The Executives

The Malaysian REIT Managers Association (MRMA) has appointed Derek Teh Wan Wei, chief executive officer and executive director of Sunway-REIT Management Sdn Bhd, as its new chairman. Teh’s appointment marks a leadership transition for the association, which represents the interests of Malaysia’s real estate investment trust (REIT) management industry and works to promote best practices, governance, and growth within the sector. At the same time, Zuhairy Md Isa of Am-REIT Managers Sdn Bhd was re-elected as vice-chairman, continuing his role in supporting the association’s strategic direction. Joining him as newly elected vice-chairman is Yong Su Lin of CapitaLand Malaysia-REIT Management Sdn Bhd. Meanwhile, Datuk Stewart Labrooy of Alpha-REIT Managers Sdn Bhd was re-elected as honorary secretary, continuing his responsibilities in overseeing the association’s administrative matters. Hafidz Atrash Kosai Mohd Zihim from Pelaburan Hartanah Nasional Bhd (PHNB) will also continue serving as honorary treasurer for a second term, overseeing the association’s financial affairs. In addition, Zainal Iskandar Ismail of Hektar Asset Management Sdn Bhd was elected as a committee member, further strengthening MRMA’s leadership team. The appointments reflect MRMA’s continued efforts to reinforce collaboration within Malaysia’s REIT industry while supporting the sector’s development amid evolving market conditions. MRMA plays a key role in representing REIT managers in Malaysia, advocating for industry growth and strengthening engagement among stakeholders in the country’s property investment landscape.

Three Presidents. One conversation. At MIT Sloan School of Management. What does it take for a business school to stay globally relevant — while remaining deeply rooted in its region — in an era shaped by AI and shifting geopolitical dynamics?’ At a recent dialogue, graciously hosted by MIT Sloan in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Asia School of Business (ASB) brought together three generations of the School’s leadership — current CEO, President and Dean, Professor Joseph Cherian; former President, Professor Sanjay Sarma; and Founding President, Professor Charles Fine — for a timely discussion on the future of education, leadership, and global competitiveness. “We have a cross-disciplinary approach… a very engineering way of thinking about problems,” shared Professor Joseph, our current CEO, President and Dean, highlighting ASB’s evolving trajectory as a globally relevant institution anchored in Southeast Asia. For Professor Sanjay, the shift is even more fundamental: “AI is no longer just another technology — it’s a way of thinking required to navigate a complex world.” Reflecting on ASB’s founding philosophy, Professor Charles emphasized the importance of cultural and intellectual bridging: “We built a culture that could engage both the East and the West — and understand the challenges of both.” Moderated by Andrew Foley (Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations, NYU Stern, and MBA 2018 — ASB’s inaugural cohort), the session explored how institutions can translate global trends into meaningful impact for Malaysia, the wider Asian region, and beyond. As AI continues to reshape industries, the way we work and talent demands, the conversation reinforced a clear idea: The future of business education lies not just in global excellence — but in local relevance, contextual understanding, and the abilities to navigate and thrive across worlds. “Global Excellence, Local Relevance: Academic Leadership at the Intersection of AI and Global Fragmentation” held at MIT Sloan’s Wong Auditorium To learn more about the Asia School of Business (ASB), visit: https://asb.edu.my/

Inari Amertron Bhd has appointed its independent director Datuk Phang Ah Tong as the group’s new chairman, effective Tuesday, as part of a broader boardroom reshuffle within the semiconductor company. Phang, 69, succeeds Tengku Puteri Seri Kemala Tengku Aishah, who has been redesignated as a non-independent director, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia. The group said Phang has served as an independent director since February 2018 and brings extensive experience in governance and industry oversight. He is also a board member of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), a position he has held since January 2026. Tengku Puteri Seri Kemala, also 69, is the sister of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. She has been part of Inari’s board for nearly 16 years since joining the group in September 2010. In a separate announcement, Inari said Chong Poh Leng has been redesignated as an executive director in addition to her existing role as group chief financial officer, further strengthening the company’s executive leadership team. The group also noted that independent and non-executive director Dr Tunku Alina Raja Muhd Alias has resigned, citing time constraints. The board changes come amid active leadership adjustments within the group as it continues to strengthen governance and operational oversight in the semiconductor space. On the market front, Inari shares rose four sen or 1.8% to close at RM2.27 ahead of the announcements, giving the company a market capitalisation of approximately RM8.65 billion.

