Sharing the Heart of the Badminton Community at Élever Badminton: Loh Kean Hean and Eng Chin An

Former Team Singapore shuttler Loh Kean Hean and Élever Badminton co-founder Eng Chin An speak to Sportplus.sg about their dedication to growing the community

Bound by their love for badminton, Eng Chin An and Loh Kean Hean understand deeply how shared time on the court can shape a life. The duo first crossed paths within those white lines, and though their journeys in badminton took different directions, they’ve always shared a common goal: to create a community. 

Fueled by the joy the sport has brought them over the years, they are now more determined than ever to share that passion with the masses.

And that’s how Élever Badminton was born in 2023.

“Both of us were aligned that badminton has shaped many aspects of our lives, and now it is the right time to give back to the sport and the community with the knowledge, skills and experience we have gained along the way,” shared Chin An.

“With Kean Hean’s on-court expertise and my background in media, marketing, and a passion for creating unique experiences, we wanted this academy to be more than just a place for kids to take classes, although that remains a core pillar.”

He was one of Singapore’s top doubles players, representing Singapore on the world stage for 12 years after moving from Penang in 2009. Now that he’s hung up his racket, Kean Hean is taking on his role at the academy full-time, and his aim is straightforward.

Grow the Élever family.

“I spent a good part of my life chasing the dream of being the best badminton player in the world. In that process, I pushed myself hard, focused on results, and dedicated everything to improving. But along the way, I lost sight of why I started playing badminton in the first place—the joy, the friendships, and the simple love for the game,” shared the former Team Singapore shuttler, who reached his highest ranking of World No. 22 with men's doubles partner Terry Hee.

“That realisation changed a lot for me. I understood that striving to be the best isn’t just about hard work and discipline. It’s also about remembering the passion that brought you to the sport. Without love for the game, even the biggest achievements can feel empty.

“That’s why I started Élever Badminton—to give the next generation of players a space to grow, not just as athletes, but as individuals. I want them to enjoy the journey, not just chase medals or rankings."

It was at the recent KFF Singapore Badminton Open (KFFSBO) where the academy held one of its most-attended events yet. Over three days at OCBC Square, the duo organised a series of three-hour programmes, games and challenges for the public, match outings for their students, and even hosted a meet-and-greet with World No. 9 Alex Lanier—whom Loh Kean Yew, Kean Hean’s younger brother, had defeated in the opening round of the competition the day prior.

Capitalising on the prestige of KFFSBO, Chin An and Kean Hean saw it as a chance to create a space where everyday players can be a part of something big, and connect with the sport in ways they had never done before—right at the heart of an event showcasing some of the best shuttlers in the world. After all, the energy from the courts at the Singapore Indoor Stadium flowed seamlessly into the bustling carnival at OCBC Square.

More than 100 participants, both kids and adults, took part in the various activities. It was clear to them then, that after three years of dedication, they’d breathed their vision to life.

“It was honestly one of the most fulfilling moments so far,” gushed Kean Hean.

“When I started Élever Badminton, it wasn’t just about coaching or being the best, it was about creating a space where kids could grow, families could connect, and people could come together through the love of the sport. Seeing over 100 people at KFFSBO, all coming together with energy, smiles, and passion for badminton, it reminded me why I started badminton in the first place.”

Chin An shared similar sentiments with his partner-in-crime as he looked back on the lively weekend at Singapore Sports Hub.

“The experience last weekend felt like a big gathering of the badminton community, where people could come together and connect over a shared love for the sport. Being able to bring grassroots-level engagement to Singapore’s biggest badminton stage was a special and meaningful moment for us. It was truly heartening to witness.”

At the core of it all, forging a community has always been at the top of their list of goals. For Chin An, the full-time photographer has formed some of the strongest friendships in his life on the court growing up. Up until today, they still show up endlessly for him through just about anything.

Having travelled the world as a Team Singapore shuttler, Kean Hean shared with heartfelt gratitude about the badminton community—crediting it not just for shaping his game, but for teaching him about different cultures and expanding his view of the world.

“It gave me the chance to make many friends, not just locally, but also from overseas. These connections have taught me to be more open-minded, understanding, and appreciative of different perspectives. Badminton brought us together, but the friendships and lessons go far beyond the court,” said the six-time SEA Games bronze medallist.

“My badminton community has shaped much of who I am. As much as sport is about the joy of playing, I believe the sense of community is what truly brings individuals together and keeps people coming back as these bonds often last well beyond the court,” added Chin An.

After three years, and with Kean Hean’s full focus now on the academy, it’s go big or go home.

“We want to help badminton grow into more than just a sport, but a lifestyle,” shared Chin An.

Kean Hean then shared: “My biggest goal for Élever Badminton is to grow it into a global movement and to have Élever centres all around the world, spreading the love for badminton and making the sport accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability. I want Élever to be more than just a training centre, every child who walks into Élever to feel like they belong, and to be able to discover their own identity through badminton, to be free to express who they are and feel proud of it. That’s my biggest goal.”

#KFFSBO2025 #SGBadminton