MDEC strengthens operational capabilities; appoints Head of Corporate Secretarial Division

Cyberjaya, 17 February 2021: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has appointed Norazidah Mohd Nor as its new Corporate Secretarial Director. Bringing extensive experience in a legal and corporate advisory from both the private and public sectors, she will develop and implement new operational efficiencies that will raise MDEC’s corporate governance and management administration.

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.

In her new role, Norazidah will be developing and implementing corporate secretarial processes and strategies for internal integration to improve management capabilities within MDEC. This is also in line with the “Input, Output, Outcome & Impact (IOOI) Valuation Metrics” that MDEC recently introduced into its planning process to guide resource allocation and utilisation, as well as effectively measure the organisation’s socio-economic contribution to society.

“We aim to continuously attract innovative and forward-thinking talents. Their fresh perspectives are crucial for us to deliver on our mission to create shared prosperity for the many as we strive towards achieving Malaysia 5.0. Norazidah’s appointment will enable us to streamline our internal capabilities as we continue to reinvent our business operations. This includes introducing best practices that will enhance our corporate secretarial processes. With her expertise, we will be able to capitalise on new opportunities with a more people-first, society-driven mindset, further accelerating the country’s digital transformation agenda,” said YBhg. Datuk Wira Dr Hj. Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff, Chairman of MDEC.

Prior to MDEC, Norazidah was the Director of Group Company Secretarial at CIMB Bank Berhad. Her primary responsibilities include leading statutory compliance and regulatory management; overseeing the company’s adherence to Bursa Malaysia and Bank Negara regulations; and keeping the Board of Directors informed of their legal responsibilities while ensuring that their decisions are implemented.

“Our new line-up of strong leaders is aligned with MDEC’s ‘Reinvent’ agenda as it further accelerates the nation’s leap to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This is key as we drive high impact digital outreach for the society and economy. I am very happy to have Norazidah to be part of our team. She has a proven track record in capabilities that are required to administer operational processes, from strategy to implementation, given her extensive experience within international and local companies. Her expertise and experiences will positively impact MDEC, enabling us to fulfil the nation’s digital-first vision,” added Surina Shukri, CEO, MDEC.

At her previous positions – including AVOCET Mining Malaysia OHQ, PETRONAS, Putrajaya Leisures & Services Group, and Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) – Norazidah worked on various contract negotiations. This mostly consists of risk management, sales and purchasing, corporate acquisitions and developing regulatory articles for public use. Her notable achievements include creating and establishing Corporate Governance mechanism and structure for organisations she worked in as the legal counsel.

“I am both honoured and excited to be part of a dynamic team charged with leading Malaysia into the 4IR. Having worked in various positions within the financial services sector; oil and gas; and mining, coming into MDEC to develop new processes and strategies for corporate governance, as well as

management administrations is a welcome challenge. I look forward to working with the team at MDEC as part of the agency’s ongoing pursuit to ensure that the digital economy is for all,” said Norazidah.

The digital economy is expected to continue its significant contribution to the country this year, based on an estimated 20 per cent contribution to the GDP in 2020 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, following a forecast of 6.7 per cent economic growth for 2021 by the World Bank.

MDEC, with the full support of the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM), will continue to lead the digital economy forward; centred on ensuring shared prosperity for the many and towards realising Malaysia 5.0.

This is focused on our three strategic thrusts – empowering Digitally Skilled Malaysians, accelerating Digitally-Powered Businesses and attracting Digital Investments. MDEC is committed to rolling out key digital initiatives announced in Budget 2021 to ensure our society can fully leverage and benefit from 4IR technologies and establish Malaysia as the Heart of Digital ASEAN.

About Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is a government agency under the purview of the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia entrusted to lead Malaysia's digital economy forward.

Incorporated in 1996 to oversee the development of the MSC Malaysia initiative, MDEC's primary mandate today is to accelerate the growth of digitally-skilled Malaysians, digitally-powered businesses and digital investments in Malaysia. MDEC is focused on creating inclusive, high-quality growth through the nationwide digitalisation initiatives that are in line with the Government’s Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and firmly establishing Malaysia as the Heart of Digital ASEAN.

#LetsBuildTogether #DigitalMalaysiaForward

To find out more about MDEC’s Digital Economy initiatives, please visit us at www.mdec.my or follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyMDEC/ Twitter: @mymdec

For media queries, kindly contact:

Dashika Gnaneswaran - [email protected]