Tengku Dato’ Sri Zafrul Abdul Aziz

Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has been serving as Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) since December 2022. He graduated from the University of Bristol, UK, with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Economics and Accounting and later obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in Finance and Management from the University of Exeter, UK. He earned his second master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) at Tsinghua University between 2017 and 2019. He also holds the title of Fellow Chartered Banker from the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers. Zafrul’s career includes significant roles at major financial institutions like CIMB and Maybank, where he provided an excellent grasp of investment banking and corporate finance.

Over the past year, Zafrul has led initiatives aimed at revitalising Malaysia’s economy through strategic investments and trade partnerships. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) successfully secured RM225 billion in approved investments from January to September 2023, exceeding its annual target of RM220 billion. This achievement is set to create approximately 89,495 job opportunities, highlighting the minister’s commitment to fostering economic growth and employment.

Notably, Zafrul has prioritised environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria and the promotion of electric vehicle (EV) initiatives. He hopes to bring in sustainable investments and make sure that economic growth is in line with social responsibility and environmental preservation by incorporating ESG concepts into Malaysia’s economic framework. His efforts include developing policies that incentivise EV production and adoption. His leadership has positioned Malaysia as an attractive destination for foreign investments, paving the way for further growth in the coming years.