CIMB Group's Nazir wins CEO of the Year award

The event was organised by the Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group (MSWG).

Nazir was chosen from among personalities of 20 top companies who were selected based on their outstanding leadership in corporate governance practice.

He topped the criterion of a CEO, namely, being visionary and dynamic, while demonstrating strong entrepreneurship skills that have driven the Environment, Social and Governance agenda for CIMB Group.

The MSWG also noted that he had demonstrated direct influence in driving the Group globally, based on the company's financial performance, as well as his skill and in-depth knowledge in responding to questions by minority shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meetings.

"This is really a unique recognition and one I am truly proud to receive, as the inaugural recipient.

"Excelling in areas of corporate governance and community relations has been important to me. I am glad that these have been recognised by MSWG, whose work I respect.

"I hope the award encourages others along this path as that will make for a better, more balanced corporate Malaysia," Nazir said in a statement, Tuesday.

Along with Nazir's success, CIMB Group also won awards for Corporate Governance Transparency, Overall Corporate Governance and Best Environment, Social and Governance.

The winners were determined based on the Asean CG scorecard methodology.

This is a standardised scorecard adopted by other Asean countries and showcases well-governed companies within the region, while improving their visibility and investability.

CIMB Group had also previously won the Distinction Award in the inaugural Malaysian Corporate Governance Index by MSWG in 2009.

CIMB Group is Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider and one of Asean's leading universal banking groups.

Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is now present in eight out of 10 ASEAN nations, namely, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei, Vietnam and Myanmar.