The Executives

Sarawak Energy has announced new leadership appointments as part of its ongoing succession planning and organisational development, supporting the Group’s long-term growth and operational priorities. (Left) Yusri Safri, Chief Executive Officer, SESCO, (Right) Lau Kim Swee, Executive Vice President for Project Delivery for Sarawak Energy Group and its subsidiaries. Yusri Safri has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sarawak Energy’s retail and operations subsidiary, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), effective 1 April 2026. He will report to Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili. Sharbini said the appointment reflects Sarawak Energy’s focus on developing leaders with strong operational experience and strategic capabilities. During his tenure in Contract & Procurement, Yusri led key initiatives in category management, procurement efficiency, vendor development and centralised operational planning. These efforts contributed to Sarawak Energy being recognised by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) as an excellent procurement organisation. “Yusri brings deep technical expertise and strong leadership. With a solid engineering background and regional operational experience, he has built a broad management portfolio across retail, distribution and corporate services,” he said. Yusri succeeds Lau Kim Swee, who has been appointed Executive Vice President for Project Delivery for Sarawak Energy Group and its subsidiaries, effective 1 April 2026. Lau will also continue serving on the Group Executive Committee, which reports to the Group CEO. In his new role, Lau will oversee the end-to-end delivery of Sarawak Energy’s major power infrastructure projects, which are key to Sarawak’s growth, grid resilience and the government’s aspiration to achieve 10GW capacity by 2030. “Lau’s professionalism, commitment to excellence and transformative leadership at SESCO make him well-suited for this portfolio, which sits at the core of Sarawak’s long-term energy development goals,” Sharbini said. He added that the company is confident in Lau’s ability to provide strategic direction and steady leadership to deliver Sarawak Energy’s capital projects safely, on schedule and in line with international standards. Since becoming CEO of SESCO in 2016, Lau has led the utility’s transformation, focusing on operational excellence, digitalisation and customer-centric services. Under his leadership, power theft losses were reduced, supply reliability improved, and automation and Smart Grid systems were introduced as part of SESCO’s Digital Utility vision. Customer experience was also enhanced through initiatives such as the SEB Cares mobile application and Smart Retail services. Lau also fostered a high-performance culture emphasising proactive service, operational agility and strong customer focus. Sarawak Energy said it remains committed to powering Sarawak’s growth while meeting the region’s need for reliable and renewable energy.

Capital A has appointed Effendy Shahul Hamid, the former CIMB Group leader, as its new Deputy CEO, effective 6 April 2026. The move comes as the group shifts its focus to expanding its core businesses following the sale of its aviation operations to AirAsia X in January 2026. In his new role, Effendy will support growth initiatives across Asia Digital Engineering, Teleport, AirAsia MOVE, AirAsia Next, and Santan, helping the group drive digital innovation and ecosystem development. He brings more than 20 years of regional leadership experience spanning banking, digital transformation, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem building. During his 21-year tenure at CIMB Group, Effendy led its regional retail operations, digital banking initiatives, and strategic partnerships, including the transformation of Touch ‘n Go through a joint venture with Ant Group. Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said Effendy’s experience made him an ideal fit for the group’s next phase of growth. “He is a proven operator with a track record that speaks for itself. Effendy understands how ecosystems create value and can rally teams around clear goals to deliver tangible results. With his depth and perspective, I expect him to hit the ground running and add value quickly,” Fernandes said. Effendy added that he looked forward to collaborating closely with the CEOs across the Capital A Group of Companies and AirAsia X, while exploring how his financial services expertise could contribute to the group’s strategy in that sector.

Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad has announced the appointment of YM Raja Datin Paduka Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2026. She succeeds Dato’ Mohd Muazzam Mohamed, who retired in December 2025 after a decade with the group. Raja Teh Maimunah brings 30 years of experience in the financial sector to her new role. She was previously the founding CEO of AEON Bank (M) Bhd, where she oversaw the launch of Malaysia’s first Islamic digital bank. Her career also includes senior leadership positions at AmBank Group and Hong Leong Islamic Bank, as well as pioneering the world’s first Shariah-compliant commodity trading platform during her tenure at Bursa Malaysia. Tan Sri Dr Ismail Haji Bakar Bank Islam Chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Haji Bakar said her extensive experience in Islamic finance and digital innovation aligns with the bank’s strategic goals. “Her proven leadership is expected to strengthen our market position and drive innovation across the Group,” he added. In her new capacity, Raja Teh Maimunah is expected to lead Bank Islam’s next phase of growth, with a focus on digital adoption and operational excellence. She is also a certified Fellow of the Chartered Banker Institute and a Chartered Professional in Islamic Finance. Bank Islam, Malaysia’s first publicly listed pure-play Islamic bank, operates more than 100 branches nationwide and continues to expand its presence in the country’s Islamic banking sector.

K Seng Seng Corp Bhd has appointed Wong Pak Yii as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately, the company said in a bourse filing. The appointment brings nearly four decades of industry experience to the stainless steel products manufacturer and industrial hardware trader. Wong has 39 years of experience in the steel and mining sectors, with extensive exposure to operational management, corporate governance, and industry development. In addition to his new role, he currently serves as a board member of the Malaysia Steel Institute for the 2025–2026 term and Steel Industry Sabah for the 2023–2026 term, where he provides oversight on governance, risk management, and board committee functions. He is also the honorary treasurer of the Malaysia Steel Association, a position he has held since 2018 and is expected to continue through 2026. Wong further brings board-level experience as the non-executive chairman of Agricore CS Holdings Bhd. K Seng Seng is principally involved in the manufacturing and processing of secondary stainless steel products. Its offerings include welded stainless steel tubes and pipes, industrial fasteners, rigging accessories and components, stainless steel sheets, round bars, flat bars, and angle bars. The group also participates in the trading of industrial hardware, including marine hardware and related consumables, serving a wide range of industrial customers. According to AskEdge data, K Seng Seng currently trades at a trailing price-earnings (P/E) ratio of 31.3 times. This compares with peers such as Chin Well Holdings Bhd at 55.5 times and Tong Herr Resources Bhd at 32.5 times, while remaining higher than Engtex Group Bhd and Leon Fuat Bhd, which trade at 10.9 times. Shares in K Seng Seng closed unchanged at 93.5 sen, giving the group a market capitalisation of approximately RM191 million.

NexG Bhd, the company behind Malaysia’s secure passports and MyKad, has restructured its leadership following a recent boardroom dispute. Under the new structure, Ishak Ismail has been appointed executive chairman, while Abu Hanifah Noordin has been named deputy executive chairman and group CEO. Ishak Ismail is now executive chairman while NexG Bhd founder Abu Hanifah Noordin is group chief executive officer. Ishak, a substantial shareholder through a family trust, said his involvement reflects a long-term commitment. He is reported to hold a 20.4% stake via an air cargo company controlled by his sons, while Hanifah holds 9.579%. “Our role ensures that NexG, which operates sensitive national identification systems including MyKad, passports, biometric technologies, and broader data platforms, remains stable, well-governed, and secure,” Ishak said. He emphasized that NexG provides the technology, while personalisation and issuance remain fully under government control, maintaining the integrity of the systems. Ishak added that Hanifah, the company’s founder, “understands the business, its technology, and operations better than anyone” and is the right person to lead NexG, strengthen its capabilities, and expand beyond Malaysia. The leadership changes come after a recent tussle between competing shareholder groups, which resulted in several directors resigning and raised governance concerns. The new structure is aimed at stabilizing the company and safeguarding its operations.

