MRANTI Elevates Strategic Leadership

Kuala Lumpur, 19 May 2025 - The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI) today announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors — YBhg. Datuk Seri Hj. Hasnol Zam Zam bin Hj. Ahmad, Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), and Encik Huzairi Zainal Abidin, a senior civil service officer representing the Ministry of Finance (MOF) with extensive experience in national economic strategy and public administration.

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Driving Policy, Partnerships and Innovation Impact

As the national research commercialisation agency under MOSTI, MRANTI plays a central role in connecting upstream research to downstream impact through policy-driven innovation, collaborative platforms and commercial interventions. 

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.

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YBhg. Datuk Seri Hj. Hasnol Zam Zam bin Hj. Ahmad

YBhg. Datuk Seri Hasnol 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.

He currently serves as the Secretary General of MOSTI, where he oversees Malaysia’s national agenda on science, technology, innovation and economy (STIE). 

Datuk Seri 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. Over the years, he 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).

His experience spans trade negotiations, domestic market regulation, digital economy policy, and international collaboration — key areas that intersect with MRANTI’s mission to drive innovation-led economic growth. At MITI, he played a pivotal role in enhancing Malaysia’s trade competitiveness and expanding access to global markets. At KPDNHEP, he led strategic initiatives to protect consumer rights, promote fair trade practices, and improve digitalisation within domestic commerce.

Datuk Seri 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 cross-sectoral experience provides a valuable lens in strengthening MRANTI’s positioning at the nexus of science, industry, and economic policy.

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. Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam’s appointment to MRANTI’s Board takes effect 16 May 2025.

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Encik Huzairi Zainal Abidin

Encik Huzairi brings over 20 years of deep expertise in fiscal policy, macroeconomic management, public service delivery, and Islamic finance. His appointment to MRANTI’s Board took effect on 2 May 2025.

He 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. In this role, he has been responsible for overseeing the implementation and performance monitoring of Malaysia’s largest economic stimulus packages – 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 advisory across economics, education, regional development, and public service transformation. His prior roles also include serving as a Special Officer to the Secretary General of Treasury and as a Board Director representing MOF at AmanahRaya Investment Management Sdn Bhd.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Islamic Banking and Finance from Bangor Business School, United Kingdom, and has received numerous recognitions including the Kesatria Mangku Negara award from His Majesty the King of Malaysia.

Encik 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.

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Reinforcing a Future-Focused Innovation Agenda

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Statement by Prof. Dr. Rofina Yasmin Othman, Chairman of MRANTI:

"This marks a transformative chapter for MRANTI as we welcome two of Malaysia's most distinguished leaders to our Board. The Secretary-General of MOSTI and MOF's Senior Economic Strategist bring an extraordinary fusion of strategic foresight and hands-on experience in shaping national policies and economic frameworks. Their involvement transcends conventional governance – it 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."

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Statement by Datuk Wira Dr. Hj. Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff, CEO of MRANTI:

"The inclusion of YBhg. Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam and Encik Huzairi elevate our 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 commercializing 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."

The timing of these leadership additions proves particularly strategic as Malaysia enters its next phase of digital transformation. 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 commercialization 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.

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Media Enquiries:

MRANTI @ Technology Innovation Park Malaysia (TiPM)
Strategic Communications

Name: Adit Rahim

Email: adit@mranti.my 

Contact No: +6013-6666667

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