MRANTI APPOINTS TWO NEW MEMBERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) today announced the appointment of Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and Huzairi Zainal Abidin to its Board of Directors, which took effect on May 16 and May 2, respectively.

In a statement, MRANTI said Hasnol, who is the secretary-general of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is an experienced and respected figure in Malaysia’s public administration landscape, with a track record of over three decades of leadership in policy development, trade strategy, and institutional transformation where he oversees national agenda on science, technology, innovation and economy (STIE).

Meanwhile, Huzairi, a senior civil service officer representing the Ministry of Finance (MOF) with extensive experience in national economic strategy and public administration, brings over 20 years of deep expertise in fiscal policy, macroeconomic management, public service delivery, and Islamic finance.

“The inclusion of two high-calibre leaders on the Board is expected to further fortify strategic oversight as MRANTI scales its efforts to unlock greater economic value through science and technology,” the statement said.

MRANTI chairman Prof Dr Rofina Yasmin Othman was quoted in the statement as saying that the appointment marks a transformative chapter for MRANTI as they welcome two of Malaysia's most distinguished leaders to its Board.

She said the two figures bring an extraordinary fusion of strategic foresight and hands-on experience in shaping national policies and economic frameworks and their involvement transcends conventional governance represents a powerful alignment of vision that will redefine how Malaysia harnesses innovation for global competitiveness.

“Their stewardship comes at a pivotal juncture. We're not merely adapting to change, but architecting Malaysia's innovation destiny. Through their guidance, MRANTI will break new ground in translating research into tangible impact, ensuring our nation's position at the forefront of technological advancement.

“This is where vision meets execution, and together we will set unprecedented benchmarks for what Malaysian innovation can achieve,” she said.

Meanwhile, MRANTI chief executive officer Datuk Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff said the inclusion of Hasnol and Huzairi elevates their strategic capabilities at precisely the right moment.

“Their unique blend of policy acumen and economic strategy expertise provides the perfect catalyst as we intensify our focus on commercialising cutting-edge technologies.

“This leadership reinforcement enables MRANTI to bridge the critical gap between groundbreaking research and market-ready solutions that address both national priorities and global demands,” he said.

 Rais said the timing of these leadership additions proves particularly strategic as Malaysia enters its next phase of digital transformation.

He said MRANTI's focused sectoral approach - spanning frontier technologies from AI to biotech - now gains precisely the policy sophistication and economic insight required to navigate complex commercialisation landscapes.

“This board evolution transforms institutional capabilities just as global competition for tech leadership intensifies, ensuring Malaysia's innovation pipeline delivers both economic impact and strategic sovereignty,” he added.

Hasnol began his career in the civil service in 1988 as an assistant director at the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department and has held numerous leadership roles across ministries, including as deputy secretary-general (Trade) at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and secretary-general of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP).

Hasnol also served as the senior director of the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) under the Economic Transformation Programme, and was deeply involved in Malaysia’s structural reforms and economic modernisation agenda.

His strategic involvement across cross-ministerial efforts makes him a valuable asset to MRANTI’s Board as the agency continues to deepen its role in building an agile, future-proof innovation ecosystem in line with national development goals.

Huzairi, who is currently serving as deputy director at the Unit for the Implementation and Coordination of National Agencies on the Economic Stimulus Package (LAKSANA) under the Ministry of Finance, has been responsible for overseeing the implementation and performance monitoring of Malaysia’s largest economic stimulus packages, such as PRIHATIN, PENJANA, and KITA PRIHATIN, which collectively amounted to over RM300 billion in relief and recovery measures.

Previously, he served in the Prime Minister’s Office as director of the Secretariat and Service Management Division, where he coordinated critical programmes and engagements for the Prime Minister, while also providing policy advice across economics, education, regional development, and public service transformation.

His prior roles also include serving as a special officer to the secretary-general of the Treasury and as a Board Director representing MOF at AmanahRaya Investment Management Sdn Bhd.

Huzairi’s experience in governance, fiscal management, stakeholder coordination and Islamic finance brings valuable insight into MRANTI’s efforts to drive innovation with integrity and economic prudence.

-- BERNAMA