Back in March, when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was appointed as Malaysia's 8th Prime Minister by YDPA, a new government was formed. Many was shocked when they see the name of the newly appointed Finance Minister, and begun to question, who is this guy. For sure that most of us have not heard of the name before, because Tengku Dato Seri Zafrul is NOT a politician nor does he belongs to which political party.
In his recent interview with Bernama, he told the press that “I am not interested in joining any political party, ... ... I want to focus on how I think I can help towards Malaysia’s fight against COVID-19 and improve our economic standing. So, my focus is on the economy."
Which is why, I would call him, a 'rare gem' in Malaysia government.
So who is Tengku Zafrul? How did he gets to where he is now?
# Career Background
Tengku Zafrul has 23 years of experience in banking industries. Before he was appointed as the Minister of Finance, he was the CEO and Executive Director of CIMB Group Holdings Berhad and CIMB Bank Berhad. And before that, he was the CEO of Maybank Kim Eng Holdings and Maybank Investment Bank Berhad.
Tengku Zafrul is also one of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) members, representing Malaysia in promoting trade and collaboration with other Asia Pacific countries.
# Awards & Success
Throughout his career, Tengku Zafrul was awarded with copious prestigious awards and has gained not only local, but international recognition.
Throughout his career, Tengku Zafrul was awarded with copious prestigious awards and has gained not only local, but international recognition.
2008 : APEA 2008 Most Promising Entrepreneurship Award by Enterprise Asia
2008 : Technology Business Review Asean CEO Award 2008
2009 : Malaysian Business Leadership Award 2009 by The Leaders Magazine
2017 : Masterclass CEO of the Year in the 7th Global Leadership Award organised by the American Leadership Development Association (2017)
2017 : Best Chief Executive Officer for Investor Relations by the Malaysia Investor Relations Association (2017)
2019 : Winner of TalentCorp’s Life at Work 2019 award for the CEO category for Malaysian organisation
# Personal Life
Tengku Zafrul was born on 25th June, 1973 (aged 47 this year- 2020). His mother, Raja Datuk Zaharaton Raja Zainal Abidin, is formerly the Chief Director of Malaysia's Economic Planning Unit (EPU). While his father, Tengku Abdul Aziz is a businessman.
He was married to YM Raja Datin Sri Johanna Raja Arshad. Together they have 4 childrens, 2 boys and 2 girls.
Other than money and numbers, Tengku Zafrul is very passionate in sports as well. He frequently runs marathon and cycles. He loves football and supports the Liverpool team. And he is also the advisor for the National Sports Council of Malaysia.
Also, he is, for sure, not your average-uncle, with personal account on not only Facebook, LinkedIn but also Twitter and Instagram(private account though)!
So here you go, an introduction to the current Finance Minister of Malaysia, Tenku Zafrul. Judging from his biography, this guy seems very legit and knows what he is doing.
Anyway how, we looked forward to his contributions and good work as the new minister.
Source : Bernama, MyWilayah.com, Iluminasi, New Straits Times, The Rakyat Post, New Straits Times, The Malaysian Reserve, YouTube
Cover Photo : Left | Right
Source : Bernama, MyWilayah.com, Iluminasi, New Straits Times, The Rakyat Post, New Straits Times, The Malaysian Reserve, YouTube
Cover Photo : Left | Right
