This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on December 8, 2017

KUALA LUMPUR: JF Technology Bhd has appointed Datuk Phang Ah Tong as the company’s independent non-executive chairman from Jan 1, 2018.

Phang, 60, was formerly deputy chief executive officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).

He is replacing Datuk Foong Wei Kuong, 57, to be redesignated as managing director of JF Technology.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, the group said Phang has over 36 years of experience in promoting foreign and domestic investments.

“He played an active role in shaping the economic landscape of Malaysia through his involvements in formulating the First Industrial Master Plan 1 (1986–1995) and the 11th Malaysia Plan for the manufacturing sector, the Economic Transformation Programme, as well as various industrial roadmaps and blueprints. This included the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 and the Malaysian Solar Photovoltaic Roadmap 2030,” it said

“Phang was also involved in organising, and participating in, many trade and investment missions overseas led by the prime minister or minister of international trade and industry. His distinguished contributions in these capacities led to his appointment as Mida’s deputy CEO in 2013.”

Started in 1981 as an economist at Mida, Phang went on to serve in various capacities including being the assistant trade commissioner for Mida London and director of Mida New York.