Mranti adds science and economic policy experts to Board

SHAH ALAM – The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (Mranti) has appointed two distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors.

Joining the board are Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and senior economic strategist from the Finance Ministry Huzairi Zainal Abidin.

These appointments were designed to strengthen Mranti's governance and drive its mission to enhance innovation and economic impact through strategic oversight.

Mranti, under Mosti’s leadership, serves as the nation’s primary agency for research commercialisation, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and its practical application.

The inclusion of these two experts is expected to significantly advance Mranti’s policy-driven innovation agenda significantly, ensuring that research aligns with national economic priorities.

In a statement, Mranti Chairman Professor Dr Rofina Yasmin Othman described the appointments as a transformative milestone for the agency.

"This marks a pivotal moment for Mranti. Welcoming two of Malaysia’s most esteemed leaders to our board not only strengthens our governance but also aligns our vision to redefine innovation for global competitiveness.

"Their leadership will help us translate research into tangible outcomes, securing Malaysia’s technological advancement and global standing," Rofina said.

Mranti Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff also commented on the strategic timing of the new appointments.

"The expertise of Hasnol and Huzairi comes at a critical point in Malaysia’s digital transformation.

"Their deep understanding of policy and economics will allow us to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and market-ready solutions.

"This leadership reinforcement ensures Mranti’s innovation pipeline delivers impactful results both nationally and internationally," he said.

Hasnol brings over three decades of experience in public administration and has played a significant role in shaping Malaysia’s policy landscape.

As the Secretary-General of Mosti, he oversees national strategies in science, technology, and innovation.

His career spans key positions, where he led initiatives in trade negotiations, market regulation, and digital economy policy.

Meanwhile, Huzairi brings two decades of expertise in fiscal policy, macroeconomic management and Islamic finance.

Currently, he serves as Deputy Director at Laksana under the Ministry of Finance, where he has overseen the execution of key economic stimulus packages, including Prihatin and Penjana, totalling over RM300 billion.

He has also provided policy advice on economics, education, and public service transformation while serving in the Prime Minister’s office.

Huzairi holds an MBA in Islamic Banking and Finance from Bangor Business School, UK and has received numerous accolades.

His governance and fiscal management expertise will be instrumental in guiding Mranti’s innovation agenda.