WWF-Malaysia welcomes new president and chairman

PETALING JAYA: WWF-Malaysia is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, effective today.

Tan Sri Abdul Wahid is taking over the role from YAM Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, who completes his eight year term as WWF-Malaysia Chairman also today.

Tan Sri Abdul Wahid is an acknowledged corporate leader in Malaysia, having successfully led four major organisations in infrastructure development, telecommunications, financial services and investment management. He is currently the Chairman of Bursa Malaysia Berhad. He was a Senator and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Economic Planning from June 2013 to June 2016. Upon completion of his term, he served as Group Chairman of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) - Malaysia’s largest fund management company - from August 2016 to June 2018.

Tan Sri Abdul Wahid believes in the importance of sustainability as a growth strategy. Through Bursa Malaysia, he plays an important role in supporting Malaysian public listed companies’ transformation journeys. Prior to his appointment as Chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Wahid has been a Trustee for WWF-Malaysia since March 2019.

“As a sustainability advocate who has been part of the WWF-Malaysia family for three years, I am honoured to be entrusted with this added responsibility as Chairman. I take comfort in the fact that I have the strong support of other Trustees, and the management team led by CEO Sophia Lim.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Tunku Ali for his immense contribution as Chairman. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role as President of WWF-Malaysia. I am also excited for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead with WWF-Malaysia, as a leading internationally-affiliated conservation organisation in this country,” he said.

YAM Tunku Ali Redhauddin has served as the Chairman of WWF-Malaysia for eight years since August 2014. Beyond his state role in Negeri Sembilan, he divides his time between corporate, non-profit, and educational institutions. Apart from WWF-Malaysia, Tunku Ali is involved in conservation and heritage preservation efforts as a Trustee of Amanah Warisan Negara (the National Heritage Trust of Malaysia). Additionally, he is Chairman and Founding Trustee of Teach For Malaysia – an independent, not-for-profit organisation on a mission to ensure that all children in Malaysia have the opportunity to realise their potential through quality education. He is also Chairman of Cancer Research Malaysia, whose vision is “A future free of the fear of cancer”, amongst other organisations.

Tunku Ali will immediately assume the role of WWF-Malaysia President, in recognition of his contributions and experience in conservation during his tenure as Chairman. He said, “I am excited to start my new journey as President of WWF-Malaysia, where I hope to work with the new leadership to be able to continue to provide strategic guidance to the organisation”.

Together with the Board of Trustees and Management, he will help ensure that the organisation continues to be mission and outcome-oriented.

WWF International Director General Marco Lambertini congratulated both Tan Sri Abdul Wahid and Tunku Ali on their new appointments; also congratulating Tunku Ali for his dedication and service to WWF over the past eight years.

“The WWF Network is delighted to welcome these two capable leaders to their respective new roles. Malaysia, due to its immense natural heritage and geopolitical weight, is a priority country for WWF and I am excited to continue our positive working relationship, for the benefit of the people and planet,” he said.