Abdul Wahid Omar to be UKM board chairman

BANGI: Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, the former Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) chairman, has been appointed as the chairman of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) board of directors.

In a press statement, UKM said Abdul Wahid would be replacing Tan Sri Dr Ibrahim Saad, and his period of appointment will be from Nov 1, 2018 until Oct 31, 2021.

"He is a corporate figure that is one of the most versatile in Malaysia, having an expansive experience in leading four organisations in infrastructure development, telecommunications, financial services and investment management," the university said on Monday (Nov 5).

UKM vice-chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali said UKM was pleased with Abdul Wahid's appointment.

"All of us in UKM will give their best cooperation in ensuring the university board of directors would run smoothly and act effectively in making decisions," he said.

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 had been 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 from June 2013 to June 2016.

Prior to his Cabinet appointment, Abdul Wahid was the president and chief executive officer of Malayan Banking Berhad from May 2008 until June 2013.

He was also group CEO of Telekom Malaysia Bhd from July 2004 until its de-merger with Axiata Group Bhd in April 2008.

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