By Haidar Ali

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- National shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei plans to set up a foundation to help orphans and those in need of assistance.

The foundation, to be named 'Yayasan Chong Wei', will be registered soon, said Penang-born Chong Wei, a silver medal winner in the recent London Olympics.

"I am keen to set up this foundation even before the London Olympics.

"However, it has to be put aside to focus on the chase for the first Olympics gold medal," he told Bernama TV at the Hari Raya Open House of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Cabinet Minsiters at Seri Perdana yesterday.

Chong Wei said the setting up of the foundation was not an easy task as it required help from alot of people.

"This requires detailed planning. My brother and friends will be helping me to achieve my ambition.

"This foundation is also a way for me to give back to society who always prayed and supported me in my badminton career," he said.

He said it was an appropriate time for him to fulfil his social responsibility to help ease the burden of the orphans and the needy.

Aside from competitive in his quest for glory in badminton, Chong Wei has the heart to help the less fortunate.

Earlier, Chong Wei has been involved in a fund-raising campaign to help the earthquake-tsunami-struck Japan.