Stuck in the strategy of naturalizing players, Malaysia shifts its focus to heavily investing in youth development.

22/12/2025 17:17:00 FieldFrenzy

Former Malaysia national team coach Ong Kim Swee has been appointed as the Director of the National Football Development Program (NFDP) to chart out future development plans.

Acting President of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Datuk Yusoff Mahadi, confirmed that this seasoned strategist officially assumed the new position starting December 1st.

"Kim Swee will assess the entire program and focus on fixing the weaknesses that existed previously. He will work to ensure every action taken delivers the desired outcomes," Yusoff said.

Former Malaysia national team coach Ong Kim Swee appointed as Director of the National Football Development Program (NFDP).

"The priority is to ensure every coach and related staff can create a positive impact while enhancing the program’s performance and efficiency."

Yusoff emphasized that the NFDP Technical Committee will hold the authority to make decisions regarding personnel changes.

"We have complete trust in Kim Swee and his technical team to evaluate each staff member and coach, while considering the program’s needs," he stated.

According to Yusoff, Kim Swee’s contract will likely have a minimum duration of two years.

"For development programs, one year is too short to observe real results. At least two years are necessary.

"He also needs to be assigned higher key performance indicators (KPIs). When appointing someone new, naturally, we expect better results than previously achieved."

Coach Ong Kim Swee, 55 years old from Melaka state, led Malaysia’s U23 team to win the SEA Games gold medal in 2011. He also coached in the Malaysian M-League and Indonesia’s national league with clubs Persis Solo and Persik Kediri.

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