Monday, February 25, 2008

SIME DARBY

SIME DARBY


NEWS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
SYNERGY DRIVE COMPLETES BOARD
Tun Musa Hitam Is Chairman
KUALA LUMPUR, September 30 – Synergy Drive Bhd (Synergy Drive) has announced the appointment of six new directors and the resignation of three interim directors appointed by sponsoring investment bank, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad.
The new additions to the Board of Directors (Board) are Tun Musa Hitam, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, Dr. Arifin M Siregar, Dato’ Henry Sackville Barlow, Dato' Dr. Abdul Halim Haji Ismail and Datin Paduka Zaitoon Dato’ Othman.
The new appointees join the six directors who were appointed on September 14, namely, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Wan Mohd. Zahid Mohd. Noordin, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Raja Datuk Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Datuk Seri Panglima Andrew Sheng Len Tao, Dato’ Mohamed Sulaiman and Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid.
The new Board held their maiden meeting on Saturday, 29th September during which Tun Musa Hitam was elected as chairman and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid as deputy chairman.
Interim directors, Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih and Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali announced their resignation at the same meeting.
The Board change completes the transition of board control of Synergy Drive ahead of the completion of its acquisition of assets and liabilities of the Golden Hope Plantations Berhad (Golden Hope), Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad (Guthrie) and Sime Darby Berhad (Sime Darby) group of companies.
Pursuant to the acquisition, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) will emerge as the single largest shareholder.
More…

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The board composition reflects Synergy Drive’s positioning as a multinational company with a focused set of business interests.
Under their guidance, Synergy Drive will continue to implement growth strategies for its five core businesses of plantations, property, heavy equipment, motor and energy & utilities.
Background Of The Six Newly Appointed Directors:
TUN MUSA HITAM
Tun Musa Hitam is currently the Chairman of UM Land Berhad and Lion Industries Corporation Berhad, both listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia.
Prior to this, Tun Musa held a number of key corporate posts, including Chairman of Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), Guthrie and founding Chairman of the CIMB Group’s International Advisory Panel.
Tun Musa was previously the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Primary Industries and Minister of Education, before becoming Malaysia’s fifth Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs from 1981 to 1986.
Between 1990 and 1991, he was Malaysia’s Special Envoy to the United Nations and also led the Malaysian delegation to the UN Commission on Human Rights from 1993 to 1998. He was elected Chairman of the 52nd Session of the Commission in 1995. From 1995 to 2002, he was the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group.
Tun Musa Hitam held various international posts including membership of the Commonwealth Ministers Action Group when he visited Nigeria, Pakistan, Fiji, Gambia and Sierra Leone. He also led the Commonwealth Observer Group to Pakistan’s General Elections in 2002.
In 2005, he was Joint-Chairman of the Eminent Persons Group to chart out the ASEAN/China next 15 years’ program and was appointed as Chairman of the Eminent Persons Group to draft the ASEAN Charter.
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On the national front, Tun Musa Hitam served as the Chairman of the Malaysian National Commission on Human Rights from 2000 to 2002. He is also a member of the United Malays National Organisation and has held various positions within the party.
Tun Musa obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Malaya and Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom.
He has had several honours bestowed upon him including Honorary Doctorates from the University of Sussex and Universiti Sabah Malaysia, and fellowships from the Malaysian Institute of Management and the Centre for International Affairs, Harvard University.
TAN SRI DATO’ SERI (DR.) AHMAD SARJI ABDUL HAMID
Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr.) Ahmad Sarji is the chairman of PNB and various organizations including Sime Darby, Golden Hope, Petaling Garden Berhad, NCB Holdings Berhad and Syarikat Perumahan Pegawai Kerajaan Sdn. Bhd.
He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputra.
He was formerly the Chief Secretary to the Government (1990-1996).
He graduated from University of Malaya and The Institute of Social Studies, The Hague. He also holds a Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard University.
DR. ARIFIN M SIREGAR
Dr. Arifin M Siregar, an Indonesian national, has broad leadership experience in economics, finance and diplomacy. He was an international advisor to Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC for 8½ years until July 2006.
He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Medco Energy Internasional Tbk, the largest private national oil company in Indonesia. In addition, he is a Board member of Saudi Economic Development Company, a leader in Islamic equity fund in Saudi Arabia.
More…

