Pertama Digital Appoints Saify Akhtar As CEO, Sivabalan As CFO

Kuala Lumpur: Main Market-listed Pertama Digital Berhad (Pertama Digital) today announced the appointment of Saify Akhtar (Saify) as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) alongside Sivabalan Poobalasingam (Balan) as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective 1 December 2022.

In the statement issued, Saify as CEO will be responsible for spearheading and driving Pertama Digital forward with bold and innovative business plans to ensure a sustainable and profitable future. CFO Balan will be tasked to structure and focus on improving Pertama Digital’s financial health through prudent financial management as required of any public listed company.

Saify was previously Director of Strategy at Pertama Digital and instrumental in driving the Company through the progressive years during its formation. In the time he was Director of Strategy, he has brought clarity, structure and focus for Pertama Digital. He brings with him the necessary drive and experience required to lead the development of the Company into its next strategic phase of growth and expansion. Saify will be tasked to lead Pertama Digital through its strategic plan of digitalisation of government services, shariah compliance and leadership and customer experience and satisfaction.

Saify has extensive entrepreneurial experience throughout the various stages of building and developing a technology business, specifically in identifying impending trends in the technology landscape and preparing compelling solutions for entry into emerging markets like Southeast Asia.

Saify’s experience also includes attracting investments, both locally and internationally, towards high-growth technology opportunities in these same markets where 85% of the global population resides. Beyond capital, he is adept at facilitating international technology companies including unicorn start-ups, to land and deploy their offerings in Southeast Asia.

Chairman of Pertama Digital, Tun Dato’ Seri Zaki Bin Tun Azmi, says that “Saify’s understanding and commitment is pivotal in ensuring the success of future plans of Pertama Digital. Combined with the strength of our people and service offerings, I believe he will be able to elevate the company to greater heights. He has the leadership skill necessary to guide Pertama Digital to achieve its goals and aspirations”.

Meanwhile, Sivabalan Poobalasingam (Balan) is Pertama Digital's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with the appointment being effective 1 December 2022 as well. Balan’s past positions include Director of Finance at Edotco Group (Axiata Group) as well as with Khazanah Nasional Berhad’s subsidiary, Rhizophora Ventures Sdn Bhd. He was responsible for the business planning, budgetary controls, financial operations, and statutory reporting for the latter while originating multiple investment initiatives for Khazanah Nasional Berhad Group. His extensive experience with other companies in Malaysia includes Director, Head of Business Development at Kuwait Finance House Asset Management and Head of Corporate Finance at Astro All Asia Networks (Usaha Tegas Group). Balan is also a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia with experience in ensuring organisations achieve its strategic priorities. His achievements have allowed him to assist organisations transform and grow exponentially. Tun Zaki adds, “Balan will also provide the C-Suite strategic advice and direction in our current and future business endeavours. This would include matters pertaining to mergers and acquisitions of related businesses in our digital sphere. Alongside Saify, they are to work on providing greater returns to shareholders and investors alike, as well as increase potential future investment partner opportunities”. On both appointments, Tun Zaki further adds “We have and will continue to avail ourselves for the benefit of the government, rakyat, our shareholders and investors alike. Saify will drive us forward stronger than ever before, and we will be more focused on our strengths and abilities as a whole and Balan will further develop and enhance our financial strength and ensure Pertama Digital’s financial strength. Pertinent to all this is the razor-sharp focus on increasing shareholder returns and target potential acquisitions for the continued growth of Pertama Digital.”