MDEC appoints Aiza Azreen Ahmad as new Chief Digital Business Officer

• Aiza tasked to chart new business strategies and development initiatives
• Brings over 20 years experience, expertise, further strengthening MDEC’s resolve

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) today announced the appointment of Aiza Azreen Ahmad (pic) as Chief Digital Business Officer in its continuing drive to reinvent and strengthen Malaysia’s digital economy.

Aiza will work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors at MDEC to drive all business development, strategic and operational aspects of the company including corporate and business development initiatives, strategic planning, budget development and control, commercial input into national digitalisation development, as well as support investor relationships and fundraising.

Marking yet another significant appointment under MDEC’s ‘Reinvent’ agenda – the latest hire is another step forward for MDEC to inculcate a high performing and high-impact organisation. The agency has begun cascading changes throughout the organisation to ensure optimal performance for its new structure.

“We already have an amazing and talented team at MDEC and with Aiza’s appointment, we aim to strengthen our expertise and experience as part of our relentless effort in realising Malaysia 5.0,” said Dr Rais Hussin, chairman of MDEC.

Rais expressed confidence that Aiza’s appointment will enable MDEC to further expand and solidify its business development initiatives and reach in the digital economy sphere. “This will allow us to fulfil our goals and Malaysia’s digital vision as espoused in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDigital).”

In her new role, Aiza will be a member of the MDEC Operating Council (MOC) and will report directly to the CEO. She will oversee and steer the Digital Adoption Ecosystem in eCommerce, Business Digital Adoption, Data Ecosystem Development and the Digital Infrastructure Departments.

She will also lead external innovation opportunities to expand commercial strategies and build corporate business and innovations in ecommerce in line with MDEC’s focus on digitalising SMEs, MSMEs, and enterprises.

“The appointment of Aiza will strengthen our line-up as we expand our business capabilities and opportunities, both domestically and globally, in our resolve to create and bolster impactful digital outreach for Malaysia. I’m excited to work with Aiza and I am confident that she will further add value to MDEC as we strive towards driving digital outreach for the society and economy,” said Surina Shukri (pic, right), CEO of MDEC.

Surina notes that Aiza’s appointment is a reflection of MDEC’s commitment to create technocrats and a people-first society in the age of 4IR technology, leading to shared prosperity for all.

Aiza's career spans twenty years and working in two countries - Australia and Malaysia where she worked across multiple industries in strategy development and execution of large-scale business transformation.

She held leadership position in organisations such as Pertama Digital Bhd, Axiata Digital Services and Axiata eCode Sdn Bhd (part of Axiata Group of companies), Bank Rakyat, Sime Darby Group, Media Prima Bhd and AmBank Bhd where with various stakeholders, she helped pioneer digital ecosystems including pioneering Malaysia’s cashless ecosystem with Boost eWallet, deploy frontier technologies, innovate operating models and commercialise businesses through mergers and acquisitions, venture building and collaborating with strategic partners.

“I had the good fortune of having conversations with the leadership team at MDEC on what is required to accelerate Malaysia’s digital economy, the execution of MDEC’s ‘Reinvent’ as well as the inherent and future challenges in these efforts. At the end of these conversations, taking leave from the private sector to be part of MDEC’s journey was not a difficult decision to make. Today, I join the best-in-class team to contribute not just to MDEC but to the country as well. With the recent launch of MyDigital initiative, I am excited with what lies ahead,” said Aiza.