SINGAPORE – Loh Kean Yew National Ferry Cash Rewards for win the World Badminton Federation World Championship They are now close to $ 500,000 as he received his largest incentive yet on Wednesday (January 12).
The Karim Family Foundation, created by the family of Indonesian tycoon Bachtiar Karim and his wife Dewi Sukwanto, has given the Singaporean $ 200,000 to reward him for his exploits at the World Championships and to urge him to continue to pursue his dream of winning an Olympic medal.
The foundation had contacted the Chinese Media Group of the SPH Media Trust to contact the Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) to make the contribution last week.
Karim is ranked 10th on Forbes’ list of the 50 richest in Indonesia in 2021 with a net worth of US $ 3.5 billion (S $ 4.73 billion). He runs Musim Mas, an integrated palm oil company, with his brothers Burhan and Bahari.
The 65-year-old is known for his philanthropy, having donated $ 2.27 million to his alma mater, the National University of Singapore, to start a sustainability chair at his business school in 2010. He also donated $ 5 million. dollars to various causes, including Singapore General Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, in 2020.
His son Chayadi Karim, one of the foundation’s directors, told Lianhe Zaobao: “We always believe in giving back to society and supporting various community programs. The purpose of this incentive is to make him a role model for young people ”.
“I feel like Loh Kean Yew is an awesome young man. The competition among the badminton elite is very intense. It not only takes good technique, but also a strong will to succeed. I have watched this young man for a long time and I admire him very much. his indefatigable spirit.
“We hope Kean Yew can continue to play badminton well without worry. We want to show that it is good to engage in sport not only as a hobby, but also as a career. We hope that more young aspiring athletes will follow in his footsteps so that Singapore’s sporting standards can be raised. ”
Karim’s daughter, Cindy Karim, who is also the foundation’s director, was also quoted on Lianhe Zaobao as saying, “Our entire family has been touched by Kean Yew’s fighting spirit. We are also touched by his humility after achieving such great success. I hope to inspire more to be like him in the future. “
The Karim’s gesture brings Loh’s bounty kitty to more than $ 495,000. This includes money from a crowdfunding exercise started by Wei Chan, an SBA committee member, in a personal capacity on January 2, which attracted more than 700 donors who contributed $ 165,299. Local business leaders and individuals, as well as the SBA and its apparel and equipment sponsor, Li-Ning, have also contributed a sum of $ 130,000.
The jackpot could rise to $ 1 million as The Straits Times understands that the SBA is in the midst of negotiating a six-figure multi-year endorsement deal.
Loh, who is currently competing in the Indian Open, said: “I am very grateful to the many sponsors and supporters like Mr. Karim, who offered me various rewards and encouragement after my victory. For the athletes, this is an acknowledgment of our hard work. ” work and sacrifices.
“Doing the best I can and making my country proud has always been my priority. Knowing that there are many people who are very supportive, generous and encouraging with the local athletes means a lot to me ”.
“I am also very grateful to Sport Singapore, SBA, Li-Ning and Singapore Sports School, as they have looked after me and accompanied me every step of the way since I arrived in Singapore.
“There are too many people who have helped me in my life and I can never thank them enough. Without all the support and encouragement, I would not be on the podium. “