Nor Arieni Adriena Mohd Ritzal, founder of Gula Cakery Group Sdn Bhd, shares her journey from baking at home to building a multi-outlet café brand, along with insights on scaling operations, managing rising costs, and expanding beyond the Klang Valley. Nor Arieni Adriena Mohd Ritzal, founder of Gula Cakery Group Sdn Bhd. 1. Could you share about your own background and what led you to enter the baking and F&B world to start your own business?   My journey into the F&B industry was not a straight line. I began my academic path in Early Childhood Education and worked as a teacher, a role that shaped my patience, discipline, and appreciation for nurturing people. Teaching instilled in me the importance of structure, consistency, and creating meaningful experiences — values that later became the foundation of how I built and continue to run Gula Cakery today. Alongside teaching, food had always been a significant part of my life. I started baking as a teenager, learning from my grandmother’s recipe book, and quickly realised that baking offered the same fulfilment as teaching. It was hands-on, creative, and allowed me to bring joy to others. As this passion grew, I pursued formal culinary and baking courses to strengthen my technical skills and deepen my understanding of food. In 2009, I began baking from home, selling to friends and family, conducting baking classes, and participating in local bazaars. With strong support from my mother, especially in the early days of running classes from home, I gradually built the confidence to turn this passion into a business. By 2015, I made the decision to fully transition into the F&B industry and opened the first Gula Cakery outlet in Kota Kemuning. What started as a small café offering homemade cakes and comforting meals has since grown into 18 outlets across Malaysia. Despite this growth, the heart of Gula Cakery remains unchanged — a brand rooted in care, consistency, and community, with the aim of bringing people together through food made with intention and love. 2. What was the experience like developing and launching the first Gula Cakery outlet in 2015?   When I first started Gula Cakery, there were no established suppliers or systems in place. We were truly building everything from the ground up. I was in the kitchen baking, personally sourcing ingredients, and managing orders with the support of my family. It was chaotic at times, but immensely rewarding. The positive response from customers and their love for our cakes made every challenge worthwhile. The brand was built on passion and perseverance, growing one cake at a time. 3. What were the biggest operational challenges you faced when expanding from a few outlets to double-digit branches?   Scaling from a handful of outlets to double figures required a fundamental rethink of our operations. Our primary challenge was maintaining consistency in taste, service, and overall customer experience across every location. To address this, we made deliberate investments in training, robust standard operating procedures, and scalable systems, while maintaining disciplined cash-flow management throughout the expansion phase. 4. How do you decide on new locations, and what metrics matter most when evaluating expansion opportunities?   Our expansion decisions are driven by a disciplined, data-led approach centred on customer demand, accessibility, and long-term community alignment. We assess each location based on footfall patterns, demographic profiles, purchasing power, and strategic fit with our brand values. Gula Cakery performs strongest in environments where customers actively seek comfort food, connection, and a consistently welcoming experience. 5. What lessons have you learned from opening new branches that you wish you had known earlier?   Growth must be paced with readiness. Expanding too quickly without the right systems and leadership depth can dilute performance and strain resources. As we scale, localising menus and strengthening leadership capability have proven critical to maintaining quality and consistency. 6. What advice would you give aspiring F&B founders who are starting today in a more crowded market?   Focus on authenticity and clear differentiation. Build a strong operational foundation, exercise disciplined financial management, and be prepared to remain hands-on across all aspects of the business, particularly during the growth phase. 7. Rising costs have impacted many F&B operators. How are you managing this?   We mitigate cost pressures by diversifying our supplier base, strengthening local sourcing, optimising recipes, and reducing wastage. While selective price adjustments are sometimes necessary, we remain focused on delivering value, consistent quality, and a strong overall customer experience. 8. How are you addressing labour shortages and retention?   To address this, we’ve invested in structured training programmes that allow us to develop talent internally rather than relying solely on experienced hires. Retention is equally important, so we emphasise career progression, fair remuneration, and a supportive work culture. We also provide opportunities for staff to learn beyond their roles — for example, exposure to baking classes or management training — which keeps them motivated and engaged. 9. How is Gula Cakery redefining customer loyalty today?   Customer loyalty is built on emotional connection rather than transactional incentives alone. We prioritise meaningful experiences, active community engagement, and consistent delivery to foster long-term brand affinity. 10. Why do many F&B businesses fail today?   One major factor is underestimating the importance of financial discipline. Many businesses expand too quickly without a solid foundation, leading to cash flow issues. Another is failing to adapt to changing customer preferences — what worked five years ago may not resonate today. Lastly, some founders underestimate the operational demands of F&B, from staffing to supply chains, and burn out quickly. Success in this industry requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to continuously innovate while staying true to your brand identity. 11. What has driven Gula Cakery’s growth to RM70 million in 2025 sales?   I personally oversee all our recipes to ensure every product carries a distinct personal touch, maintaining high standards while introducing new flavours. This hands-on approach has led to collaborations with brands such as Unifi, Nestum and Sunlight,

