Michelle takes over as new GM
FORMER Asian Football Confederation (AFC) assistant secretary general Michelle Chai was yesterday appointed as the new general manager of the BA of Malaysia (BAM).
Michelle, 42, beat 10 other candidates for the post which was left vacant following the resignation of Lawrence Chew in May.
BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria made the announcement after chairing the association’s executive committee (exco) meeting at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.
“We interviewed the candidates last week and today after presenting our proposal to the exco, they agreed to appoint Michelle as the new general manager.
“Michelle is currently the assistant to the chief executive officer of the United Arab Emirates FA, and has been involved in football administration for the last 16 years. She has also held various positions at AFC including the assistant secretary general post.
“With her experience, we believe Michelle is the right person to make sure our technical department receive the best service in all aspects,” said Norza yesterday.
BAM also promoted Dr Suresh Kumar, 51, from building and facilities manager to acting head of ABM.
When asked about the expected challenges at BAM, Michelle said: “Norza is a very ambitious person, so it is going to be challenging to come in and change the mind set here.”
“But having been involved in sports for so long, I think the crucial element in relation to management is the same across the board.
“I will have to observe and see how things are run here for the first few months before I propose my ideas,” she said.
One of Michelle’s major task would be to look into the integration of the professional and junior leagues with Purple League.
Michelle, who has been in the UAE for the past six years, will officially start work in August.