Astro AEC launches Malaysia's first badminton docu-series
Date Released:19 Jun 2020
Share
Tweet
Kuala Lumpur,19 June 2020 - Badminton, a popular sport in the country unites all Malaysians. For instance, Malaysians were united in cheering for our beloved Datuk Lee Chong Wei when he played against China's Lin Dan at the semi-finals of the 2016 Olympics. Understanding the passion behind this sport, Astro AEC (HD CH308 & CH348) produced feature documentary The Shuttlecock Chaser followed by an 8-episode docu-series The Precious Feathers believed to be first of its kind in Malaysia.
With the 2019 Astro Kem Badminton as the background, both documentaries closely follows the journey of young badminton enthusiasts in Malaysia striving to achieve their dream; providing the audience with an engaging experience. Astro Kem Badminton , a grassroot development programme was launched by Astro back in 2012 to provide a platform for young children to pursue their dream in badminton; it also acts as an impetus to unearth and nurture more talents to raise the standards of badminton in the country. Today 70% of Astro Kem Badminton alumni went on to pursue their dreams
at Akademi Badminton Negara with Jacky Kok Jing Hong, recently crowned Champion in the boys' singles event at the German Junior Open, leading the pack. National top junior shuttler, Jacky came through the programme in 2014 as a participant and returned as mentor of the camp in 2017.
Roland Lee, Head of Content Creation and Production, Astro Chinese Consumer Business says that the Astro Chinese Business has always paid close attention to Astro Kem Badminton every year and understands that the sport is closely intertwined with Malaysians. The decision to produce the documentaries was so to provide more insight on the training sessions and how it affects young shuttlers both physically and mentally. The narrative is centered around the journey of young shuttlers striving to excel during the qualification process in order to earn a spot to train with the renowned coaches of the Nippon Badminton Academy in Tokyo, Japan. According to Roland, the shooting lasted for a year.
Bong Jia Xi, the director and producer of the documentaries revealed that the production was a tremendous challenge to her team as there was no referencing material. Therefore, a huge amount of effort was needed from the start until the end. In addition, there were many ad-hoc issues throughout production but it did not hinder the progress. She also hopes that the documentaries will be a hit among Malaysians and the determination shown by the shuttlers will move hearts of the audience.
The Shuttlecock Chaser narrates the story of six children who participated in Astro Kem Badminton and achieved their dream to when they qualified to train with the Japan National Junior Team in Tokyo. The 100-minute feature documentary depicts the challenges faced by the group and their unwavering will to uphold their passion.
Docu-series The Precious Feathers unfolds the journey of Astro Kem Badminton starting from the selection phase, to the training session in Kuala Lumpur and the advanced training in Japan. The audience will also witness how the ambitious young shuttlers overcome stress and their mental barrier to emerge stronger. This 8-episode docuseries also dwells deeper into the quandary faced by the parents as they struggle to discover a middle ground between their children's passion and commitment in academics.
Catch The Shuttlecock Chaser on Astro AEC (HD CH306 & CH346) or Astro Go at 8.30pm, Saturday, 20 June 2020 while the 8-episode The Precious Feathers will air on Astro AEC and Astro Go at 9.00pm, next Sunday, 28 June 2020. Customer can also stream the docu-series On Demand via Astro Go.
-End-
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
11/09/2025
SBS shares Australian National Anthem in over 60 languages to foster belonging a...
05/09/2025
SBS kicks off a confident slate with the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 , premium dram...
05/09/2025
Today's Historic Settlement Underscores SBS's Powerful New Series The Pe...
04/09/2025
SBS kicks off a confident slate with the 2026 FIFA World Cup2026 , premium drama...
04/09/2025
Watch the Record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NITV and SBS...
03/09/2025
World-first opt-out function to become full feature on SBS On Demand
3 September, 2025
Media releases
National broadcaster SBS will elevate the world-class...
03/09/2025
SBS On Demand to take consumer experience to next level with introduction of res...
03/09/2025
SBS highlights effectiveness of advertising in uncluttered environments
3 September, 2025
Media releases
New market-first research, done in conjunction wit...
03/09/2025
SBS extends exclusive Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift free-to-air broadcast dea...
03/09/2025
Record number of brands driving investment in NITV and First Nations media
3 September, 2025
Media releases
Beyond 3% continues to support the growth of Na...
03/09/2025
SBS declares FIFA World Cup 2026 Will be biggest TV audience event of 2026'
3 September, 2025
FIFA World Cup
SBS names Hyundai, Macca's, Rexona, ...
03/09/2025
SBS continues to lead Australian media in sustainability with launch of SBS Brie...
03/09/2025
SBS unifies data offering with launch of SBS Data Lab
3 September, 2025
Media releases
SBS brings together multiple audience initiatives together in one un...
03/09/2025
Turbulence, Heart and Humanity: SBS Unveils High-Flying New Airport Drama The Ch...