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Bhd has appointed Soo Wai Har as its new chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2026. She will report to Kenneth Reilly, Chief Executive Officer, Insurance, Sompo Asia Pacific. Wai Har succeeds Sek Kee Tan, who is retiring after serving as CEO since 2017. Tan will remain with the company until June 2026 to ensure a smooth leadership transition and support ongoing business continuity. During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening Berjaya Sompo’s market position and driving operational growth. Wai Har brings more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, including leadership roles with several global insurers. She was most recently chief executive officer of Generali Malaysia, where she oversaw business strategy and growth initiatives. Prior to that, she held senior management positions at AXA Affin Insurance and AIG, gaining extensive experience across underwriting, operations and distribution. In her new role, Wai Har is expected to lead Berjaya Sompo’s Malaysia operations, focusing on business expansion, customer experience and operational efficiency. She will also work closely with Sompo’s Asia Pacific leadership team to align regional growth strategies and strengthen the company’s presence in the Malaysian insurance market.

PIE Industrial Bhd has named Che Kian Yeap as its new managing director (MD), effective immediately. He succeeds Datuk Mui Chung Meng, who joined the board on May 10, 2000, the electronic manufacturing services company said in a Bursa Malaysia filing. Che, 50, brings over 25 years of experience in the healthcare software and electronics sectors. He has managed major clients, including three of Taiwan’s top five electronics groups, and has established high-value partnerships with gross margins of up to 90%. Che has also been involved in the global deployment of healthcare software solutions across the United States, Japan, China, and Thailand. In a separate announcement, PIE Industrial confirmed that executive director Lan Kuo-Yi has resigned to pursue personal interests. Shares of PIE Industrial closed five sen, or 4.39%, higher at RM1.19 on Wednesday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM384.04 million.

AmMetLife Insurance Bhd has appointed Wan Saifulrizal Wan Ismail as its new chief executive officer, marking a leadership transition at the insurer. He succeeds Rangam Bir, who has stepped down from the role to pursue other opportunities. Wan brings close to 30 years of experience in the insurance and takaful industries. Over the course of his career, he has held roles as a regulator, actuary and senior executive across various insurance and takaful organisations. He has also contributed to industry development, including serving as chairman of the Malaysian Takaful Association. MetLife’s Regional Head for Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal and Vietnam, Elena Butarova, said Wan’s appointment comes at a time when demand for protection and health solutions in Malaysia continues to evolve. She noted that his strong actuarial background, extensive industry knowledge and commercial leadership experience position him well to lead the company into its next phase of growth. Wan said he looks forward to strengthening AmMetLife’s role in helping Malaysians build financial resilience. He added that rising awareness around insurance, health protection and long-term financial planning presents opportunities for the company to expand its reach and deliver greater value to customers. AmMetLife was established in 1973 as AmLife Insurance Berhad and is one of the longer-operating insurers in Malaysia. The company is a joint venture between AmBank Group and MetLife, offering life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management solutions. Through the partnership, AmMetLife leverages MetLife’s global expertise alongside AmBank Group’s local market presence to serve customers across Malaysia.

Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Bhd has appointed Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali as its independent non-executive chairman, following the resignation of Tun Richard Malanjum from the role. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the consumer goods distributor said Mohd Zuki, 64, brings extensive public sector leadership experience to the board. He holds a degree in economics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, a diploma in public management from the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), and a master of business administration from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Mohd Zuki began his career in the Malaysian Administrative and Diplomatic Service in 1992 and has since held various senior roles across multiple ministries and government agencies. Throughout his public service career, he was involved in policy development, administrative leadership and inter-agency coordination at the federal level. Among his previous positions, he served as director-general of the Legal Affairs Division in the Prime Minister’s Department, secretary for federal affairs in Sarawak, and senior deputy secretary-general at the Prime Minister’s Department. He also held the role of secretary-general of the Ministry of Defence, where he oversaw administrative and strategic functions within the ministry. The company said his appointment is expected to strengthen board leadership and support Kim Teck Cheong’s governance and strategic direction.