[UPDATED] TikTok’s public policy head to helm MDEC

Appointment of Anuar Fariz Fadzil fills the CEO’s post which has been vacant for a month

Anuar Fariz Fadzil was formerly a special officer to Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad when the latter was minister of international trade and industry. - Bernama file pic, October 1, 2024

PUTRAJAYA — TikTok Malaysia’s head of public policy Anuar Fariz Fadzil has been appointed the new CEO of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

The appointment is expected to be announced tomorrow after formal approval by MDEC’s board. 

The agency which comes under the purview of the Digital Ministry has had a vacuum in its leadership following the departure of CEO Mahadhir Aziz on August 31 after three years.

Anuar once served as a special officer to then minister of international trade and industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad.

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Anuar Fariz Fadzil (fourth from left) with Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo after a recent meeting with Bytedance, Tik Tok’s parent company, in Kuala Lumpur. – LinkedIn pic

He also held positions as stakeholder head for Axiata and advisor on public sector and digital economy to the CEO of Celcom.

Anuar holds a Masters Degree in Public Policy from John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, which he pursued during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, two senior executives are bowing out to pursue other ventures.

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Two MDEC senior vice presidents, Gopi Ganesalingam (left) and Raymond Siva (right) are also leaving the agency.

Senior vice presidents Gopi Ganesalingam (digital entrepreneurship) and Raymond Siva (digital investment) are leaving MDEC after serving for nine and five years respectively. – October 1, 2024