Latest news with #Iskandar
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Badminton coach Iskandar leaving Ireland for Malaysia?
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin is in the frame to fill the vacant position of national women's singles coach. BAM singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen feels that Iskandar could be a valuable addition to the national set-up. But the Dane stopped short of naming him as the frontrunner to replace Indonesian Jeffer Rosobin who resigned in February. Iskandar joined Badminton Ireland in 2021 as a sparring partner, but has transitioned into the role of singles coach. The 33-year-old said during last month's Malaysia Masters that BAM had approached him earlier this year on a coaching role. However, Iskandar remained non-committal then as his family were residing in Ireland. Jonassen acknowledged that Iskandar's experience makes him a strong candidate, but said BAM is still looking at several prospects. "I can't confirm if he's on the shortlist, but of course, he's an experienced coach, someone who would certainly be a good fit for our set-up," said Jonassen.
Malay Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor tops Malaysia's investment charts with RM30.1b in Q1 2025
JOHOR BARU, June 11 — Johor recorded the highest investment performance in Malaysia for the first quarter (1Q) of 2025, with approved investments amounting to RM30.1 billion, positioning the state as the national leader in investments. State investment, trade, consumer affairs, and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the achievement was the result of an inclusive and forward-looking investment strategy driven jointly by the federal and state governments. 'A large portion of these investments focused on high-impact service sectors such as logistics, data centres, and modern business facilities, in line with Johor's aspiration to become a hub for the digital economy and high value-added industries. 'This success was also supported by various strategic initiatives, including the establishment of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre as a key facilitator for investors, as well as close collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), federal agencies, and local authorities,' he said in a statement uploaded to his Facebook page today. He further added that strategic developments such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which has gained attention from international investors, and ongoing improvements to the state's infrastructure such as roads, ports, and energy systems, have also been key catalysts for the increased investments. He noted that consistent and stable policies for investors, including industry-friendly initiatives through the Johor Fast Lane, and the availability of skilled labour through the Johor Talent Development Council, have also played a crucial role in attracting high-quality investments. 'Our highest appreciation goes to all parties who contributed to this achievement, including civil servants, industry players, investment promotion agencies such as IRDA, MIDA, Invest Johor, utility providers like Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Ranhill SAJ, and the business community. 'The Johor state government remains committed to strengthening the investment ecosystem, attract more high-quality investments, creating job opportunities for the people, and ensuring balanced and inclusive developments. 'Johor continues to advance as a new economic powerhouse in the region with sustainable policies and long-term planning,' he said. — Bernama
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
AmanahRaya Reit acquires RM39mil industrial property in Teluk Panglima Garang
KUALA LUMPUR: AmanahRaya Real Estate Investment Trust (ARReit) has acquired a single-storey detached factory in Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor, from Alpha Express Sdn Bhd for RM39 million. The manager of ARReit, AmanahRaya Kenedix Reit Manager Sdn Bhd (AKRM), said ARReit had entered into two agreements under a sale and leaseback arrangement with Alpha Express for a duration of 10 years. AKRM managing director Mohd Iskandar Dzulkarnain said the acquisition aligns with ARReit's strategy to strengthen its industrial asset portfolio with income-generating properties secured under long-term leases. "The asset acquisition benefits ARReit by expanding its existing portfolio, which previously included only one asset in this particular industry. This second asset strengthens our position in the sector and allows us to further grow our industrial asset sub-portfolio. "In general, this collaboration supports industry players who meet our criteria to expand their businesses, while also allowing them to offload assets they consider to have potential to ARReit, which in turn has a positive impact on the economy," he told Bernama at the ARReit Connect 2025 signing ceremony and stakeholders showcase held here today. In addition to the signing ceremony, ARReit Connect 2025 served as a platform to strengthen strategic partnerships, bringing together key stakeholders including Amanah Raya Bhd, HELP University, Alfa University College, Knight Frank, Anytime Fitness and IMT Tech. Meanwhile, Iskandar noted that the total assets under AKRM's management now stand at RM1.3 billion. "We will return to the company's core focus, which is on asset industries involving the healthcare and wellness sectors, as well as educational assets. This remains ARReit's main focus in efforts to expand its existing asset portfolio. "This growth will not stop here — it is expected to continue steadily over the next three years," he said. Additionally, ARReit also announced the successful conclusion of its annual general meeting (AGM), where all resolutions were passed with unanimous shareholder approval. "The AGM reaffirmed continued investor confidence in ARReit's direction and governance, particularly as we embark on a more dynamic portfolio management strategy focused on triple net lease structures, environmental, social, and governance-aligned investments and market diversification," ARReit said.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Iskandar in two minds about coaching offer from BAM
PETALING JAYA: It is a tough call for Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin as he weighs between continuing his coaching career in Ireland or answering the call to return home. The former national men's singles shuttler has confirmed that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have reached out to him with a coaching offer. But it's still unclear whether the role is for the men's or women's singles squad. BAM are currently short of options in the singles department following the surprise resignation of women's singles coach Jeffer Rosobin at the end of April. Since taking up the role in Ireland four years ago, Iskandar has steadily made a name for himself in Europe. He has been instrumental in the rise of Nhat Nguyen, who is now ranked No. 33 in the world, and has helped elevate the profile of Irish badminton. Under his guidance, Ireland qualified two players for the Paris Olympics, namely Nguyen and women's singles shuttler Rachael Darragh, marking a major milestone for the country. Adding to the Malaysian presence in Ireland is Iskandar's former national teammate Yeoh Seng Zoe, who is currently serving as Ireland's high performance coach. Given the progress made and his long-term plans with Ireland, Iskandar is understandably cautious about making any move. 'I've been given a lot of trust here in Ireland, and I need to deliver results,' said the 33-year-old. 'I've been contacted by BAM, but I need to weigh everything carefully. I'm still young in coaching and want to prove myself first. 'I was fortunate to be guided by coaches like Datuk Misbun Sidek and Hendrawan, and I incorporate what I've learned from them into my own methods. 'My immediate goal is to help Ireland win a medal at the European Championships. We're also running development programmes in schools, and I hope this will unearth more talent for the country.' Iskandar first joined Ireland as a sparring partner for Nguyen during his preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He was later appointed as Nguyen's full-time coach and eventually took over the entire singles programme. Nguyen came close to realising Iskandar's dream of winning a European medal this year, reaching the quarter-finals in Horsens, Denmark, before losing to France's Alex Lanier. Nguyen's campaign at the Malaysian Masters ended yesterday in the second round following a 23-21, 21-17 defeat to India's K. Srikanth. In the opening round, he had stunned home favourite Leong Jun Hao.
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Iskandar Confirms BAM Approach For Coaching Role
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- Ireland badminton team's singles head coach Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin has confirmed that he has been approached by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to join their ranks. However, the former Malaysian men's singles player could not confirm the position offered to him by the national governing body. 'Someone (from BAM) did contact me, but let's see how things go. I still have a contract (with Ireland) until 2028. bootstrap slideshow 'I need to consider what my goals are. Nhat Nguyen (Ireland's men's singles shuttler) is still young. I also need to discuss with my family, as they are all in Ireland, and I have to see what's best,' he said when met at the Malaysia Masters 2025 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, yesterday. Iskandar, 33, said he is determined to prove himself as a coach, especially after raising Nguyen's level of play to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Iskandar, who has been coaching in Ireland since 2022, also hopes to produce players capable of winning medals at future European Badminton Championships. If he serves out his contract, he wants to help Ireland break the European badminton dominance long held by Denmark, England and France. 'We've also started a junior programme, with players training in the morning and evening. I hope with this development programme, we can go further,' he said. -- BERNAMA