29/08/2025
Australian Red Cross and SBS launch training to help workplaces in the fight aga...
27/08/2025
27 08 2025 - Media release ABC, Screen Australia and ACTF unveil two new original children's series
Happy House.
The ABC, Screen Australia and the Austra...
25/08/2025
Watch SBS as 49 World Champions are crowned in nine days at the World Athletics ...
25/08/2025
Got a podcast idea? SBS Audio opens annual pitch season
25 August, 2025
Media releases
Three-time Australian Podcast Publisher of the Year, SBS, invites th...
21/08/2025
Statement on Acting Managing Director arrangements at SBS
21 August, 2025
Insights & articles
The SBS Board of Directors has today confirmed it will appoin...
20/08/2025
SBS unleashes landmark docu-drama The People vs Robodebt
20 August, 2025
Media releases
Our Government. Half a Million Victims [1]. Zero Accountability Un...
20/08/2025
Dan Bourchier appointed General Manager of NITV
20 August, 2025
Media releases
The respected journalist, presenter and accomplished leader will join Nation...
14/08/2025
Statement on the passing of David Stratton
14 August, 2025
Insights & articles
Statement by SBS Managing Director, James Taylor
SBS is deeply saddened by...
12/08/2025
SBS Managing Director James Taylor steps down
12 August, 2025
Media releases
SBS Managing Director will depart the organisation later this year
SBS Managi...
12/08/2025
Millions join SBS for a month of Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes action
12 August, 2025
Media releases
Total TV Reach of 5.57 million, including 1...
11/08/2025
11 08 2025 - Media release Screen Australia celebrates emerging creatives and cu...
07/08/2025
A bold new sporting documentary series celebrating First Nations athletes, cultu...
06/08/2025
SBS heralds sweeping historical drama King & Conqueror coming soon
5 August, 2025
Media releases
James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau star as the rivals ...
31/07/2025
31 07 2025 - Media release The Creators 2025 Participants Announced
Top (L-R): Tamara Asmar, Anna Barnes and Sarah Bassiuoni.
Bottom (L-R): Glen Dolman, Mich...
24/07/2025
NITV and SBS to celebrate the significance and spectacle of the 25th Garma Festi...
24/07/2025
Pure Drama continues with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift hot on the wheels...
23/07/2025
SBS shortlists proponents to proceed to next stage for Western Sydney production...
21/07/2025
SBS reveals expert commentary team for the World Athletics Championships in Toky...
21/07/2025
21 07 2025 - Media release Australian gamemakers level-up with major funding from Screen Australia
Retopia
New games capture distinctive stories, landscapes ...
09/07/2025
Explore Love Without Limits in a bold, funny and unapologetic SBS Audio podcast ...
08/07/2025
SBS strengthens commitment to inclusion with new commissioning guidelines
8 July, 2025
Media releases
SBS has launched new Commissioning Inclusion Guidelin...
08/07/2025
Secrets, Spies and Sabotage: 40 years on, SBS podcast investigates historic bomb...
07/07/2025
SBS Farewells Chair George Savvides AM
7 July, 2025
Media releases
Born of Greek Cypriot parents, Mr Savvides joined the SBS Board as Deputy Chair in Febru...
30/06/2025
SBS On Demand boosts global news offering with launch of France 24 FAST Channel
30 June, 2025
Media releases
SBS is expanding its international news offeri...
27/06/2025
27 06 2025 - Media release Game, set, action! Screen Australia and ABC announce new mini-series Goolagong
Marton Csokas and Lila McGuire of Goolagong. Image c...
26/06/2025
Buckle up for Great Australian Road Trips launching 31 July on SBS and SBS On De...
20/06/2025
Hit, run, oh sh#t: NITV and SBS get RECKLESS with filming underway in Western Au...
13/06/2025
Pure Drama and Fierce Rivalries set to dominate the world's most iconic spor...
12/06/2025
50 Years Strong: SBS and NITV Supercharge NAIDOC Week 2025 in a joint 50th celeb...
06/06/2025
06 06 2025 - Media release Award-Winning TV Creators Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwri...
03/06/2025
Stories of love, loyalty and self-discovery among six shortlisted Digital Origin...
28/05/2025
SBS celebrates 50 years of reflecting a diverse and contemporary Australia
28 May, 2025
Media releases
Marking 50 years of broadcasting on 9 June 2025, SBS...
28/05/2025
ABS and Verticloud announce a Strategic Partnership to accelerate Digital Transf...
22/05/2025
SBS and Screen Australia showcase the next wave of Australian storytellers with ...
22/05/2025
Rune Pedersen unpacks How Humans Talk in new SBS Audio podcast
22 May, 2025
Media releases
Ever caught yourself using baby talk with your pet and wondered ...
Astro AEC launches Malaysia's first badminton docu-series 
