Former Malaysian national badminton player Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin is emerging as a strong candidate to fill the vacant national women’s singles coaching position at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), as the organization seeks to reinforce its coaching staff ahead of key international competitions.
Having transitioned from athlete to coach, Iskandar, 33, has been serving as a singles coach for Badminton Ireland since 2021. Initially joining the Irish national setup as a sparring partner, his growth in the coaching field has been well-recognized. His experience on the court, combined with his development in coaching overseas, now makes him an attractive prospect for BAM’s evolving women’s singles division.
Jonassen: Iskandar’s Expertise Makes Him a Natural Fit
Speaking to local media, Kenneth Jonassen, BAM’s Singles Coaching Director, praised Iskandar’s profile, hinting at the possibility of his return to the Malaysian national setup. However, the Danish coach was careful not to confirm Iskandar as the leading candidate for the role, which became vacant following Jeffer Rosobin’s resignation earlier this year.
“We’re still in the process of evaluating potential coaches. I cannot confirm if Iskandar is officially on the shortlist,” said Jonassen. “That said, he brings with him a strong background, both as a former international player and now as an up-and-coming coach. He would certainly fit well within our system if we go in that direction.”
Family Considerations May Influence Iskandar’s Decision
During the recent Malaysia Masters, Iskandar revealed that BAM had indeed approached him earlier in the year about taking up a coaching role. While he expressed gratitude for the interest, he also admitted that family factors — particularly his current life with his family in Ireland — are central to any decision regarding a potential move back to Malaysia.
“It’s not an easy choice. I’ve built a life here in Ireland with my family. But I’ve also never lost the connection I feel to Malaysian badminton,” said Iskandar in a brief interview during the tournament.
BAM’s Coaching Restructuring Continues
Iskandar’s possible return comes amid a broader restructuring within BAM, as the national body looks to strengthen its women’s singles department, which has lacked consistency and breakthrough performances in recent years.
The departure of Jeffer Rosobin left a significant gap in leadership for the women’s singles shuttlers, and BAM appears eager to bring in someone who understands both high-performance pressure and player development. Iskandar, a former top-25 player in the world, offers a blend of competitive experience and a fresh coaching perspective gained from his international exposure in Europe.
A Potential Homecoming for the Betterment of Malaysian Badminton
If the move materializes, it would mark a meaningful homecoming for Iskandar Zulkarnain. His return could not only benefit BAM’s efforts to rebuild its women’s singles squad but also inspire a new generation of coaches and players by showing that international experience can be a valuable asset in national development.
While no final decision has been announced, industry insiders believe Iskandar’s name will remain central to discussions over the coming weeks. The prospect of reuniting with Malaysian badminton — this time as a coach — could offer the perfect platform for him to make a lasting impact on the sport he once graced as a player.
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