KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 14): Prof Datuk Dr Choo Yeang Keat, or more popularly known as Datuk Jimmy Choo, has been appointed as a non-independent and non-executive director of Hai-O Enterprise Bhd.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, the multi-level marketing company shared that Choo's appointment will be effective from Oct 15.

Choo, 67, is a Malaysian born fashion designer who is an international fashion icon.

He is renowned for his handmade women's shoes, which are sought after by the world's rich and famous.

In 2002, he was one of the first Malaysians to be awarded the "Order of the British Empire" OBE (Knighthood) by the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II. He is also Malaysia's Tourism Ambassador to the UK since 2009.

Currently, he is also a spokesperson for the British Council in its promotion of British education to foreign students.

Hai-O shares closed up 8 sen (2.2%) to RM3.79 today, and for a market capitalisation of RM727.46 million. Year to date, Hai O shares have appreciated by 65% from RM2.29 on Dec 31, 2015.