With a Commonwealth Games gold medal, five SEA Games bronze medals and an Olympic Games under her belt, Jessica Tan has decided that it is time to step away from taking part in international competitions, and to embark on her undergraduate studies in sport management.
Since joining the national team at the age of 18, Jessica has given her all in over 10 years of competition, winning her first senior title at the 2014 Singapore International tournament in the mixed doubles event with Terry Hee. Jessica will be receiving the maximum highest payout of $100,000 from SBA’s post-career gratuity programme. Established in 2023, with a generous commitment of $500,000 from JK Technology and with a further $1 million top up from SBA, this programme aims to provide financial security to national players post-retirement.. The amount awarded is pegged to an athlete’s highest world ranking and the amount of time they represented Singapore, with payouts ranging from $16,000 to $100,000. The payout will be in cash (63%) and CPF top-up (37%).
Jessica has applied for admission into an undergraduate sport management programme in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, she would be working at SBA to hone her skills in pathway programme planning, business development and communications. She will also assist Doubles Head Coach Paulus Firman with coaching.
Jessica said: “After dedicating so many years of my life to the sport of badminton, there is an inevitably bittersweet feeling stepping away from these exhilarating competitions. I still remember vividly the match point at 20-15 in the Commonwealth Games when we won, collapsing onto the ground weeping tears of relief and joy! But one never really retires from badminton; it will always be a part of my life. I’m excited about going back to school again, and I’m grateful to SBA, SportSG and sponsors for their generous support throughout my career.”
President of SBA, Mr Lawrence Leow, said: “Jessica and Terry have done Singapore proud, and they have certainly inspired more young boys and girls to play badminton. Jessica had to overcome significant personal adversity to qualify for the Olympics, and SBA would like to thank Jessica for her sacrifices and hard work for over a decade. SBA is firmly behind her in the next phase of her sporting career.