UOB has appointed George Tung as the new Chief Executive Officer of its Hong Kong Branch, effective July 1, 2026, as part of the bank’s strategy to strengthen regional connectivity and support growing cross-border business between mainland China and ASEAN. Tung succeeds Adaline Zheng, who will assume the role of CEO of UOB China. UOB Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Wee Ee Cheong said Hong Kong plays an increasingly important role as a connector between mainland China and ASEAN, adding that the bank is sharpening its focus on enhancing its wholesale banking, private banking and wealth management capabilities. Tung brings more than three decades of banking experience spanning mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea and ASEAN markets. He joined UOB in 2010 and spent a decade leading the Hong Kong Branch’s Wholesale Banking business, overseeing client coverage as well as investment banking, transaction banking, client fulfilment services and portfolio management. In 2021, he was appointed Country Manager of UOB South Korea, where he strengthened strategic partnerships with leading Korean and international institutions while expanding market connectivity between South Korea and ASEAN. As CEO of UOB Hong Kong Branch, Tung will be responsible for setting the branch’s strategic direction, driving business growth and reinforcing UOB’s position as a key banking partner connecting clients across Hong Kong, mainland China and ASEAN. He will also lead efforts to strengthen the bank’s wholesale and private banking businesses, deepen client relationships and enhance engagement with regulators and customers. Established in 1965, UOB Hong Kong Branch was the bank’s first overseas branch and remains a key part of its regional network supporting cross-border trade, investment and wealth management activities.

UOB has appointed Adaline Zheng as the new Chief Executive Officer of UOB China, effective July 1, 2026, as the bank strengthens its cross-border banking capabilities and deepens connectivity between China and ASEAN. Zheng succeeds Peter Foo, who is retiring after 15 years with the bank, having played a key role in building UOB’s China-ASEAN connectivity business. UOB Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Wee Ee Cheong said China remains a major driver of trade, investment and cross-border flows with ASEAN, and the bank is committed to enhancing its capabilities to better support customers’ regional expansion plans. With more than 20 years of banking experience across mainland China and Hong Kong, Zheng joined UOB China in 2018 as Head of Wholesale Banking, overseeing Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, Financial Institutions, Structured Trade and Commodity Finance, Transaction Banking and Investment Banking. In March 2024, she was appointed CEO of UOB Hong Kong Branch after holding various senior leadership roles in wholesale and investment banking at a multinational bank. As CEO of UOB China, Zheng will oversee the bank’s operations in mainland China, drive its strategic priorities and strengthen its cross-border banking capabilities to facilitate greater connectivity between China and ASEAN. Headquartered in Shanghai, UOB China was incorporated in 2007 and operates across key economic regions in mainland China, offering wholesale banking and global markets services while leveraging UOB’s regional network to support clients’ cross-border trade and investment activities. Wee said Zheng’s deep regional experience and strong capital markets background position her well to lead UOB China into its next phase of growth while further strengthening long-term customer relationships.

Moomoo Singapore has appointed Jeyson Ng as its Chief Executive Officer, marking a new phase of growth as the digital investment platform expands its presence within Singapore’s financial ecosystem and strengthens its position across the region. Before taking on the CEO role, Jeyson held senior leadership positions across the financial services and capital markets industry, bringing extensive experience in exchange development, market strategy, institutional engagement and ecosystem partnerships. Since joining Moomoo Singapore, he has played a key role in driving the company’s strategic expansion, strengthening industry collaborations and advancing its long-term vision of technology-enabled investing and investor empowerment. As CEO, Jeyson will focus on four strategic priorities: Deepening investor education and financial literacy programmes Accelerating the adoption of AI-driven investing tools and intelligent investment experiences Expanding access to global investment opportunities and institutional-grade capabilities Strengthening partnerships across Singapore’s financial and capital markets ecosystem Echo Zhao, Country Head of Moomoo Singapore, said Jeyson’s combination of capital markets expertise, industry relationships and strategic leadership experience will be instrumental as the company enters its next stage of development. He noted that Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a global financial hub and expressed confidence that Jeyson is well positioned to deepen the company’s local market presence, enhance industry partnerships and deliver greater value to investors. Advancing Technology and Investor Education Over the past year, Moomoo Singapore has expanded its market presence through a series of initiatives focused on investor education, ecosystem partnerships and technology innovation. Among these is the launch of Moo Academy, the company’s flagship investor education platform aimed at building a stronger and more connected financial ecosystem by bringing together financial institutions, listed companies, industry partners and retail investors. The company has also accelerated its artificial intelligence strategy through the introduction of innovations such as Moomoo AI and Moomoo API Skills, reinforcing its commitment to providing smarter, data-driven and intuitive investing experiences. These initiatives form part of Moomoo Singapore’s broader mission to empower investors through advanced technology, actionable insights and intelligent investment tools, while encouraging greater retail participation in Singapore’s capital markets through education, market intelligence and access to diversified global investment products. Jeyson said Singapore remains one of the world’s most trusted and resilient financial centres, adding that the future of investing will increasingly be shaped by digitalisation, global connectivity and artificial intelligence. He said investors today are seeking not only broader market access but also smarter tools that can help them analyse information, identify opportunities and make more informed investment decisions. According to Jeyson, artificial intelligence will play a transformative role in making sophisticated market insights, data and execution capabilities more accessible to everyday investors, and he looks forward to working closely with the company’s team, partners and regulators to continue building a trusted and intelligent investing platform for Singapore and the wider region.

