Malaysian Genomics Announces Appointment of Two New Independent Directors

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad welcomes two new independent directors to its board, retired Health Ministry Secretary General Dato’ Seri Dr Chen Chaw Min and former Securities Commission board member Datuk Francis Tan Leh Kiah.

Malaysian Genomics, a leading Southeast Asia genomics and biopharmaceutical company, said the new independent directors will join the board with effect from 3 August 2021, in an announcement to Bursa Malaysia.

Chief Executive Officer, Sasha Nordin, said the company looks forward to working with both Dato’ Seri Dr Chen and Datuk Tan as their extensive experience and knowledge will bring significant value to the company and its long-term growth in the healthcare space.

“Dato’ Seri Dr Chen’s experience in various ministries, as well as his extensive involvement in several National Policy Task Forces and Health-related Councils, will be of immense value to Malaysian Genomics’ continued future expansion in providing comprehensive and diverse genomics, biopharmaceutical and healthcare services in the region,” he said.

“We also look forward to working with Datuk Tan as we expand our capabilities from being a pioneer in genomics technologies to a leader in personalised and precision healthcare. His corporate experience will be valuable as we forge paths into new opportunities and emerging markets,” he added.

Dato’ Seri Dr Chen’s career in the Malaysian civil service spanned more than 30 years. At Malaysia’s Health Ministry, he contributed significantly to Malaysia’s COVID-19 response before retiring as its Secretary General in February this year. 

Datuk Tan brings with him a wealth of experience in corporate and tax matters, accumulated from over 35 years of working experience with both the Government and the private sector. He was the former managing partner of Azman, Davidson & Co. Advocates and Solicitors, and he served 20 years as a board member of the Securities Commission. 

“The right individuals make an effective board and ensure strong corporate governance. With our diversification into biopharmaceutical and healthcare, we look forward to the contributions of our independent directors to guide us in our path of continued growth,” Sasha said. 

Malaysian Genomics pioneered genome sequencing and analysis in Malaysia, and has recently diversified into biopharmaceutical and healthcare services, including the provision of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) immunotherapy for cancers.