‘Shahril eminently qualified to run KNB’

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Shahri l R idza Ridzuan i s eminent ly qua l i f i e d and f it to spearhead Khazanah Nasional Bhd, given his vast experience and expertise in managing investments, said an academician.

Sunway University Business School Economics Professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said Shahril’s indepth training in f inance and inves tment was very appropriate and much needed in running Khazanah’s investment portfolio.

“His track record at the Employees Provident Fund ( EPF) speaks for itself regarding his suitability to manage Khazanah’s diverse portfolio, both domestic and overseas investments,” he told Bernama.

The sovereign wealth fund had earl ier announced the appointment of Shahril, who is currently the chief executive officer ( CEO) of EPF, as its new managing director.

He is scheduled to report for duty on Aug 20.

In a separate statement , EPF also confirmed Shahril’s appointment to Khazanah.

“Shahril will remain the CEO to ensure continuity and proper handover of duties at the EPF,” it said.

As the new managing director, Yeah said obtaining a clear mandate from the government would be the key task for Shahril in restructuring and reorienting Khazanah’s operations going forward.

“It wi l l l ikely inc lude a narrower focus on the portfolio and importantly, Khazanah’s original mandate of broadening Bumiputera access to equity ownership,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Hermana Capital Bhd CEO and chief investment officer Datuk Dr Nazri Khan Adam Khan viewed Shahril’s appointment positively, saying it would help li ft investors confidence on the local market inves tment l ands c ape. — Bernama