Since his victory at the All England Open, Lee Zii Jia has become a national idol overnight. He has also gained a considerable amount of money from different competitions he took part in this year.
It is estimated that he had earned around RM403,900, with the All-England Open Championship raking in RM246,092 alone.
Former national ace Lee Chong Wei, who has been through a similar path, gave his younger counterpart some financial advice.
First, Chong Wei urged Zii Jia to manage his own money and start saving up now carefully.
He also mentioned that he knows Zii Jia’s parents and sister can help keep an eye on his finances.
“I told him there are examples of former players that did not manage their money well after their retirement and that he should take them as a lesson.”
Chong Wei also suggested that Zii Jia should consider buying a house in Kuala Lumpur as an investment. At the same time, this will also allow his parents to be close to him.
“As a national player, you would not get to visit your hometown very frequently.”
He also encouraged Zii Jia to keep training and not rest on his laurels.
“He should celebrate, as this is the most important championship title for him so far. But he should not overdo it too.”
“There are more matches awaiting him in the future, including the Malaysia Open, India Open, Singapore Open and most importantly, the Tokyo Olympics. He needs to focus and train hard,” said Chong Wei.
As a senior, Chong Wei had upheld himself as an excellent example for Zii Jia to follow.
According to his former coach Datuk Misbun Sidek, Chong Wei was one of the most hardworking players. Misbun said that if he asked Chong Wei to arrive at 6 am, he would be there at 5.30 am..
“He made me excited to train him and made me want to come early and to help him even more.”
Off the court, Chong Wei is also a winner in his personal life. Aside from his estimated RM16mil net worth, he is happily married to his wife Wong Mew Choo and has two sons.
Chong Wei loves to share his family’s clips and photos on social media, often making netizens gushing over how adorable they are.
Chong Wei and family sincerely wish all of you happiness, cheerfulness, and good health in the upcoming year. Let’s welcome the Year of the Ox with a big smile! Together we can win this. Stay safe and Happy Lunar New Year! pic.twitter.com/nYvKD0Bd5z
— Lee Chong Wei (@LeeChongWei) February 11, 2021
Cover Image via FB/Lee Zii JIa, Twitter/ LeeChongWei
Source: SinchewDaily, RepublicWorld
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
