Syed Yasir Arafat to Depart Ekuinas as CEO After 15 Years

Portfolio - People | Mar 27, 2025 | EIN

Syed Yasir Arafat to Depart Ekuinas as CEO After 15 Years

Datuk Syed Yasir Arafat Syed Abd Kadir will leave his role as CEO of Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (Ekuinas) effective March 31, 2025, after a significant 15-year tenure. Aliff Omar Mohamad Omar, the senior investment director, will become the acting CEO starting April 1. Yasir Arafat was a key figure in Ekuinas since its inception, and his leadership saw the firm transform into a leading private equity entity, handling RM4 billion in funds and deploying RM5.6 billion across various investments. He was instrumental in creating the Bumiputera-focused Dana Asas fund and introduced private credit to Ekuinas's investment portfolio. His successor, Aliff Omar, joined in 2017 and has experience in corporate finance, M&As, and capital markets, making him well-prepared to lead Ekuinas's forthcoming growth phase.

Sectors

  • Private Equity
  • Corporate Finance

Geography

  • Malaysia – Ekuinas is based in Malaysia and the leadership transition is taking place within the context of Malaysia's investment landscape.
  • Southeast Asia – Aliff Omar's experience includes transactions across Southeast Asia, emphasizing the regional scope of Ekuinas's operations.

Industry

  • Private Equity – The article involves Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (Ekuinas), a private equity firm, and discusses its leadership transition and strategic growth.
  • Corporate Finance – Aliff Omar, the new acting CEO, has extensive background in corporate finance, integral to his upcoming role at Ekuinas.

Financials

  • RM4.0 billion – Funds under management by Ekuinas.
  • RM5.6 billion – Economic capital deployed by Ekuinas across 28 companies.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (Ekuinas)The CompanyCompanyA government-linked private equity firm in Malaysia.
Datuk Syed Yasir Arafat Syed Abd KadirOutgoing CEOPersonHe has been with Ekuinas for 15 years, playing a key role in its growth and strategic initiatives.
Aliff Omar Mohamad OmarIncoming Acting CEOPersonCurrently Ekuinas's senior investment director, poised to assume the role of acting CEO.
Tan Sri Shahril Ridza RidzuanChairmanPersonChairman of Ekuinas who expressed confidence in the leadership transition.