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He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Medco Energy Internasional Tbk, the largest private national oil company in Indonesia. In addition, he is a Board member of Saudi Economic Development Company, a leader in Islamic equity fund in Saudi Arabia.
From 1993 to 1997, Dr. Siregar was the Indonesian ambassador to the USA. He served as the Minister of Trade of Indonesia from 1988 to 1993. Following his Deputy-Governorship of Bank Indonesia of 12 years, he was the Governor of the Bank Indonesia from 1983 to 1988.
Dr. Siregar holds a PhD in economics from Munster University in Germany. He has extensive experience with international financial institutions. During his tenure as the Governor of the Bank Indonesia, he served as the Governor of the World Bank and the alternate Governor of the Islamic Development Bank.
He also held several posts with the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”), including the IMF’s resident representative in Laos (1969-1971) and alternate Governor from 1973 to 1988. From 1961 to 1965, he worked as an economist with the United Nations in New York and Beirut, Lebanon.
His experience includes participating as Chief and advisor to Indonesian delegations in numerous international and regional conferences, including GATT Uruguay Rounds from 1988 to 1993, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation from 1988 to 1993 and the Association of South East Asian Nations from 1972 to 1993
Dr. Siregar also served as the Chairman of the Board of the Indonesian-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Since 1999, he has been the Chairman of the governing board of the Indonesian Council of World Affairs. In addition, he is the co-Chairman of the US-Indonesian Society, a member of the Board of Trustees of the World Wide Fund for Nature Indonesia and was the Chairman of the Indonesian Economic Association from 1979 to 1987.
Dr. Siregar speaks fluent Dutch, English and German, and has a working knowledge of French.
More…

