KUALA LUMPUR (May 5): Industrial chemicals distributor Samchem Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Ng Lian Poh has resigned effective today, due to personal commitments. He was appointed as CEO in March 2014 and is a brother to the company’s executive chairman Ng Thin Poh. Lian Poh, 50, was previously appointed as Samchem's executive director in November 2007, the company said in a filing today.. “He is responsible for executing the group's strategy and plays a pivotal role in developing the group's business. He was instrumental in setting up and expanding company's chemical distribution business in Vietnam,” it said. His stepping down came shortly after Samchem announced its first quarter results. The group reported a 38% rise in net profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 to RM5.01 million, from RM3.64 million a year earlier, on higher sales and higher profit margin. Revenue was up 36% to RM217.57 million, from RM159.64 million, which the company attributed to its market positioning in the region as Samchem continues to strengthen its competitive capabilities. Samchem’s share price closed three sen or 1.40% higher at RM2.18 today, for a market capitalisation of RM296.48 million.