Businessman, badminton patron Andrew Kam dies at 64

Andrew Kam, a prominent Malaysian businessman and lawyer, passed away at the age of 64 on February 8, 2022, according to his daughter Hannah Kam. Born on February 2, 1962, Kam began his professional career in law before transitioning into entrepreneurship, with interests spanning power generation, property development, mining, and plantations.

At the young age of 28, Kam established Hypergantic Sdn Bhd to initiate a power generation project that eventually evolved into Port Dickson Power in Negeri Sembilan. Later, he became associated with gold mining activities in Raub, Pahang.

Kam's passion for badminton was evident throughout his life. He founded and funded the Kuala Lumpur Racket Club (KLRC), which provided professional players with an alternative platform to compete, based on merit and potential. The club expanded its reach internationally, sponsoring players from Australia and other countries to compete in the global circuit.

In 2008, Kam succeeded Punch Gunalan as president of the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association, serving as a vice-president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia. His dedication to the sport was highlighted when he offered a 12.5kg gold bar worth RM2 million to Malaysia's badminton players in 2012, should they secure Malaysia's first Olympic gold medal. This gesture garnered international attention, with Kam stating, "I can produce gold, and I believe they, too, can produce gold."

Kam's commitment to nurturing talent extended to his sponsorship of the Petaling Jaya Badminton Club in 2015, providing a RM1 million sponsorship for their Purple League campaign after learning of the club's lack of a sponsor. He was survived by his wife, Gazel Kam, and his daughter, Hannah Kam. The funeral service will be held at Wesley Methodist Church in Kuala Lumpur at 10 am on February 9, followed by burial at Nirvana Memorial Park in Shah Alam.