Loh Kean Yew | Prestige 40 Under 40 2024

Sporting success requires tremendous sacrifice, a harsh reality that Loh Kean Yew learned from a tender age. At just 13 years old, the Penang-born badminton player was offered a scholarship by the Singapore Sports School in 2010. Leaving family and friends behind, Loh had to adapt quickly to pursue his passion. Driven by his determination to succeed and bolstered by the opportunities Singapore afforded, Loh, dropped out of Republic Polytechnic to pursue the sport professionally, became a Singapore citizen in 2015 and made his international debut for Singapore at the 2015 SEA Games.

Loh’s potential was brought to dazzling attention in 2019 when he triumphed over two-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion Lin Dan at the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters. Two years after what Loh considers his most memorable match, he became the first Singaporean to win the men’s singles title at the 2021 BWF World Championships. His trophy cabinet is currently stuffed with eight SEA Games medals from team and singles events, but his eye is still on this year’s Olympic prize after his debut in Tokyo in 2021.

Mental fitness is as critical as physical fitness, he says. “I work with my coach and sports psychologist to develop mental resilience using visualisation techniques, meditation, and psychological preparation to stay calm and focused.” He doesn’t follow a strict diet. “Adaptability in dietary choices is important, so I take on a more balanced approach to nutrition – which means I still get to have my kaya toasts and bak chor mees!

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