PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Mohd Norza Zakaria is set to draw on his expertise to help strengthen governance within the Badminton World Federation (BWF), with a focus on improving its corporate governance and financial performance.

Norza, who was elected as a BWF council member in May, has since been appointed as the chair of the federation’s finance, audit and risk committee.

His seven-year stint as Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president has equipped him with the necessary experience to contribute effectively to BWF’s administration.

“When you talk about governance, it is based on my experience in BAM. It is about strengthening governance, bringing in more commercialisation, and all those aspects. I am a CPA (certified public accountant), a chartered accountant, so that is another area where I can contribute by providing input to strengthen BWF’s finance and administration,” said Norza.

He also believes the time is right for Asia, which is home to the majority of the sport’s powerhouse nations, to have a stronger voice at the global level.

BWF are currently led by Thai president Patama Leeswadtrakul. Out of the 20 council members in the new term, eight are from Asia, including Norza.

Norza sees this as a timely opportunity for Asian expertise to be shared with countries that are still developing in the sport.

“I think it is a good time for Asia to put forward a stronger voice. The president is also from Asia, and we have strong representation in the council.”

BWF currently have 202 member associations across five continents, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and Pan America.