KUALA LUMPUR: Robbie Hari Krishnan Tatparanandam has been appointed as an executive director in Penang-based MQ Technology Bhd, effective yesterday.

Robbie is the nephew of tycoon T Ananda Krishnan, the second-richest man in Malaysia who is known for his flagships Maxis Bhd and Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd.

According to MQ Technology’s filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Robbie, 40, is presently an executive producer with Astro, focusing on branding and content development. He has over 15 years of experience in business development, management and production.

Robbie started his career in Los Angeles, working in various roles with HydroFlex, Panavision, ArriFlex and RuddyMorgan Productions. Subsequently, he moved to Asia and worked with the British Broadcasting Corp on the feature film The Intended.

Robbie is also known to have a passion for classic cars — he founded AMC Motors Inc (Asia) Sdn Bhd, a company dedicated to tapping into the niche potential of the classic car-related businesses.

On Nov 25, MQ Technology announced the appointment of Edwin Silvester Das, 58, as an executive director in the company. Das has been in banking for more than 25 years, locally and abroad.

Presently, he is the managing director of Al Tayseer Advisory Services, a consulting company engaged in advisory services in the field of banking, risk management, restructuring and international fund management.

Also on Nov 25, MQ Technology announced the resignation of its executive director Khoo Hun Sniah, 47, due to other commitments and responsibilities.

Though Robbie and Das’ appointments to loss-making MQ Technology may come as a surprise to some, a source close to the matter told The Edge Financial Daily that they have been brought in as part of a restructuring effort for the company.

MQ Technology is primarily involved in the manufacture of moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures mainly used in the manufacture of hard disk drives.

Besides its manufacturing business, the group had in November last year announced plans to jointly develop a theme park in Klebang, Malacca with a private firm.

For its nine months ended Sept 30, 2016 (9MFY16), MQ Technology reported a bigger net loss of RM2.55 million compared with RM881,000 a year ago due to an increase in operating expenses and finance costs. Revenue for 9MFY16 came in marginally lower at RM12.54million, from RM12.62 million a year ago.

MQ Technology’s largest shareholder is Goh Boon Soo @ Goh Yang Eng, who has a 73.84% stake in the company.