Malaysian badminton patron and Andrew Kam, who offered a RM2 million gold bar for Malaysia’s first Olympic gold, dies at 64

MALAYSIAN BADMINTON PATRON ANDREW KAM, WHO OFFERED A RM2 MILLION GOLD BAR FOR MALAYSIA’S FIRST OLYMPIC GOLD, HAS DIED AT 64.

His death was confirmed by his daughter, Hannah Kam, who described him as a real people person with a determination that was almost impossible to extinguish. Kam, whose full name was Datuk Seri Andrew Kam Tai Yeow, was the son of former MCA secretary-general Tan Sri Kam Woon Wah and a second-generation lawyer who transitioned into a diverse business career spanning power generation, property development, mining, and plantations.

Badminton: Andrew, badminton patron who offered RM2 million gold bar

Kam’s most enduring contribution was establishing the Kuala Lumpur Racket Club (KLRC), an alternative pathway for Malaysian badminton players outside the national setup. The KLRC also extended its reach internationally, sponsoring players from Australia and other countries. Among the prominent Malaysian players supported by KLRC were former All England champion Hafiz Hashim, world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkifli, and former Dutch Open champion Sairul Amar Ayob. The club provided a second chance to players whose careers might otherwise have stalled outside the national set-up, allowing them to continue competing based on their ability and potential.

Kam’s leadership in badminton included serving as president of the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association from 2008, succeeding Punch Gunalan. He also served as a vice-president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia. His business ventures began before he turned 30, when he established Hypergantic Sdn Bhd to initiate a power generation project that would eventually become Port Dickson Power in Negeri Sembilan. He later became involved in gold mining in Raub, Pahang, while continuing to build interests across several industries. Despite his business and legal career, badminton remained a major part of his life. Kam spent much of his free time on the badminton courts, and his passion for the sport eventually led him to establish KLRC and personally fund its operations.

Businessman, badminton patron Andrew Kam dies at 64

The “Gold for Gold” Offer and Its Impact

Malaysian badminton patron and Andrew Kam, who offered a RM2 million gold bar for Malaysia’s first Olympic gold, dies at 64 — Photo: NST Online

Ahead of the 2012 London Olympics, Kam pledged a 12.5kg gold bar worth RM2 million to Malaysian badminton players if they secured the nation’s first Olympic gold. He stated, I can produce gold, and I believe they, too, can produce gold. The offer, which attracted international attention, underscored his belief in the sport’s potential to achieve historic milestones. His financial support often came in response to players’ needs, reflecting his hands-on approach to nurturing talent.

Andrew Kam, businessman who offered RM2m gold bar to

Personal Tributes and Legacy

(Hannah Kam pic) — Photo: Free Malaysia Today

Hannah Kam, his daughter, remembered her father as a formidable personality with a tremendous zest for life. Free Malaysia Today quoted her as saying, He was a real people person, living life fully and on his own terms, with a determination that was almost impossible to extinguish. Kam’s funeral service will be held at Wesley Methodist Church in Kuala Lumpur on September 5 at 10am, followed by burial at Nirvana Memorial Park in Shah Alam. He is survived by his wife, Datin Seri Gazel Kam, and daughter Hannah.

His blend of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and sporting passion left a legacy that extended beyond financial incentives. His contributions to KLRC and his role in elevating Malaysian badminton on the global stage remain a testament to his vision and dedication.