BANGI: Former Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar has been appointed chairman of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) board of directors effective Nov 1.
Abdul Wahid, who replaces Tan Sri Dr Ibrahim Saad, will fill the post until Oct 31, 2021.
A versatile corporate figure, Wahid has vast experience in leading four main organisations in the areas of infrastructure development, telecommunications, financial services and investment management.
UKM vice-chancellor, Professor Tan Sri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali, said UKM is honoured by Abdul Wahid's appointment.
"All of us at UKM will give our best cooperation in ensuring that the university board of directors runs smoothly and acts effectively in making decisions," he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Wahid said he is greatly honoured by the appointment.
"This golden opportunity fulfils my dream of contributing to (the development of) education, leadership and human resources," he said.
Abdul Wahid was 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 was appointed PNB chairman following the completion of his term as senator and minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of the Economic Planning Unit from June 2013 to June 2016.
Abdul Wahid resigned as PNB group chairman in June this year.
He was also UEM Group Berhad CEO and managing director; PLUS Expressways Berhad executive vice-president; and The Association of Banks in Malaysia chairman.
Wahid is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA, UK) and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA).