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Badminton chief Lawrence Leow appointed Singapore's chef de mission for SEA Games

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 10:10 GMT by The Straits Times

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Former Badminton Star Lawrence Leow Takes Charge as Singapore’s Chef‑de‑Mission for the 2025 SEA Games

Singapore’s contingent for the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur will be led by a former national badminton champion, Lawrence Leow. The 50‑year‑old former player, who represented the Lion City on the international circuit from the late 1990s through the mid‑2000s, has been named chef‑de‑mission in a move that underscores the country’s commitment to delivering a strong performance in the region’s biggest multi‑sport event.

A Career Built on Hard Work and Leadership

Lawrence Leow first emerged on the badminton scene in the early 1990s, quickly establishing himself as one of Singapore’s most consistent performers on the badminton world tour. His biggest international highlight came at the 2003 SEA Games in Hanoi, where he earned a silver medal in men’s doubles alongside partner Lee Sheng‑Min. The following year he added a bronze medal to his collection at the 2005 SEA Games in Manila. In 2007, he captained the Singaporean team in the SEA Games held in Bangkok, guiding younger players through a demanding campaign that saw the nation secure 11 medals across all sports.

Leow’s playing career spanned 14 years, during which he was recognised not only for his technical skill but also for his calm on‑court presence and his ability to mentor teammates. After hanging up his racket in 2009, he transitioned into coaching, taking on roles with the Singapore Badminton Association and later with the national training centre. He has since overseen the development of several of Singapore’s top singles and doubles players, contributing to a steady rise in the nation’s international rankings.

The Role of a Chef‑de‑Mission

As chef‑de‑mission, Leow will be the primary point of contact between the Singapore contingent and the organisers of the SEA Games. The role involves coordinating travel, accommodation, nutrition, and training schedules for athletes, as well as liaising with event officials, the Singapore Sports Council and the Singapore Olympic Council. Leow’s responsibilities also include ensuring that athletes receive the psychological and medical support needed to perform at their best.

“I am honoured to be entrusted with this role,” said Leow in a statement released on the Singapore Olympic Council’s website. “The SEA Games are a platform where athletes can showcase their talent on a big stage. I will use my experience to make sure our athletes have the best possible environment to succeed.”

The Singapore Olympic Council echoed Leow’s sentiment, stating that his “deep understanding of athlete needs and his proven leadership record make him the ideal choice to guide our contingent to a medal‑rich campaign.”

2025 SEA Games: The Bigger Picture

The 31st SEA Games will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 5 May to 16 May 2025, featuring 38 sports and 36 participating countries. Singapore has traditionally performed strongly in the Games, winning a total of 90 medals in the 2023 edition, including 30 golds. The nation’s aim for 2025 is to match or surpass that haul, with particular emphasis on track and field, swimming, and badminton.

Singapore’s athletes will compete at 12 venues across Malaysia, including the newly renovated Bukit Jalil Sports Complex and the KL Sports City. Officials say the host city’s extensive infrastructure will provide world‑class facilities for the Games. The Singapore contingent will include 120 athletes across 20 sports, with the support staff comprising coaches, sports scientists, nutritionists, and medical teams.

Support from the Singapore Sports Council

Lawrence Leow’s appointment comes under the umbrella of the Singapore Sports Council (SSC), a statutory board that plays a pivotal role in nurturing athletes and ensuring they receive the resources required to compete at the highest level. The SSC is tasked with providing financial backing, training facilities, and expert coaching for Singapore’s athletes. Its strategic focus for the 2025 SEA Games is to build on the momentum of the 2023 Games, concentrating on talent identification and elite performance development.

“The SSC has worked closely with the Singapore Olympic Council to deliver a seamless experience for athletes,” said a spokesperson from the SSC. “By appointing a seasoned former athlete like Lawrence Leow, we are ensuring that athletes have a seasoned guide who understands both the competitive and logistical aspects of the Games.”

A Broader Legacy

Leow’s elevation to chef‑de‑mission reflects Singapore’s broader strategy to embed former athletes into leadership positions across its sports ecosystem. The move is part of a trend where ex‑athletes are being placed in roles such as national team coaches, technical directors, and now, as mission leaders for multi‑sport events. This approach is designed to keep the competitive insights and athlete‑centric focus at the heart of Singapore’s sporting success.

In a statement, Leow noted that he hopes to inspire younger athletes by showing them that a career in sports can extend far beyond active competition. “My journey from a national player to a chef‑de‑mission has taught me that dedication, teamwork, and resilience are not only essential on the court but also in every facet of sport management,” he said.

Looking Ahead

With Lawrence Leow at the helm, the Singapore contingent is poised for a focused and cohesive effort at the 2025 SEA Games. As the Games draw nearer, the nation’s athletes, coaches, and support staff will benefit from his seasoned perspective and the coordinated efforts of the Singapore Olympic Council and the Singapore Sports Council. The goal remains clear: to bring home a medal haul that not only meets but exceeds the expectations set by the previous editions, while reinforcing Singapore’s position as a formidable sporting nation in Southeast Asia.