For years, countless Malaysian amateur fighters have stood at the crossroads of their careers — hungry, disciplined, and battle-tested, yet uncertain of how to take that final step into the professional arena. They train before dawn, grind after work, bleed for passion, and sacrifice for dreams that often feel out of reach.
Because in Malaysia, the hardest fight isn’t always inside the cage —
sometimes it’s the fight just to get into one.
This year, something changed.
A new force has entered the landscape: BEPRO, the Kelab Kebajikan Profesional Atlet Seni Bela Pulau Pinang — created for one mission:
to help fighters cross the bridge from amateur to professional without breaking under financial pressure.
And for the first time, many athletes are whispering the same thing:
“Maybe… we finally have a real chance.”
A Solution Built by Someone Who Understands the Struggle
BEPRO President Ringo Coldenhoff has spent years watching Malaysian fighters claw their way forward without support. He has seen talent wasted, careers cut short, and dreams abandoned — not from lack of skill, but lack of resources.
Ringo says it plainly:
Organisers get sponsors. Fighters don’t.
We created BEPRO to close that gap — with real support, real guidance, and real opportunities
His words are not motivational slogans; they are a reality check wrapped in hope. And fighters across the country are paying attention.
STARK Development Steps In — A Game-Changing Executive Sponsor
In a major show of confidence, STARK Development has joined BEPRO as its Executive Sponsor — a crucial partnership that gives the organisation the financial backbone needed to carry out its mission.
For an emerging athlete welfare movement, this is not a small gesture.
This is a statement.
It signals that BEPRO’s cause is not just noble — it is credible, structured, and worth investing in. And for fighters, it means the dream of turning pro is no longer tied solely to personal sacrifice or luck.
A Launch that Felt Like the Beginning of a Movement
BEPRO’s official launch wasn’t just a ceremony — it was a gathering of voices, experience, and industry weight.
It also featured a special highlight:
A Women’s Self-Defense Workshop led by Ms. May Ooi.
A former ONE Championship fighter and Singapore national swimmer, Ms. Ooi brought world-class knowledge to the floor, empowering women with practical techniques, awareness training, and the confidence to protect themselves.
Her presence underscored a powerful message:
BEPRO isn’t just helping fighters — it’s uplifting the entire martial arts community.
A Support System Fighters Never Had
The BEPRO development pathway is designed to do what no organisation has done consistently in Malaysia:
Turn amateurs into professionals — smoothly, safely, and sustainably.
Their model includes:
- Evaluating amateur records to determine readiness
- Securing a platform for a fighter’s professional debut
- Paying for return flight tickets for both fighter and coach
- Allowing fighters to keep organizer reimbursements as personal funds
- Using only 20% of the fight purse to fuel BEPRO’s sustainability
For fighters who have been paying for flights, corners, and medicals from their own pockets, BEPRO feels like a miracle wrapped in a policy.
A perfect illustration of this is 30 OCT 2025, when Ringo brought Malaysian pro MMA fighter Teguh Primadian to Korean to compete in the APEC 2025 – Commemorative World MMA Competition – CXC (Continental Xtreme Championship), which Teguh competed in (catchweight of 69kg) and defeated Long La of Cambodia
Industry Giants Show Their Support
The Dialogue Session at the launch brought together some of the region’s most respected voices:
- Agilan Thani, Malaysian MMA pioneer
- Kim Lee Tan, internationally accredited judge & referee
- Tsan Nieng Khai, Deputy of MASMMAA
- Kenny Ng, Asian MMA Organization
- Kru Nadzree, Muay Thai coach
- Teguh Primadian, BEPRO Athlete Ambassador
Their support validated a truth many fighters already felt:
Malaysia needs BEPRO. The system needs BEPRO. The athletes need BEPRO.
A Community Bigger Than Just Fighters
BEPRO now has over 70 members, and many are supporters, gym owners, and parents who believe in a stronger future for Malaysian martial arts.
It is rare in combat sports to see unity cutting across styles, regions, and organisations — but BEPRO has become that bridge.
The Start of a New Era
BEPRO is more than an association.
It is a promise.
A promise that:
- No fighter’s dream should die because flights are too expensive.
- No amateur should face the transition to pro alone.
- No talent should fade because nobody stepped in at the right time.
With STARK Development’s support, industry leaders behind them, and a passionate president leading the charge — this movement is no longer just hopeful.
It is happening.
And for the first time in a long time, Malaysian fighters can look at the future and say:
“I’m not fighting this battle alone.”
(EXCO) Youth, Sports & Health, Dato Lee Toong Leon – Managing Director STARK Development
story by TWW
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