In a statement, the council’s Malaysian chapter also announced the appointment of Capital A Bhd group CEO Tony Fernandes and Yinson Holdings Bhd group CEO Lim Chern Yuan as council members for the same period.

“I would like to thank the prime minister, the international trade and industry minister, and the Malaysian government for this appointment,” the statement quoted Nazir as saying.

“Asean-BAC Malaysia will continue to be an integral partner in supporting Malaysia’s various Asean endeavours (and) will use the lead time before Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship in 2025 to strengthen strategic relationships and conversations between the private sector, the government and the Asean organisation.”

The council has been mandated by Asean leaders to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost the region’s efforts towards economic integration since 2003.

Its council members are appointed by the ministries in charge and comprise high-level CEOs of companies from each member country.

Asean-BAC Malaysia was previously chaired by Munir Majid, chairman of Cari Asean Research and Advocacy, while Yong Poh Kon, chairman of Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd, and Raja Singham, co-founder and managing director of BAC Education Group, were council members.