waste time in training something that you've already mastered so well (having said that, you still need to maintain what you've learn) and ignore to improve on what you need (weaknesses). Therefore, many players actually found themselves stagnant somewhere even they trained very hard and wondered what happen while others are improving but they are not. The answer is simple: they have wasted so much time doing extra (quantity but no quality) training. Also, players often just follow the training programs given by the coach without knowing what is the purpose of the training. This is what we call "trainning without the brain".

I've also learned that there are certain boundaries in helping the players. In my previous coaching experience, I was doing too much for the players in every single thing to the extend my well intention "spoon fed" had caused the dependency of the players on me. The players couldn't stand on their own feet and they probably couldn't survive if they play further (the bukit jalil national junior coaches won't take care of them like i do). In the national junior squad, you got to fight fo the coach's attention and have to be very serious and determine in training. I can't help but to think that players did not appreciate what they have and take things for granted.

Besides that, being a coach, one must realize that they can't make a player a champion unless they want to. Hence, if the player do not have the heart to be a champion, even if you hire a world champion to coach him also cannot make him a champion. I believe that if a player have the desire to be a champion, no one could stop him - not even if he is without a coach.

What have i been doing?

It's been a long semester break for me and next week, i will be heading back to finish my final semester in Segi. So what have i been doing during the semester break? First of all, i ended the fall semester with a big messy bang of my life - but it's all settled now. I've started back my badminton coaching and have been busy planning how to help these players to improve their game. Visited my eldest bro in Singapore for a couple of days - celebrated Christmas and NewYear, spent some quality time with my nieces and nephews. We also manage to visit a long-time-no-see uncle in a old aged care center. It's been joyful to me and my sister in visiting my elder brother during my year end break.

I've done shopping for Xmas presents for my 7 nieces and 3 nephews. That burned a BIG hole in my pocket - probably a whole year's saving to buy Xmas present for them but the happiness on their face when they unwrap the presents were priceless. Besides that, i took the time to reposition all the items in my room and spring cleaning before CNY. Yeah, i'm also sticking to my new year resolution - reforming my life in a positive way. There is so much to anticipate this year and i'm looking forward to the important events that mark the new phase of my life.

Me and Niece Ling Ling

I like this picture very much... see the expression of my uncle, niece Nee Nee and nephew Jia Cheng. The were in a line with different generation and you could see the similarity in their features- Thats what we call "family".

My sister and her kim kia son, Jia Wai. This is the first time for my newphew Jia Wai to go oversea.. oops should say over the bridge from JB to Singapore.

Me and my sister in Orchard Road.

Niece Nee Nee and Me in Orchard Road.

Niece Ling Ling is concentration in making her first tong yuen.

So with Nee Nee.... see who make the cutest snowman tong yuen.

Cheese!

Niece Toong Toong 2nd birthday

She pulls down everything & keeps you on the toe
She slips out of all hands and makes everyone go
She makes cute faces & puts a smile on every face
She fusses for every bit, & lines up all on a race
She tires every one yet boosts them with zest
She blabbers sweet words & makes forget rest



Her smile would make you forget all pain
Her presence invigorates your every vein
Her cries would steal away your tomorrow
Her laughter would chase all your sorrow
Her charm makes the world go round & round
Her every step is like a jingling sweet sound



She fills the life of all with her tender smile
Her innocent looks, takes you away a mile
She tickles your nerve with her lovely smell
Her whisper enchants to cast a great spell
She is full of warmth and a radiant shine
Her gentle touch would shed out your whine



God Almighty was gracious and gifted a doll
Filled our hearts with joy, & happiness most of all
3rd January 2009, a day we would always treasure
Blossomed yet a year, that’s a great pleasure
Showers of blessings as you turn Two, sweetz
Happy Birthday ANGEL, my dearest niece.