KUALA LUMPUR — Former international Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin is reportedly back on the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) radar to take over the women’s singles squad as head coach.
The 34-year-old, currently with Ireland’s national team, is understood to be a leading candidate to succeed Indonesian Jeffer Rosobin, who parted ways with BAM in February.
A source familiar with the matter confirmed to Scoop that BAM had recently reached out to Iskandar once again.
“I understand that BAM made contact with Iskandar again. I think it’s now up to him to decide,” said the source.
Scoop first reported in March that BAM was eyeing Iskandar for the vacant role.
When met at the Malaysia Masters last month, Iskandar confirmed he had been approached by a BAM staff member earlier this year.
However, Iskandar noted that he has a contract with Badminton Ireland that runs until 2028, and remains undecided about returning to Malaysia, citing personal and professional factors that require careful consideration.
Despite this, speculation has intensified following an Instagram story Iskandar posted yesterday, showing him with his family and revealing that he had purchased a new property in Malaysia — a move which could signal a potential return.
For now, the national women’s singles department is being overseen by Misbun Ramdan, under the guidance of BAM’s singles coaching director, Kenneth Jonassen. – June 8, 2025