Kenny Goh gets BAM nod as new manager

JOHOR BARU: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have appointed Kenny Goh as their new general manager, taking over from incumbent P. Ganga Rao who has joined Badminton World Federation (BWF) in the same capacity.
The Pahang-born Kenny, who has a degree in physical education and a Masters in sports science from the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was the vice-president (operations) of ELS Language Centre for Malaysia.
He starts work tomorrow, the day Ganga officially takes over as general manager of BWF, which is currently based in Malaysia.
The BAM decided on Kenny's appointment after a council meeting chaired by president Datuk Nadzmi Salleh here yesterday.
“Next year will be a very busy one for BAM. We will host five international tournaments, including the World Championships. Kenny has vast experience in management and administration and will also look into the technical aspects of the organisation.
“His sports science degree will also stand in good stead for the association. It is going to be a very hectic calendar and we need someone who is qualified to run the show,” Nadzmi told a press conference after the meeting.
Kenny, who represented Pahang in athletics and softball at national schools level, said: “I have always been interested in BAM ... it is one of the best organised national sports body in the country and I am happy to serve the association.”
Ganga, the “strongman” of BAM, however, will not sever all ties with the association. He will remain as the BAM secretary, at least until the end of his current term which expires at the end of 2008.
“But I will give up my post if it is difficult to cope with both duties or if there is conflict of interest,” said Ganga, who admitted that he may suffer from “withdrawal symptoms” after having been the general manager for the last four years.
“I can't tell now but I may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. However, as the secretary, I am still very much in the BAM fraternity.”