Awantec appoints Rezal Rahman as new CEO, as founder Dr Abu Hasan accepts 2-year research fellowship with La Trobe University

• Rezal to grow multi cloud management business, develop talent strategy
• Fellowship recognition of Abu Hasan’s experience in academia & corporate successes

AwanBiru Technology Bhd (Awantec or the Group) a Digital Transformer in Technology and Talent platforms, has appointed Rezal Rahman as CEO to elevate the execution of its strategic business following a successful transformation into the multi-cloud management space. Rezal’s appointment as CEO of Awantec will be effective from 1st Feb 2022.

A graduate of Stanford University and The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and with experience working in Silicon Valley, Rezal was formerly a Director of Investments, Technology Sector at Khazanah Nasional prior to helming Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios as CEO. Rezal’s portfolio also includes being the COO for Technology Development & Corporate Ventures at Sapura Secured Technologies, being responsible for executing several multi-million ringgit projects under various Ministries in Malaysia.

Taking over the CEO role from founder Dr Abu Hasan Ismail at Awantec, Rezal is the latest addition to Awantec’s senior leadership team. This journey of building a strong professional team started in 2019 with COO (Baldesh Singh), CBO (Hafiza Anom) in 2020 and CTO (Farul Azim) in 2021.

Under Rezal’s leadership the team will drive the Group’s new strategic business following its transition into the multi-cloud services industry. “Awantec never stops at scouting for good talent. It is in both our business and our practice. We identified Rezal after scrutinizing 178 potential candidates. Rezal has a vast corporate and investment background spanning the US, Singapore and Malaysia. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in technology development and market trends.”, praised Syed Naqiz Shahabuddin, Chairman of Awantec.

Under Abu Hasan’s leadership over the last 2 decades, the Group has transitioned from being one the largest ICT service providers to focusing on technology and talent platforms.

Awantec recently celebrated its 10th year listing anniversary in 2021 and was appointed a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to Google for the Government of Malaysia under the MyDigital Initiative, aligned to the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint. Rezal now takes on the task to execute the new strategic business in multi-cloud management and talent development services for greater market expansion.

In line with the transformation road map established by the Board under the stewardship of Abu Hasan while Rezal takes over the leadership reins at Awantec, Abu Hasan will be appointed as Founder Mentor at Awantec. He also remains as the single largest shareholder of the Group and a non-executive board member. “As Founder Mentor in the Group, Dr Abu will

strategically advise the CEO on strategy and support the team in ensuring a smooth transition with key stakeholders ranging from customers, partners, shareholders, bankers, suppliers and many more as he contributes his strength in building alliances and partnership opportunities.”, said Syed Naqiz.

Abu Hasan will be on a sabbatical as he has accepted a Senior Research Fellow role in the La Trobe Business School of La Trobe University, where he will be based in Melbourne, Australia for 24 months. “This serves as a recognition of his experience in academia and the successes which he and Awantec have achieved over the years. I am proud and happy that he has been given the opportunity to continue learning and engaging with young minds,” added Syed Naqiz.

With his unique blend of academic qualifications and strong practical experience with technology and transformation, Rezal will look into optimizing Awantec’s current business and future investment plans to effectively improve and expand its market as well as capitalize on its position and market potential for business growth. “My board and I trust that Rezal will deliver the expected growth and enhance shareholder value,” added Syed Naqiz.

“I see potential in so many possible runways in Awantec and I am truly excited to be part of the team. Though it is a tall order to fill in the shoes of founder mentor Dr Abu, one thing for sure is that we are both entrepreneurs at heart and will never shy away from seeking out opportunities. Having worked in various corporate companies both locally and internationally, I appreciate the sound fundamental set-up of Awantec and believe that this is key in any successful company. I have high aims and will be sharing more of our plans in due course but first let us do well in delivering Awantec’s many tasks in meeting market requirement for technology and talent services and growing the business,” said Rezal.