The Executives

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed former Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail as an independent director, as the airline strengthens its leadership team to support fleet modernisation and international expansion plans. Former Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail. According to a report by Insider PH, Izham joins the PAL board alongside Filipino businessman Edgar Chua, former country chairman of Shell Philippines. The appointments are part of the airline’s efforts to strengthen board expertise as it expands operations and enhances governance. Izham retired from MAG, the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, on Jan 31, 2026, after serving the airline group for more than 40 years. He was succeeded by Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar as president and group chief executive officer. During his tenure, Izham led MAG’s 2021 financial restructuring, which reduced the group’s liabilities by over RM15 billion, eliminated RM10 billion in debt, and secured a RM3.6 billion capital injection from major shareholder Khazanah Nasional Bhd. He also oversaw operational improvements that helped return the airline group to profitability in recent years. PAL chairman and chief executive officer Lucio Tan welcomed the appointments, highlighting Izham’s aviation experience and Chua’s business leadership expertise. The airline said both appointments will support PAL’s efforts to achieve sustainable growth, strengthen governance, and expand its global connectivity. PAL underwent Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring in 2021, eliminating more than US$2 billion in debt. Since completing its financial restructuring, the airline has reported consistent quarterly profitability while investing in fleet upgrades and route expansion. For the first quarter of 2026, PAL reported a net income of US$78.55 million, up 2.6 per cent year-on-year, while revenue increased 9.7 per cent to US$895.7 million.

Standard Chartered has appointed Shebani Baweja as its Group Chief Data Officer (CDO), effective immediately. She will report to Alvaro Garrido, Chief Operating Officer for Technology & Operations (T&O) and Chief Information Officer for Information Security & Data, and will be based in Singapore. In her new role, Shebani will lead the Group Data Office and oversee the Bank’s data strategy, including how data is governed, managed, and utilised across the organisation. She will also drive the implementation of stronger data foundations, standardised practices, and wider use of data analytics to support growth, innovation, and decision-making. Shebani brings more than 20 years of experience in data and digital transformation. Since joining Standard Chartered in 2008, she has held several senior leadership roles across Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB) as well as T&O transformation. Most recently, she served as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for WRB and International Markets, where she led cyber risk strategy and strengthened governance and security controls to support digitisation and business growth. Alvaro Garrido, Chief Operating Officer for Technology & Operations and Chief Information Officer for Information Security & Data at Standard Chartered, said the Bank’s technology and data capabilities remain key to delivering world-class client services. “As we continue to expand our use of data and AI to help clients seamlessly connect with growth opportunities across our unique network, Shebani’s leadership will be key in strengthening our data-driven culture that simplifies with discipline and keeps risk and integrity at the forefront,” he said. Commenting on her appointment, Shebani said data continues to play a central role in supporting the Bank’s operations and client-centric innovation strategy. “I am thrilled to be appointed to the role at such a pivotal moment. Data is central to how Standard Chartered delivers robust, safe and scalable solutions and drives measurable value for our clients and colleagues. I look forward to working with the team to advance our data strategy and power the next phase of client-centric innovation – one that is supported by trusted, responsible use of data,” she said.

Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad has appointed Kelvin Lee Chin Chuan as its new group managing director, effective June 1, 2026, as the property developer recorded a record-high revenue of RM1.36 billion for FY2026. Lee, who holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Melbourne, previously served with the group from 2018 to 2021 before returning in April 2025 as group executive director. Since rejoining the company, he has played a key role in strengthening Matrix Concepts’ strategic direction and advancing a more integrated township development approach focused on connectivity, lifestyle, healthcare, education and long-term sustainability. Among the group’s recent initiatives is its collaboration with Golog Holdings Sdn Bhd for the China-Malaysia Air Silk Road Dual Hub Industrial Park Cooperation Project in MVV TechValley, aimed at enhancing Negeri Sembilan’s position as an emerging logistics and industrial hub. Lee said the company remains committed to its founding philosophy of creating communities that enrich lives, while adapting to changing expectations surrounding quality, liveability and integration. “Matrix Concepts was built on a simple philosophy — to create environments that enrich lives. That foundation remains unchanged,” he said. “What has evolved are the expectations surrounding quality, connectivity, and integration. Our focus is to continuously strengthen township ecosystems that bring together living, education, healthcare, and lifestyle components in a more holistic and structured way,” he added. For the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026, Matrix Concepts posted a net profit of RM38.7 million compared with RM42.7 million a year earlier, while quarterly revenue rose slightly to RM308.9 million. For the full financial year, net profit increased 2.5% to RM219.3 million, while revenue climbed 18.1% to a record RM1.36 billion, supported by steady construction progress, new revenue streams and stronger industrial-related contributions. The board also declared a fourth interim single-tier dividend of 1.25 sen per ordinary share for FY2026, payable on July 9, 2026.

Gas Malaysia Berhad has announced the appointment of Azli M. as its new President and Group Chief Executive Officer, marking a new leadership chapter for the national gas infrastructure company. Azli brings extensive leadership experience across the energy, aviation, infrastructure, and corporate transformation sectors, with a career spanning both multinational corporations and government-linked organisations. His background includes senior roles such as Managing Director of Siemens Energy Malaysia, Chief Operating Officer of GEMalaysia, and leadership positions involving clean energy initiatives with Mubadala Energy in Abu Dhabi. He has also held key strategic and transformation roles at major organisations including Capital A (AirAsia), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), and AEON Group Malaysia, where he was involved in corporate growth, operational efficiency, and strategic development initiatives. In addition to his corporate experience, Azli has contributed to the broader business and innovation ecosystem through advisory and leadership roles with organisations such as OpenSpace Ventures, UN Global Compact (UNGC) Malaysia & Brunei, Malaysia Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC), and the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM Malaysia). Gas Malaysia said Azli’s appointment comes at a time when the energy sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by the need for sustainability, innovation, and long-term infrastructure resilience. His experience across global markets, GLCs, and innovation-driven ecosystems is expected to support Gas Malaysia’s continued growth and strategic direction in the evolving energy landscape. Azli’s appointment is seen as strengthening the company’s leadership as it advances its role in Malaysia’s energy sector and supports national infrastructure development goals. He takes over the role with immediate effect.

TYMBA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Seri Idawaty Mat Zain on her appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) Malaysia. Recognised for her dedication and leadership, Ms. Seri Idawaty’s appointment marks a significant milestone for MICPA Malaysia as the organisation continues to strengthen the accounting profession and drive excellence within the industry. In a statement, TYMBA expressed confidence in Ms. Seri Idawaty’s leadership, noting that her appointment signals an exciting new chapter for MICPA Malaysia. “We warmly congratulate Ms. Seri Idawaty Mat Zain on this well-deserved appointment. Her leadership, expertise, and commitment to professional excellence will undoubtedly contribute to further elevating the accounting profession in Malaysia,” the statement said. As MICPA Malaysia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping accounting standards, talent development, and professional growth in the country, stakeholders are optimistic about the direction and progress the institution will achieve under Ms. Seri Idawaty’s stewardship. TYMBA also conveyed its best wishes to Ms. Seri Idawaty as she embarks on this new leadership journey, expressing confidence in the positive impact and meaningful contributions ahead. “Here’s to your continued success and the many great achievements to come,” TYMBA added.

Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC), an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), has appointed Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh as its chairman with immediate effect. HDC said Mohd Afandi will play a key role in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the halal economy, with a focus on enhancing international collaboration, policy development and thought leadership across the global halal ecosystem. “He brings extensive experience in international relations, governance and academia, with over two decades of service in higher education and global policy engagement,” the agency said in a statement. Mohd Afandi holds a PhD in International Relations from Durham University, United Kingdom, a Master of Laws in International Law from Lancaster University, and a Bachelor of Human Sciences in Political Science from the International Islamic University Malaysia. He has held several leadership roles in academia, including deputy vice chancellor (student affairs and alumni), and is currently a professor of international relations at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). HDC also noted that he has contributed to international platforms such as the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process, and has engaged with organisations including the Geneva International Centre for Justice, the ASEAN University Network and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights. The agency said it is confident that his leadership and global experience will help further accelerate Malaysia’s halal industry development and strengthen the country’s position as a hub for halal trade, investment and innovation.