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DATO’ HENRY SACKVILLE BARLOW
Dato’ Henry Barlow sits on the board of Golden Hope, Guthrie Ropel Berhad, HSBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, The International and Commonwealth University of Malaysia Berhad and Sutra Foundation.
He has over 35 years of experience in the plantations industry and was formerly the finance director of Barlow Boustead Estates Agency Sdn. Bhd. and Joint Managing Director of Highlands & Lowlands Para Rubber Company Limited.
He obtained his Bachelor degree and Masters of Arts from University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
DATO' DR. ABDUL HALIM BIN HAJI ISMAIL
Dato’ Dr. Abdul Halim is the Chairman of Mentakab Rubber Company (Malaya) Berhad and an Executive Director Dealings of BIMB Securities Sdn. Bhd.
He also sits on the board of Golden Hope, BIMB Unit Trust Management Bhd., SIMS Holding Sdn. Bhd. and Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM).
Dato’ Dr. Abdul Halim is also a member of the Syariah Advisory Council at the Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia.
He was formerly the Managing Director of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad and General Manager and Chief Economist of Bank Bumiputera Malaysia Berhad. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil) in Economics from the University of Oxford, England.
DATIN PADUKA ZAITOON DATO’ OTHMAN
Datin Paduka Zaitoon presently sits on numerous boards and councils. She is the President of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia and Vice President of the Malay Economic Council Malaysia.
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She also serves as Company Secretary and Chairman / Director in various companies including IGD Practice Ltd (2003), Islamic Mint Sdn Bhd (2001 - 2003), Porpoise Corporation Sdn Bhd (1993 - 2003) and Mutiara Ketimuran Sdn Bhd (1991 - 2003).
She is also the Chairperson of Islamic Mint Sdn. Bhd, a company incorporated in Malaysia with the principal activity of promoting and developing the Gold Dinar and Silver Dirham. Datin Paduka Zaitoon was recently appointed as member of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia for a two year term.
-ends-
01-10-2007: Synergy Drive appoints Musa Hitam as chairman, Ahmad Sarji as deputy Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com
KUALA LUMPUR: Synergy Drive Bhd has named Tun Musa Hitam as its chairman, and Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid as his deputy among the appointment of six new directors and the resignation of three founder directors appointed by sponsoring investment bank, CIMB Investment Bank Bhd. In a statement, Synergy Drive said the new additions to its board were Musa and Permodalan Nasional Bhd chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, Dr Arifin Siregar, Datuk Henry Sackville Barlow, Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Ismail and Datin Paduka Zaitoon Othman. It said the new appointees joined the six directors who were appointed on Sept 14 -- Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Raja Datuk Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Datuk Seri Panglima Andrew Sheng Len Tao, Datuk Mohamed Sulaiman and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid. Synergy Drive said the new board held its maiden meeting last on Sept 29, during which Tun Musa Hitam was elected as chairman and Ahmad Sarji as deputy chairman. Founder directors, Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Datuk Zainal Abidin Putih and Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali announced their resignation at the same meeting. "The new addition in effect completes the transition of board control of Synergy Drive ahead of the completion of its acquisition of assets and liabilities of the Golden Hope Plantations Bhd, Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd group of companies," it said. Pursuant to the acquisition, PNB will emerge as the single largest shareholder of Synergy Drive, which said the board composition reflected its positioning as a multinational company with a focused set of business interests. "Under their guidance, Synergy Drive will continue to implement growth strategies for its five core businesses of plantations, property, heavy equipment, motor and energy and utilities," it said. Musa Hitam, the country's fifth deputy prime minister, is currently the chairman of UM Land Bhd and Lion Industries Corporation Bhd. He is the founding chairman of the CIMB Group's international advisory panel. Ariffin, an Indonesian national, was an international adviser to Goldman Sachs ( Asia ) LLC for 8½ years until July 2006. He is currently the chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Medco Energy Internasional Tbk, the largest private national oil company in Indonesia. In addition, he is a Board member of Saudi Economic Development Company, a leader in Islamic equity fund in Saudi Arabia.
Barlow sits on the boards of Golden Hope, Guthrie Ropel Bhd, HSBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd, The International and Commonwealth University of Malaysia Bhd and Sutra Foundation. He has over 35 years of experience in the plantations industry and was formerly the finance director of Barlow Boustead Estates Agency Sdn Bhd and joint managing director of Highlands & Lowlands Para Rubber Company Ltd. Abdul Halim is the chairman of Mentakab Rubber Company (Malaya) Bhd and an executive director Dealings of BIMB Securities Sdn Bhd. The former managing director of Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd also sits on the boards of Golden Hope, BIMB Unit Trust Management Bhd, SIMS Holding Sdn Bhd and Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM). Zaitoon is the president of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia and vice president of the Malay Economic Council Malaysia. She is also the chairperson of Islamic Mint Sdn Bhd, a company incorporated in Malaysia with the principal activity of promoting and developing the Gold Dinar and Silver Dirham. She was recently appointed as member of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia for a two-year term.
TUN MUSA HITAM

