KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Datin Seri Sharifah Menyalara Hussein, chief executive officer and founder of M+C Saatchi Group Malaysia, has been appointed as chairman of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation (YTAR), effective Nov 14.
In a statement today, the Ministry of National Unity said the appointment followed amendments to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Fund Act (Act 389), which were passed with majority support in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara in February this year.
“The amendments allow individuals other than the designated Minister to be appointed as YTAR chairman. Consequently, Sharifah Menyalara becomes the first non-minister to hold the position, in line with the government’s intent to strengthen YTAR’s governance,” the statement said.
Sharifah Menyalara, better known as Lara Hussein, is a member of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) Board of Trustees and previously held senior positions in the advertising sector, including at Bates, Dentsu, and Young & Rubicam.
As a YTAR Board of Trustees member, Sharifah Menyalara has actively led the foundation’s strategic transformation towards greater inclusivity, relevance, and fairness, while also spearheading the reform and rebranding of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship (BTAR) since 2019.
She also leads the interview sessions and selection process for recipients of the Tunku Medal Award (APT), which recognises outstanding graduates from higher education institutions nationwide.
Meanwhile, Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the appointment would strengthen YTAR’s role in promoting nation-building through more inclusive, impactful, and leadership-driven educational opportunities inspired by the values of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman.
He expressed confidence that Sharifah Menyalara’s extensive experience in strategic leadership, governance, and education advocacy would further elevate YTAR as a prestigious institution and a leading driver of the country’s young talent development.
-- BERNAMA
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