KUCHING: Renowned Sarawak corporate figure, Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah, will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) following a two-year extension of his appointment.
The appointment takes effect from August 1, 2025 until July 31, 2027, with Medan as the only representative from Sarawak on the BOD.
Reflecting on the announcement, Medan expressed his gratitude to those who made the reappointment possible.
“I am thankful to the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, for his approval to extend my tenure as a Board member of MATRADE for another term of two years,” he said in a statement.
Medan also extended his appreciation to the BOD Chairman of MATRADE, Datuk Seri Reezal Naina Marican, as well as to fellow Board members, the management, and MATRADE staff for their continued support and guidance throughout his tenure.
“I look forward to another two great years of achievements at MATRADE,” he said.
Earlier, MATRADE Sarawak Office, in a statement, congratulated Medan on the reappointment, describing it as a reflection of continued trust in his vast expertise, experience, and leadership in helping steer MATRADE’s strategic direction.
“This renewed mandate underscores Medan’s role in advancing Malaysia’s export empowerment agenda and enhancing the nation’s presence on the international trade stage,” it said.
The MATRADE Sarawak Office also commended his ongoing contribution, which has consistently provided encouragement and guidance, especially in strengthening the export networks and capacities of entrepreneurs in the state.
“Medan’s commitment and spirit remain a source of inspiration to all our personnel in Sarawak.
“Indeed, his contributions and leadership are deeply appreciated and are believed to continue making a positive impact on MATRADE and the nation as a whole,” it said.
Medan, who hails from the highlands of Bario, Sarawak, graduated in law from the University of Malaya, and has built a 40-year career in the oil and gas industry.
His corporate journey began as a legal officer trainee at PETRONAS in 1982, before progressing through the ranks to hold several senior leadership positions at Malaysia’s oil and gas giant.
Among the key positions he has held are senior legal counsel/company secretary of PETRONAS Carigali Group from 1990 to 1997; executive assistant to the president of PETRONAS from 2001 to 2003; senior general manager, Group Tender and Contract Division at PETRONAS from 2003 to 2006; senior general manager, Corporate Services at PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd from 2006 to 2007; managing director/CEO of Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd from 2007 to 2010; and senior general manager, Group Corporate Affairs Division at PETRONAS from 2010 to 2013.
He also served as managing director/president (Asia Pacific) of Gazprom Marketing & Trading Pte Ltd from 2013 to 2016 and was Group CEO of Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd, a company listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd, from 2016 until February 2023.
In addition, he is a former director of PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd, PETRONAS Gas Bhd and several other private entities under PETRONAS.
He is currently an independent, non-executive director of the Board of Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) and independent, non-executive director of the Board of Ancom Logistics Bhd.
Medan was also appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors (BOG) of UOW Malaysia University Colleges and Colleges on August 15, 2023, for a term of two years.
He completed the Advanced Management Programme at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA; the INSEAD Senior Management Programme; and the American and International Law Programme at the Southwestern Legal Foundation, University of Texas, Dallas.
His areas of expertise include marketing and trading; strategic planning; business development and expansion; legal advisory; procurement and supply chain management.
