The Technical Director of the Singapore Badminton Assocation (SBA) and coach for Olympics athletes Ronald Susilo, Li Li and Jiang Yanmei was the architect of the national squad's achievements in 2004.

He describes his coaching style as player-centric. A believer in open commmunication with players, he listens to their needs and shares with them his assesments and plan to encourage ownership of their own training.

Ronald Susilo, who had an exceptional year in 2004, says, "Coach Zheng is a very wise and analytical coach. He knows how to help me correct my weaknesses and further reinforce my strengths. With his guidance, I am confident of dealing with my opponents."

The coach says, "Badminton had achieved much progress in 2004. It's not only Ronald's achievements, but also those of our emerging talents - players like Kendrick Lee, Xing Aiying, Hendri Saputra and Li Yujia."

He credits Singapore badminton's achievements in 2004 to collective effort.

"The team spirit was fantastic as the players and coaches rallied to help one another towards achieving the goals for the year. SBA's leadership was great."

"The support for the players and coaches from the SBA Secretariat, the Sports Medicine and Sports Science Centre at the Singapore Sports Council and even that from Health Spa, SBA's tenant, was amazing."

"The Coach of the Year Award is not only a recognition of my contribution, but also acknowledges Singapore badminton's progress as a result of our great teamwork."