Musa to head Synergy Drive




Monday, 01 October 2007 07:16am
©The Business Times (Used by permission)by Goh Thean EuSYNERGY Drive Bhd, which will become the world's largest listed plantation firm, has finalised the full line-up of its board of directors.In a statement released yesterday evening, the company announced the appointment of six new directors - including former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam as chairman and Pemodalan Nasional Bhd chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid as deputy chairman.The appointment may not be a surprise to the market, as media reports, citing sources, had tipped Musa as the leading candidate for the post.
"Believe it or not, I least expected it. For the last couple of months, there were rumours that I will become the chairman of Synergy Drive. I dismissed the rumours seriously. Nevertheless, I'm humbled by the appointment, it's such a huge conglomerate."This is the time I have to use my age and experience. It is very challenging, but I am used to challenges in my life. Of course, my work will be made easier because I have with me a group of distinguished personalities on the board, as well as on the management team," Musa told Business Times when contacted yesterday.Besides Musa and Ahmad Sarji, the other four newly-appointed directors were Dr Arifin Siregar, Datuk Henry Sackville Barlow, Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Ismail and Datin Paduka Zaitoon Othman.The board of directors had their maiden meeting last Saturday."I am very happy with the first meeting. There is synergy among the board members, which is very important. Together, we will work together to add value to all the shareholders and stakeholders of the company," Musa added.Musa is also currently the chairman of UM Land Bhd and Lion Industries Corp Bhd. Prior to the appointment, he held a number of key corporate posts, including chairman of Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), Guthrie and is the founding chairman of the CIMB Group's International Advisory Panel.Ahmad Sarji, who is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputra, is the chairman of various organisations including Sime Darby Bhd, Golden Hope Bhd, Petaling Garden Bhd, NCB Holdings Bhd and Syarikat Perumahan Pegawai Kerajaan Sdn Bhd. He was also Chief Secretary to the Government (1990-1996).Dr Arifin, who was the governor of Bank Indonesia from 1983 to 1988, is currently the chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Medco Energy Internasional Tbk, the largest private national oil company in Indonesia.Barlow, who has over 35 years of experience in the plantation industry, currently sits on the boards of Golden Hope, Guthrie Ropel Bhd, HSBC Bank ( Malaysia ) Bhd, The International and Commonwealth University of Malaysia Bhd and Sutra Foundation.Dr Abdul Halim, former managing director of Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd, is the chairman of Mentakab Rubber Co (Malaya) Bhd. He also sits on the board of Golden Hope, BIMB Unit Trust Management Bhd, SIMS Holding Sdn Bhd. and Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (Ikim).Zaitoon sits on numerous boards and councils, and is the president of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia and vice president of the Malay Economic Council Malaysia.They will join the six directors who were appointed on September 14 - Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Raja Datuk Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Datuk Seri Panglima Andrew Sheng Len Tao, Datuk Mohamed Sulaiman and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid.The company also announced the resignation of three directors, Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Datuk Zainal Abidin Putih and Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali.Synergy Drive, expected to be listed on the local stock exchange in November, is poised to be the most liquid stock with the largest market capitalisation on Bursa Malaysia, given its status as the world's largest oil palm plantation group and potentially Malaysia's largest property developer.


SIME DARBY


NEWS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
SYNERGY DRIVE COMPLETES BOARD
Tun Musa Hitam Is Chairman
KUALA LUMPUR, September 30 – Synergy Drive Bhd (Synergy Drive) has announced the appointment of six new directors and the resignation of three interim directors appointed by sponsoring investment bank, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad.
The new additions to the Board of Directors (Board) are Tun Musa Hitam, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, Dr. Arifin M Siregar, Dato’ Henry Sackville Barlow, Dato' Dr. Abdul Halim Haji Ismail and Datin Paduka Zaitoon Dato’ Othman.
The new appointees join the six directors who were appointed on September 14, namely, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Wan Mohd. Zahid Mohd. Noordin, Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Raja Datuk Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Datuk Seri Panglima Andrew Sheng Len Tao, Dato’ Mohamed Sulaiman and Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid.
The new Board held their maiden meeting on Saturday, 29th September during which Tun Musa Hitam was elected as chairman and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid as deputy chairman.
Interim directors, Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih and Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali announced their resignation at the same meeting.
The Board change completes the transition of board control of Synergy Drive ahead of the completion of its acquisition of assets and liabilities of the Golden Hope Plantations Berhad (Golden Hope), Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad (Guthrie) and Sime Darby Berhad (Sime Darby) group of companies.
Pursuant to the acquisition, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) will emerge as the single largest shareholder.
More…

