KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): Minister of Finance Inc (MOF Inc)-owned Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas) has appointed Datuk Nor Azam M Taib as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective Monday.

In a statement on Monday, Pernas said Nor Azam brings with him over 26 years of experience in banking and finance, having previously served as CEO of MBSB Bank Bhd until June 2024. His prior roles also include deputy CEO and chief business officer at the bank.

During his tenure at MBSB, Pernas said he led several transformation initiatives, including corporate and retail banking restructuring, branch model modernisation, and digital projects such as the Virtual Branch, Digital Halal Hub and Smart School Project.

"In addition, he played a key role in the acquisition of Asian Finance Bank (AFB) and the transformation of MBSB into a fully-fledged Islamic commercial bank," Pernas said.

Prior to MBSB Bank, Nor Azam was previously with Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd as head of business banking, and has held positions at Citibank, OCBC Bank, Arab Malaysia Bank and Hong Leong Bank.

"The appointment of Datuk Nor Azam as chief executive officer of Pernas marks a new chapter for the company, with his extensive experience and expertise expected to strengthen Pernas’ position and elevate its achievements to greater heights," the company added.

Pernas is tasked with spearheading the development of Malaysia’s franchise industry and promoting entrepreneurship.