KUALA LUMPUR – Former men’s singles player Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin will officially start his role as the new Head coach of the women’s singles department with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) on October 1.
Iskandar will be working under BAM’s singles coaching director, Kenneth Jonassen, as he will replace Indonesian Jeffer Rosobin who resigned in February.
At present, the national women’s singles team is managed by Misbun Ramdan, with oversight from Kenneth.
In a press conference earlier today, BAM president Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced that Iskandar has agreed to rejoin BAM.
“Discussions have been ongoing, and he finally accepted our offer last week,” he stated.
Meanwhile, in a statement released by BAM, Kenneth expressed confidence in Iskandar’s ability to lead the next chapter of Women’s Singles development.
“We are pleased to welcome Iskandar back to BAM in this important role. His international coaching stint, combined with his background as a national player, brings a valuable blend of experience and perspective.
“Our Women’s Singles squad is in a crucial phase of transition, and we believe Iskandar is the right person to guide the players, helping them build belief and resilience while pushing for consistent performances on the world stage.”
Meanwhile, sharing his enthusiasm about the new role, Iskandar said:“It feels great to return to BAM-not as a player this time, but as a coach ready to give back. My journey in Ireland taught me so much, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply those lessons here.
“I see potential in our Women’s Singles players, and my focus will be on building their confidence, sharpening their tactical and physical awareness, and supporting them to break through at the international level.
“I would like to thank BAM for the trust and opportunity-it means a lot to be able to contribute to the sport I love, in the place where it all began for me,” he said in the statement.
Iskandar has a contract with the Ireland Badminton Federation that lasts until the LA 2028 Olympics, but it appears that both sides have reached a mutual agreement, allowing him to join BAM.
Scoop first reported in March that BAM was considering Iskandar for the open position. When approached at the Malaysia Masters last month, Iskandar confirmed that he had been contacted by a BAM staff member earlier this year. – June 30, 2025