Halim and Soam to retire from IJM Corp, Liew to helm company

PETALING JAYA: IJM Corp Bhd chairman Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali along with CEO and managing director (MD) Datuk Soam Heng Choon will retire from company by end-August.

According to a statement by the company, the board of directors has appointed Liew Hau Seng, who is currently the managing director of IJM’s construction division, to succeed Soam effective Sept 1.

Abdul Halim, 76 will also be stepping down as chairman upon the conclusion of the company’s AGM on Aug 28. He had joined the board in 2007 and was appointed as its chairman in 2011.

Tan Sri Krishnan Tan, who is currently the deputy non-executive chairman, would assume the role of chairman, the company said.

Commenting on behalf of the board of directors, Abdul Halim said: “Liew’s appointment and this transition are part of a robust succession and talent pipeline process. We are confident that Liew will build on IJM’s solid financial and industry leader position.”

“His drive, management skills, strategic acumen and strong track record of delivering consistent high-quality performance will help the company achieve its long-term strategic goals. The board warmly welcomes Liew to the role and looks forward to continued operational and financial success under Liew’s leadership,” he said.

Abdul Halim said that Soam would leave a considerable legacy: his achievements, integrity and commitment to serving the long-term interests of the company would always be remembered.

“It has been an honour to serve and lead IJM. I am especially grateful for the team we created, and for the commitment as well as incredible support our people provided over the years. I am proud of everything we have accomplished together. IJM has demonstrated great resilience and strength over the years and I am confident that its best days are ahead,” Soam, 60, said in the statement.

Liew began his career in the company in 1989 as an engineer in its industry division.

He rose through the ranks within IJM’s Construction Division from senior engineer in 1995, senior project manager in 2003, project director in 2006, operations director in 2010 to executive director in 2012 to head the division’s local operations.

In 2015, Liew was appointed to his most recent post as MD of the construction division, which is the company’s largest business division in terms of revenue.

Krishnan is a well-known industry figure and was the former CEO & MD of IJM for 14 years until 2010.

He remained on the board as deputy chairman until his recent appointment as its chairman. Krishnan also serves as the chairman of HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd and as a director at Malaysia Airlines Bhd.

Ong Teng Cheng, who is currently the executive director of IJM Construction Sdn Bhd, will succeed Liew to head the company’s construction division.

Ong has been with IJM for 28 years.

Ong has led several major civil infrastructure and building projects namely the KL Monorail, various KLIA packages and the Puteri Cove and Almas Tower mixed development projects in Johor.