When Daphne Ng Chiew Yen first picked up a badminton racket, she had no idea that years later, she would not only compete at the national level but also revolutionise the way the sport is coached. Her passion for the game didn’t end when she stepped off the court as a player—it evolved into a mission to bridge research and practice, ensuring that future athletes had access to better training methods and fewer injuries.
Now, as a PhD student at SEGi University, a sports science researcher, and the winner of the Anugerah Inovasi Wanita Dalam Sukan in the badminton coach category, Daphne is not just coaching players—she’s redefining how badminton is taught.
A New Approach to Coaching: The Swift-Smart Motion Pattern (SSMP)
Every athlete knows that footwork is everything in badminton. A split-second delay, a misstep, or poor positioning can mean the difference between winning and losing. However, Daphne saw that traditional training methods weren’t enough. Athletes were developing inefficient movement patterns, which not only slowed them down but also increased the risk of injuries.
Determined to find a solution, she combined her 15 years of sports science research with her coaching experience to create the Swift-Smart Motion Pattern (SSMP) training programme.
SSMP isn’t just another footwork drill. It integrates structured shadow drills with the Onigoe device, a specialised technology that enhances footwork precision, speed, and reaction time. By using data-driven feedback, SSMP allows coaches to track and measure an athlete’s progress, ensuring that training is personalised and effective.
“It’s all about giving athletes the best chance to maximise their potential while minimising injury risks,” Daphne shares. “I don’t want them to make the same mistakes I did when I was an athlete.”
Despite her expertise, Daphne’s journey was not without obstacles. As a female coach in a male-dominated sport, she was often underestimated. There were times when her ideas were questioned—not because they lacked merit, but simply due to gender bias in coaching.
Instead of backing down, Daphne let her work speak for itself. She focused on delivering results, guiding her athletes to podium finishes and developing training programmes that produced measurable success. She also pursued higher education, earning certifications and diving into sports science research, proving that her coaching philosophy was rooted in both experience and science.
“Coaching isn’t about gender—it’s about expertise, integrity, and impact,” she says. “Once I started proving what I could do, people started listening.”
For Daphne, winning the Anugerah Inovasi Wanita Dalam Sukan isn’t the peak of her journey—it’s just the beginning. She envisions a future where technology and sports science work hand in hand to create stronger, smarter athletes.
She firmly believes that embracing AI, data analytics, and psychological skills training is no longer optional—it’s essential. By leveraging technology, coaches can gain deeper insights into athlete biomechanics, reaction times, and decision-making patterns, leading to more precise and targeted training strategies.
However, she also emphasises that technology alone isn’t enough. “You have to combine the science with real coaching principles, emotional intelligence, and athlete development strategies. It’s not just about training harder—it’s about training smarter.“
Daphne hopes that more women step into leadership roles in sports coaching and sports science. She encourages aspiring female coaches to believe in their purpose, invest in their education, and challenge outdated norms.
Her PhD journey at SEGi University has played a critical role in shaping her success. With the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Boon Hooi and other mentors, she has been able to merge research with real-world applications, creating innovative coaching strategies that are making an impact.
To female students at SEGi who are considering a career in sports coaching or sports science, she says: “Stay curious. Stay resilient. Never let anyone tell you that you don’t belong in this space. If you love what you do, don’t let doubt hold you back—let it push you forward.”
Daphne’s next challenge? Developing Malaysia’s future badminton champions—not just on the court but in life. She wants to integrate mental skills training and performance psychology into coaching at all levels, ensuring that athletes develop resilience, confidence, and a winning mindset.
She also hopes to mentor young coaches, especially women, and build a coaching culture that values innovation, athlete well-being, and continuous learning.
“This award isn’t the end,” Daphne says. “It’s a stepping stone. I want to leave the sport better than I found it—for the next generation of athletes and coaches.”
Daphne’s journey is proof that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, innovation, and the courage to challenge the status quo. She’s not just coaching athletes—she’s changing the game. She’s not just a coach; she’s a disruptor, a game-changer, and the woman who dared to ask: “What if we could train smarter, not just harder?”