C-suite shuffle on the cards at MDEC

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What would you think of someone who’s only had short stints at each job they’ve held? Does it speak of a rapidly rising star who can’t be held down in one place for a significant amount of time? Or does it indicate someone with a fickle mind?

My opinion? There’s probably too much that goes into these personal decisions to paint things in black or white. But when it comes to C-level departures, things might be a little more complicated. For instance, two executives appear to be leaving the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) after less than a year at the government agency.

Today, we look at:

• The impending C-suite changes at MDEC
• The startup that raised US$82 million to help other people get the money that’s owed to them
• Other newsy highlights such as a Singapore mental wellness startup’s team-up with Microsoft and a bunch of successful funding rounds

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Image credit: Timmy Loen

In many of the articles I write, it’s hard not to mention how we’re now operating in a digital-first environment; the pandemic has instituted changes that are here to stay.

Obviously, governments play a very important role in enabling the continued development of our respective digital economies. As such, the news that two MDEC executives are leaving after less than a year in their respective roles might cause some eyebrows to raise.

• The pair in question: Aiza Azreen Ahmad has resigned as chief digital business officer, according to sources, while it is understood that chief financial officer Nora Junita Hussaini is serving her notice period.

• No 12 months: The executives who quit had worked at the agency for less than a year. Aiza joined in March after a three-month stint as CEO of Pertama Digital, a govtech company listed on Bursa Malaysia. Nora Junita, a chartered accountant, joined MDEC last year on January 21.

• Replacement: MDEC has brought in Ashran Ghazi, the former CEO of Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre, as a contract-for-service consultant.

Read more: C-suite changes on the cards at MDEC: sources

Refyning that investor pitch