SIRIM Bhd has appointed Nik Sazali Nik Hussin as its President and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with the appointment taking effect immediately. Prior to this role, Nik Sazali had been serving as acting President and Group CEO since August 2025, according to the industrial research and technology organisation. He previously held the position of CEO of SIRIM Academy Sdn Bhd from March 2023, where he led various transformation and growth initiatives that strengthened the academy’s position as a key provider of training, consultancy and capability development services. In a statement, SIRIM said the appointment reflects its continued focus on strengthening leadership grounded in institutional experience, technical expertise and a strong understanding of the organisation’s role within Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem. Nik Sazali brings nearly three decades of leadership experience across commercial banking, higher education, management consultancy and the government-linked sector, in addition to his long-standing involvement within SIRIM. He succeeds Datuk Ahmad Sabirin Arshad, who has since joined Boustead Holdings Bhd as Group CEO, effective Aug 1, 2025.

Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd has announced the departure of Group Chief Executive Officer Euan Smith, marking the end of his six-year tenure with the company and more than three years in the top leadership role. The media and entertainment group said Henry Tan, who previously served as Astro’s Group CEO from February 2019 to January 2023, will assume the role of Interim Group CEO effective June 16, 2026, while the board undertakes a search for a permanent successor. Henry Tan (left) and Euan Smith (right). In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Astro said the leadership transition comes as the company progresses through a significant transformation of its platform and business operations. “With the platform transition well advanced, it is timely for a change of leadership at Astro to navigate the business moving forward,” the company said. As Interim Group CEO, Henry Tan will oversee the group’s overall strategy, performance and day-to-day operations, supported by Astro’s executive leadership team. Meanwhile, Smith will remain with the company in an advisory capacity, providing technical guidance and support to the board until Dec 6, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition. Smith joined Astro in April 2020 as Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of TV before being promoted to Group CEO in February 2023. During his tenure, his contract was extended twice as the company navigated industry changes and intensified competition within the media landscape. The board expressed its appreciation for Smith’s contributions, acknowledging his role in leading the company through a period of transformation and evolving consumer viewing habits. The leadership change comes at a challenging time for Astro, which has been facing pressure from declining subscription revenues, a softer advertising market and growing competition from global streaming platforms. Last month, the pay-TV operator drew industry attention after confirming that it would not be the primary broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in more than 20 years. The broadcasting rights for the tournament were secured by Telekom Malaysia Bhd. Despite ongoing operational challenges, Astro’s share price rose 8.33% to 6.5 sen on Monday, valuing the company at approximately RM339.7 million. Financially, the group reported a sharp decline in earnings for the financial year ended Jan 31, 2026 (FY2026). Net profit fell by more than 50% to RM63.13 million from RM129.15 million a year earlier, impacted by higher staff-related expenses, broadband costs, and increased marketing and distribution spending. Revenue also declined to RM2.79 billion from RM3.08 billion in the previous year, reflecting weaker subscription and advertising income, as well as lower rental revenue and programming rights sales. Astro last declared a dividend of 0.25 sen per share in FY2024, the lowest dividend payout in the company’s history. According to market data, the group’s net gearing ratio stood at 1.4 times as at end-January 2026, with net debt amounting to RM1.79 billion, making it one of the more highly leveraged media companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. Moving forward, investors will be closely watching Astro’s next phase of leadership as the company seeks to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.

Public Bank Bhd has appointed Diona Teh Li Shian as a non-independent non-executive director, effective June 1. Diona Teh Li Shian (centre) has been appointed Public Bank’s non-independent non-executive director, effective June 1. Li Shian is the youngest daughter of Public Bank founder and chairman emeritus the late Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow. In a statement, the bank said she brings experience from roles in international banking groups, covering areas such as asset management, product development, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, customer experience, and process improvement. The bank said her appointment reflects the continuation of her father’s legacy and the Teh family’s long-standing commitment to Public Bank. She has also been appointed to the bank’s nomination and remuneration committee as well as the risk committee, according to Bursa filings. Li Shian holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Macquarie University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Queensland University of Technology. Public Bank shares closed down six sen or 1.3% at RM4.71, valuing the group at RM91.4 billion.

Datuk Goh Chye Koon will step down as chairman of Sunway Construction Group Bhd after more than a decade in the role, with Datuk Kwan Foh Kwai appointed as his successor. In a Bursa Malaysia filing, the construction group said Goh, 76, has retired by rotation and will not seek re-election. His retirement took effect at the conclusion of the company’s annual general meeting held on Friday. Goh has served as chairman since 2014, and the group expressed appreciation for his contributions during his tenure. In the same filing, Sunway Construction announced the redesignation of Kwan as its new independent non-executive chairman. Kwan, 74, previously served as Sunway Construction’s senior managing director from 2014 until his retirement in December 2015. He rejoined the board as an independent director in October 2024. The company said Kwan brings more than 40 years of experience in the construction industry, spanning both public and private sectors. He began his career in 1977 as a contract engineer with the Public Works Department before moving into senior roles across several construction firms, including Promet Construction Sdn Bhd, Alam Baru Sdn Bhd, and Taisei (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. He later joined Sungei Way Construction Bhd in 1996 and was appointed managing director of Sunway Construction in 2001. Kwan also serves as independent non-executive chairman of Luxchem Corp Bhd. Sunway Construction shares closed one sen lower at RM7.49, valuing the group at RM9.96 billion.