-2-
The board composition reflects Synergy Drive’s positioning as a multinational company with a focused set of business interests.
Under their guidance, Synergy Drive will continue to implement growth strategies for its five core businesses of plantations, property, heavy equipment, motor and energy & utilities.
Background Of The Six Newly Appointed Directors:
TUN MUSA HITAM
Tun Musa Hitam is currently the Chairman of UM Land Berhad and Lion Industries Corporation Berhad, both listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia.
Prior to this, Tun Musa held a number of key corporate posts, including Chairman of Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), Guthrie and founding Chairman of the CIMB Group’s International Advisory Panel.
Tun Musa was previously the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Primary Industries and Minister of Education, before becoming Malaysia’s fifth Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs from 1981 to 1986.
Between 1990 and 1991, he was Malaysia’s Special Envoy to the United Nations and also led the Malaysian delegation to the UN Commission on Human Rights from 1993 to 1998. He was elected Chairman of the 52nd Session of the Commission in 1995. From 1995 to 2002, he was the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group.
Tun Musa Hitam held various international posts including membership of the Commonwealth Ministers Action Group when he visited Nigeria, Pakistan, Fiji, Gambia and Sierra Leone. He also led the Commonwealth Observer Group to Pakistan’s General Elections in 2002.
In 2005, he was Joint-Chairman of the Eminent Persons Group to chart out the ASEAN/China next 15 years’ program and was appointed as Chairman of the Eminent Persons Group to draft the ASEAN Charter.
More…

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On the national front, Tun Musa Hitam served as the Chairman of the Malaysian National Commission on Human Rights from 2000 to 2002. He is also a member of the United Malays National Organisation and has held various positions within the party.
Tun Musa obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Malaya and Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom.
He has had several honours bestowed upon him including Honorary Doctorates from the University of Sussex and Universiti Sabah Malaysia, and fellowships from the Malaysian Institute of Management and the Centre for International Affairs, Harvard University.
TAN SRI DATO’ SERI (DR.) AHMAD SARJI ABDUL HAMID
Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr.) Ahmad Sarji is the chairman of PNB and various organizations including Sime Darby, Golden Hope, Petaling Garden Berhad, NCB Holdings Berhad and Syarikat Perumahan Pegawai Kerajaan Sdn. Bhd.
He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputra.
He was formerly the Chief Secretary to the Government (1990-1996).
He graduated from University of Malaya and The Institute of Social Studies, The Hague. He also holds a Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard University.
DR. ARIFIN M SIREGAR
Dr. Arifin M Siregar, an Indonesian national, has broad leadership experience in economics, finance and diplomacy. He was an international advisor to Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC for 8½ years until July 2006.
He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Medco Energy Internasional Tbk, the largest private national oil company in Indonesia. In addition, he is a Board member of Saudi Economic Development Company, a leader in Islamic equity fund in Saudi Arabia.
More…

-4-
He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Medco Energy Internasional Tbk, the largest private national oil company in Indonesia. In addition, he is a Board member of Saudi Economic Development Company, a leader in Islamic equity fund in Saudi Arabia.
From 1993 to 1997, Dr. Siregar was the Indonesian ambassador to the USA. He served as the Minister of Trade of Indonesia from 1988 to 1993. Following his Deputy-Governorship of Bank Indonesia of 12 years, he was the Governor of the Bank Indonesia from 1983 to 1988.
Dr. Siregar holds a PhD in economics from Munster University in Germany. He has extensive experience with international financial institutions. During his tenure as the Governor of the Bank Indonesia, he served as the Governor of the World Bank and the alternate Governor of the Islamic Development Bank.
He also held several posts with the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”), including the IMF’s resident representative in Laos (1969-1971) and alternate Governor from 1973 to 1988. From 1961 to 1965, he worked as an economist with the United Nations in New York and Beirut, Lebanon.
His experience includes participating as Chief and advisor to Indonesian delegations in numerous international and regional conferences, including GATT Uruguay Rounds from 1988 to 1993, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation from 1988 to 1993 and the Association of South East Asian Nations from 1972 to 1993
Dr. Siregar also served as the Chairman of the Board of the Indonesian-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Since 1999, he has been the Chairman of the governing board of the Indonesian Council of World Affairs. In addition, he is the co-Chairman of the US-Indonesian Society, a member of the Board of Trustees of the World Wide Fund for Nature Indonesia and was the Chairman of the Indonesian Economic Association from 1979 to 1987.
Dr. Siregar speaks fluent Dutch, English and German, and has a working knowledge of French.
More…

