Michelle gets OCM’s nod as their new COO

THE Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) finally confirmed that Michelle Chai will be the new chief operating officer (COO), beginning Oct 7.

Michelle, 44, is currently the general manager of the BA of Malaysia (BAM).

The former United Arab Emirates (UAE) Football Association COO joined BAM in July 2017, taking over the general manager’s post from Lawrence Chuah.

OCM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria, who confirmed Michelle’s appointment yesterday after chairing the executive council meeting in Kuala Lumpur, said she was the most suitable candidate out of the 65 applicants for the position.

“When we first advertised the position, 90 per cent of the applicants did not come from a sporting background.

"We then shortlisted five, before trimming it down to the final two. Michelle was the most suitable among them,” said Norza, who is also BAM’s president.

“Her previous experiences at BAM, UAE FA and AFC (Asian Football Confederation) will stand her in good stead for the new role.

“We need someone who can inject more professionalism into OCM and bridge the gap between policymakers and the management, apart from dealing with bigger challenges ahead,” he added.

Michelle said: “I am excited at the prospect of taking on this new role at the OCM.

“Having been fortunate enough to serve in two major sports, football and badminton, I am extremely motivated to play a role in the future of the organisation on behalf of the athletes and National Sports Associations (NSA),” she said.