Pengkalan Chepa: The Badminton Talent Development Programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) in collaboration with Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua), serves as a crucial platform for discovering budding badminton talent among students across the nation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MOE Sports, Co-Curriculum and Arts Division deputy director Jalaluddin Ismail highlighted that this initiative supports the ministry's one pupil, one sport policy and aims to groom new badminton players to compete internationally. Talented students from the programme have the opportunity to advance their education and training at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (SSBJ) and the Badminton Academy under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

Since the programme's inception in 2018, 25 trainees have progressed to SSBJ to enhance their skills and prepare for high-level competitions. Jalaluddin shared these details while speaking at the National Level Badminton Talent Development Programme at the Tengku Anis Badminton Hall, an event graced by Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Ahmad.

Jalaluddin further mentioned that 2,400 students from 70 schools nationwide participated in this year's programme, competing across various categories. He cited the success of two students who emerged as champions at the World Junior Badminton Championships last November in China, underscoring the programme's effectiveness in producing top-tier badminton talent.

Meanwhile, Zainal emphasized the collaboration between Perodua and the MOE, which aims to provide students with platforms to showcase and refine their badminton skills. He noted that this partnership facilitates better communication and coordination for organizing training and tournaments, thus ensuring systematic development for young talents in the sport.