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DATO’ HENRY SACKVILLE BARLOW
Dato’ Henry Barlow sits on the board of Golden Hope, Guthrie Ropel Berhad, HSBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, The International and Commonwealth University of Malaysia Berhad and Sutra Foundation.
He has over 35 years of experience in the plantations industry and was formerly the finance director of Barlow Boustead Estates Agency Sdn. Bhd. and Joint Managing Director of Highlands & Lowlands Para Rubber Company Limited.
He obtained his Bachelor degree and Masters of Arts from University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
DATO' DR. ABDUL HALIM BIN HAJI ISMAIL
Dato’ Dr. Abdul Halim is the Chairman of Mentakab Rubber Company (Malaya) Berhad and an Executive Director Dealings of BIMB Securities Sdn. Bhd.
He also sits on the board of Golden Hope, BIMB Unit Trust Management Bhd., SIMS Holding Sdn. Bhd. and Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM).
Dato’ Dr. Abdul Halim is also a member of the Syariah Advisory Council at the Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia.
He was formerly the Managing Director of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad and General Manager and Chief Economist of Bank Bumiputera Malaysia Berhad. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil) in Economics from the University of Oxford, England.
DATIN PADUKA ZAITOON DATO’ OTHMAN
Datin Paduka Zaitoon presently sits on numerous boards and councils. She is the President of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia and Vice President of the Malay Economic Council Malaysia.
More…

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She also serves as Company Secretary and Chairman / Director in various companies including IGD Practice Ltd (2003), Islamic Mint Sdn Bhd (2001 - 2003), Porpoise Corporation Sdn Bhd (1993 - 2003) and Mutiara Ketimuran Sdn Bhd (1991 - 2003).
She is also the Chairperson of Islamic Mint Sdn. Bhd, a company incorporated in Malaysia with the principal activity of promoting and developing the Gold Dinar and Silver Dirham. Datin Paduka Zaitoon was recently appointed as member of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia for a two year term.
-ends-
01-10-2007: Synergy Drive appoints Musa Hitam as chairman, Ahmad Sarji as deputy Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com
KUALA LUMPUR: Synergy Drive Bhd has named Tun Musa Hitam as its chairman, and Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid as his deputy among the appointment of six new directors and the resignation of three founder directors appointed by sponsoring investment bank, CIMB Investment Bank Bhd. In a statement, Synergy Drive said the new additions to its board were Musa and Permodalan Nasional Bhd chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid, Dr Arifin Siregar, Datuk Henry Sackville Barlow, Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Ismail and Datin Paduka Zaitoon Othman. It said the new appointees joined the six directors who were appointed on Sept 14 -- Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Raja Datuk Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Datuk Seri Panglima Andrew Sheng Len Tao, Datuk Mohamed Sulaiman and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid. Synergy Drive said the new board held its maiden meeting last on Sept 29, during which Tun Musa Hitam was elected as chairman and Ahmad Sarji as deputy chairman. Founder directors, Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Datuk Zainal Abidin Putih and Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali announced their resignation at the same meeting. "The new addition in effect completes the transition of board control of Synergy Drive ahead of the completion of its acquisition of assets and liabilities of the Golden Hope Plantations Bhd, Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd group of companies," it said. Pursuant to the acquisition, PNB will emerge as the single largest shareholder of Synergy Drive, which said the board composition reflected its positioning as a multinational company with a focused set of business interests. "Under their guidance, Synergy Drive will continue to implement growth strategies for its five core businesses of plantations, property, heavy equipment, motor and energy and utilities," it said. Musa Hitam, the country's fifth deputy prime minister, is currently the chairman of UM Land Bhd and Lion Industries Corporation Bhd. He is the founding chairman of the CIMB Group's international advisory panel. Ariffin, an Indonesian national, was an international adviser to Goldman Sachs ( Asia ) LLC for 8½ years until July 2006. He is currently the chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Medco Energy Internasional Tbk, the largest private national oil company in Indonesia. In addition, he is a Board member of Saudi Economic Development Company, a leader in Islamic equity fund in Saudi Arabia.
Barlow sits on the boards of Golden Hope, Guthrie Ropel Bhd, HSBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd, The International and Commonwealth University of Malaysia Bhd and Sutra Foundation. He has over 35 years of experience in the plantations industry and was formerly the finance director of Barlow Boustead Estates Agency Sdn Bhd and joint managing director of Highlands & Lowlands Para Rubber Company Ltd. Abdul Halim is the chairman of Mentakab Rubber Company (Malaya) Bhd and an executive director Dealings of BIMB Securities Sdn Bhd. The former managing director of Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd also sits on the boards of Golden Hope, BIMB Unit Trust Management Bhd, SIMS Holding Sdn Bhd and Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM). Zaitoon is the president of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia and vice president of the Malay Economic Council Malaysia. She is also the chairperson of Islamic Mint Sdn Bhd, a company incorporated in Malaysia with the principal activity of promoting and developing the Gold Dinar and Silver Dirham. She was recently appointed as member of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia for a two-year term.
TUN MUSA HITAM