Pecca Group Bhd has appointed Tan Sri Mazlan Mansor as its new chairman, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia. Mazlan, aged 65, takes over from Datuk Mohamed Suffian Awang, 54, who has stepped down after reaching the 12-year tenure limit as independent non-executive chairman of the leather upholstery manufacturer. The company said the leadership change is part of its board succession process following the completion of the outgoing chairman’s maximum service term. In a separate announcement, Pecca also reported a decline in its financial performance for the third quarter ended March 31, 2026. Net profit fell to RM10.09 million from RM14.24 million in the same period a year earlier, while revenue declined to RM44.8 million from RM53.1 million previously. Despite the weaker earnings, the group declared a third interim single-tier dividend of 1.50 sen per ordinary share for the financial year ending June 30, 2026. The dividend will be paid on June 19. Pecca said it remains focused on managing costs and sustaining operational efficiency amid a more challenging business environment.

DBS Group Holdings chief executive officer Tan Su Shan has sold 100,000 shares in the bank through an open market transaction. According to a filing, the shares were disposed of on May 15 at S$60.12 per share. Following the transaction, Tan’s shareholding in DBS declined slightly to 0.048% from 0.052% previously. The share sale comes shortly after DBS reported strong financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. The bank posted earnings of S$2.93 billion, representing a 1% increase year-on-year and a 24% jump quarter-on-quarter. During a briefing held on April 30, DBS chief financial officer Chng Sok Hui said the bank remains optimistic about maintaining earnings close to its FY2025 performance levels. Tan officially assumed the role of CEO on March 28, 2025, succeeding long-serving chief executive Piyush Gupta. For 2025, Tan received total remuneration of S$9.6 million. Her compensation package included a base salary of S$975,250, a cash bonus of S$3.7 million, deferred awards worth S$4.9 million, and non-cash benefits amounting to S$68,694, including club, car and driver-related perks. DBS noted that approximately 17% of the deferred awards will be paid in cash, while the remaining portion will be delivered in shares. DBS shares recently climbed back above the S$60 level on May 14. As of May 18, the stock closed at S$60.76, giving the bank a market capitalisation of approximately S$172.81 billion.

Former TVB actor Steven Ma has stepped down from his role as chief executive officer of Metro Radio and is set to take on a new corporate position with healthcare company Hin Sang Group. Metro Radio announced on May 11 that the 54-year-old would be leaving the company for personal reasons, with his resignation taking effect on May 20. Shortly after the announcement, Hin Sang Group revealed that Steven will be appointed as vice-chairman, executive director and co-chief executive officer of the company. As Hin Sang Group is a publicly listed company, Steven’s remuneration package was disclosed in accordance with listing requirements. Media reports stated that he is expected to receive an annual salary of HK$2.52 million (approximately S$409,000), excluding bonuses and other incentives. Steven began his entertainment career in 1993 after signing with Hong Kong broadcaster TVB. He rose to prominence through several television dramas, including his role in the popular 1998 series The Duke of Mount Deer. After leaving TVB in 2012, he explored various ventures beyond acting, including studying Chinese medicine and operating tuition centres. In 2020, he completed an Executive MBA programme at Peking University. He later returned to collaborate with TVB in 2021, where he was invited to head the broadcaster’s artiste training department. In 2022, he was also elected as a co-opted member of the Art Form Sub-committee (Theatre) under Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Steven’s latest appointment marks another career transition as he expands his involvement in the corporate and healthcare sectors following years in the entertainment industry.

Watsons Malaysia has appointed former Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Datuk Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek as its new non-executive chairman. Loh (right) congratulating Fadhlullah on his appointment as Watsons Malaysia non-executive chairman, effective May 15. The appointment of Fadhlullah took effect on May 15, 2026. Fadhlullah brings more than three decades of leadership experience across healthcare, telecommunications and national policy. He previously held senior roles at Telekom Malaysia Bhd. Watsons said his experience also includes involvement in national transformation initiatives at the Prime Minister’s Office, as well as advisory roles with governments internationally. Watsons Malaysia managing director and chief operating officer for Health & Beauty Asia, Caryn Loh, said: “With his extensive experience across healthcare, regulatory institutions and national transformation, we are confident he will provide valuable guidance as we accelerate our next phase of sustainable growth.” Fadhlullah currently serves on multiple boards across healthcare, telecommunications, education and financial services, and is chairman of the board of governors of Perdana University. He holds medical and public health qualifications, as well as a master’s degree in health management.