Chia won Malaysia's first gold medal at the BWF World Championships in 2022 with partner Soh Wooi Yik (Photo: Seiko)
Options: Congratulations on your recent appointment as a Prospex friend of Seiko.
Aaron Chia: Thank you. I am really honoured to be appointed. To me, Seiko, as a trusted timekeeper, stands for precision and reliability — two very important values in my sporting career. Moreover, time means everything to an athlete, so this really does feel like a perfect fit. I am excited to be part of the Seiko family and also to share this partnership with my fans, even as I continue to chase my dreams and especially as I prepare for the road to LA 2028 [Summer Olympics]!
As a world-class athlete, time and timing is everything. What is a typical day like for you?
Punctuality is a must and we have to be disciplined always, no matter on or off court, on match day or just during training. A typical day always means an early start, around 6am, after which we leave for practice. There are usually two sessions and, come nightfall, it’s all about rest and recovery.
What have been your greatest career highlights so far?
It would be winning Malaysia’s first gold at the BWF World Championships in 2022, beating four-time world champions Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan of Indonesia! I must also mention the bronze medals we brought home from the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
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And what have been the most challenging moments?
It would have to be the setback in 2022, prior to the BWF World Championships. I think we were on a losing streak… I recall us losing six or seven semifinals straight. [My partner Soh] Wooi Yik and I totally didn’t know what was going on. It was a big hurdle for us to cross. And even during the Tokyo semifinals, we were super stressed playing India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. Our head-to-head record was like seven-nil or eight-nil. People were complaining about us and it compounded the stress. When we broke our semifinal jinx, coupled with our coaches’ encouragement, it helped us get through things. Never underestimate the power of believing in yourself — and in each other. That helped us grab the title and shine again!
What was your original childhood ambition?
It was always to be a sportsman!
Your free time is precious. How do you like to spend it?
I spend most of my free time with my wife Goh Mui Kee and two daughters, Albee and Alyssa. As you can see, I am not in Malaysia a lot and have spent all those years travelling for my career as a national athlete. Whenever I have a moment, I make sure to spend it with those nearest and dearest to me, namely my family.
What advice would you give to young people who want to represent their country?
If you are really interested in making your country proud, in badminton or any other sport, you must have a strong sense of self-discipline. I think that is the most important thing.
If you could turn back time to change one thing, what would it be?
Probably my attitude (laughs).
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Who would you consider good role models for today’s youth?
In badminton, I would say Hendra Setiawan. I have always considered him a role model, even for myself. He is a really cool and kind person. And you can see this in the way he treats everyone, on and off the court.
Malaysia’s reputation as a food paradise is well deserved. What do you like to indulge in when you are not training?
I am from Melaka so, that’s where you’d find the nicest, most delicious food. I have many recommendations for those visiting the state but, being Malaysian, you would probably know them all already. Melakan wantan mee and fried oysters are always good. And hotpot will always be a favourite indulgence of mine.
Describe your idea of a perfect weekend.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, while squeezing in some quick rest too. It would also be nice to play other sports I like such as basketball, table tennis and maybe even pickleball, which is super trendy right now.
This article first appeared on Aug 25, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
