Abdul Wahid made board chairman

FORMER Permodalan Nasional Berhad chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar ( pic) has been appointed Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) board of directors chairman for a term of three years, effective this month until October 2021.

He takes over from Tan Sri Dr Ibrahim Saad.

Abdul Wahid is a corporate figure in Malaysia, with experience in leading four organisations in infrastructure development, telecommunications, financial services and investment management,” the university said in a statement on Monday.

UKM vice-chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali welcomed his appointment.

“The staff will provide their cooperation in ensuring the board of directors make effective decisions.

“May UKM continue to grow,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Abdul Wahid said he appreciated the honour.

“This golden opportunity fulfils my dream of contributing to education, leadership and the development of human resources,” he said.

Abdul Wahid resigned as PNB group chairman in June this year.

He was appointed PNB chairman following the completion of his term as a senator and minister in the prime minister’s department in charge of the Economic Planning Unit.

Prior to his Cabinet appointment, Abdul Wahid was the president and chief executive officer of Malayan Banking Berhad. He was also group CEO of Telekom Malaysia Bhd until its de-merger with Axiata Group Bhd in April 2008.

He is also a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and Malaysian Institute of Accountants.