Musa to head Synergy Drive




Monday, 01 October 2007 07:16am
©The Business Times (Used by permission)by Goh Thean EuSYNERGY Drive Bhd, which will become the world's largest listed plantation firm, has finalised the full line-up of its board of directors.In a statement released yesterday evening, the company announced the appointment of six new directors - including former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam as chairman and Pemodalan Nasional Bhd chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid as deputy chairman.The appointment may not be a surprise to the market, as media reports, citing sources, had tipped Musa as the leading candidate for the post.
"Believe it or not, I least expected it. For the last couple of months, there were rumours that I will become the chairman of Synergy Drive. I dismissed the rumours seriously. Nevertheless, I'm humbled by the appointment, it's such a huge conglomerate."This is the time I have to use my age and experience. It is very challenging, but I am used to challenges in my life. Of course, my work will be made easier because I have with me a group of distinguished personalities on the board, as well as on the management team," Musa told Business Times when contacted yesterday.Besides Musa and Ahmad Sarji, the other four newly-appointed directors were Dr Arifin Siregar, Datuk Henry Sackville Barlow, Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Ismail and Datin Paduka Zaitoon Othman.The board of directors had their maiden meeting last Saturday."I am very happy with the first meeting. There is synergy among the board members, which is very important. Together, we will work together to add value to all the shareholders and stakeholders of the company," Musa added.Musa is also currently the chairman of UM Land Bhd and Lion Industries Corp Bhd. Prior to the appointment, he held a number of key corporate posts, including chairman of Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), Guthrie and is the founding chairman of the CIMB Group's International Advisory Panel.Ahmad Sarji, who is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputra, is the chairman of various organisations including Sime Darby Bhd, Golden Hope Bhd, Petaling Garden Bhd, NCB Holdings Bhd and Syarikat Perumahan Pegawai Kerajaan Sdn Bhd. He was also Chief Secretary to the Government (1990-1996).Dr Arifin, who was the governor of Bank Indonesia from 1983 to 1988, is currently the chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Medco Energy Internasional Tbk, the largest private national oil company in Indonesia.Barlow, who has over 35 years of experience in the plantation industry, currently sits on the boards of Golden Hope, Guthrie Ropel Bhd, HSBC Bank ( Malaysia ) Bhd, The International and Commonwealth University of Malaysia Bhd and Sutra Foundation.Dr Abdul Halim, former managing director of Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd, is the chairman of Mentakab Rubber Co (Malaya) Bhd. He also sits on the board of Golden Hope, BIMB Unit Trust Management Bhd, SIMS Holding Sdn Bhd. and Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (Ikim).Zaitoon sits on numerous boards and councils, and is the president of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia and vice president of the Malay Economic Council Malaysia.They will join the six directors who were appointed on September 14 - Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Raja Datuk Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Datuk Seri Panglima Andrew Sheng Len Tao, Datuk Mohamed Sulaiman and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zubir Murshid.The company also announced the resignation of three directors, Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Datuk Zainal Abidin Putih and Wan Razly Abdullah Wan Ali.Synergy Drive, expected to be listed on the local stock exchange in November, is poised to be the most liquid stock with the largest market capitalisation on Bursa Malaysia, given its status as the world's largest oil palm plantation group and potentially Malaysia's largest property developer.

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