Malaysian badminton icon Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei has been officially appointed as the newest Johor Sports Ambassador, joining an elite initiative aimed at elevating the sporting landscape of the southern state.
The announcement was made by the Johor State Sports Council (MSNJ) in a statement that celebrated the arrival of one of the nation’s most decorated athletes into the state’s growing sports movement.
“A champion joins the team! MSNJ and Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei have finalized a winning partnership to shape the next generation of sports heroes,” the council declared.
The formal signing ceremony between Lee Chong Wei and MSNJ took place on April 18, solidifying a strategic collaboration expected to have far-reaching impact across Johor’s sports development ecosystem.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Johor Police Chief Datuk M Kumar, MSNJ Director Mohd Ekmaluddin Ishak, Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee Chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, and Mayor of Johor Bahru, Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad.
This high-level partnership underscores Johor’s serious commitment to fostering excellence and instilling a winning culture in sports through inspiration, mentorship, and elite-level experience.
Chong Wei becomes the second global sports figure to be named Johor Sports Ambassador, following the appointment of rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams earlier in April.
The back-to-back appointments of Chong Wei and Sonny Bill are part of Johor’s visionary strategy to integrate international excellence into its local sports scene.
The initiative was recently emphasized by DYAM Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Crown Prince and Acting Sultan of Johor, who expressed confidence that the presence of such sporting greats will usher in a new era of inspiration and transformation for Johorean athletes.
With Lee Chong Wei’s legendary stature and global recognition, his role is expected to go beyond symbolic — motivating youth, strengthening grassroots programs, and enhancing Johor’s profile as a regional sporting powerhouse.
Credit Photo : MSN Johor
