PETALING JAYA: As the Penang Badminton Association (PBA) marks their centenary, former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria is hopeful that the state will one day produce another great like Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.

Although no longer with BAM, Norza has stepped forward with a personal contribution of RM20,000 to PBA as the association prepares to celebrate their 100th anniversary on Nov 22.

Penang has long been a cradle of badminton talent, producing some of the world’s finest players including Datuk Eddy Choong, Datuk Tan Aik Huang, Ong Ewe Hock, Chan Peng Soon, Chin Eei Hui, Goh Jin Wei and, of course, Chong Wei.

Currently, PBA are in discussions with the Penang state government to build a northern region academy that will complement the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.

Therefore, Norza believes that under the stewardship of Datuk Kah Kau Kiak, PBA will carry on this proud legacy by grooming another world-beater in the mould of Chong Wei, who once reigned supreme on the international stage.

"I think Datuk Kah should pursue that because I think it will be more meaningful if we can have a regional academy in Penang, knowing that Penang is a powerhouse in Malaysia in terms of producing badminton talent," said Norza.

It is understood that the Penang state government has offered a 10-acre plot of land to PBA for the academy, but many details still need to be ironed out before the project can be successfully implemented.

"Right now, we are working on the layout and land matters, and liaising with construction vendors. The details are not finalised yet, but I see this as a five-year plan," said Kau Kiak.

Several distinguished guests are expected to attend the Penang Badminton Association’s (PBA) 100th anniversary dinner, including Badminton World Federation (BWF) president Patama Leeswadtrakul and former world stars Taufik Hidayat and Kento Momota.

PBA, operating in Bukit Dumbar, Penang, were established in 1925 and are the oldest badminton association in Malaysia. They are also 10 years older than the sport’s world governing body, the BWF.