KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — In a society where conformity is the norm and flamboyance is frowned upon, Malaysian badminton women’s doubles pair of Vivian Hoo Kah Mun and Woon Khe Wei complement each other.

This despite their contrasting personalities. Vivian likes to stand out while Khe Wei is inclined to blend in with whoever she is with.

That can make for an awkward mix but Vivian’s persona is balanced by Khe Wei’s self-effacing one. That explains their longevity as a pair. They have been together since 2010 and are set to endure for some time more from their subtle chemistry.

The Indonesian Open semifinalists continue to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with even though they have flagged on occasion. 

Vivian shed some insight into what works for the pair. "I have this desire to stand out — it can be a good thing, or it could be a bad thing,” she said. "It’s like when I see people doing something, I need to do the opposite because it’s different. It can get the best of me sometimes, especially in training,” she said. 

Vivian said this has been a trait in her from young. Sometimes, she said, this can complicate things when conflicting ideas come into play.

"There were times I felt like I knew best, but we all know I can’t always be right. I’ve learned to put my love for the uncommon to good use,” she said. "So long as there is give and take, things work out and I’m okay with that. "For Khe Wei, being at the Rio Olympics will be a test,” she said, of their formidability.

"We work well as a pair," said Khe Wei. "That’s undeniable and I can’t wait to see what we can produce in the Olympics.”

Sustaining an ankle injury in the prelude to London 2012, Khe Wei said Rio Games finds the pair in good nick.

"The injury took away our opportunity to participate in London, and we’ve been working hard to make sure we didn’t fall short this time,” she said.

"We’ve made it this far, we’ll continue to go further. "Vivian’s desire to stand out will be a great tool for us and as we work together, only good things can come about if we truly remain focused,” she said.