PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
LEADERSHIP BUILT ON CLARITY, STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE
I am currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MARDI Corporation and formerly led strategic transformation initiatives and PMO at MDEC. With a background spanning digital economy, agri-tech commercialization, and corporate governance, my mission is clear: to design and execute strategies that drive national growth and organizational excellence.
I lead with clarity, agility, and a deep belief that impactful transformation requires both vision and precision in execution.
- Purpose-driven innovation
- Empowering people and systems
- Integrity and strategic foresight
“Leadership, to me, is about designing progress, turning ideas into systems, and systems into legacy.”
HAZWAN HUSSEIN
Purpose-Driven Innovation
Advancing ideas that create measurable value
Empowering People & Systems
Developing teams that perform with autonomy and trust.
Integrity & Strategic Foresight
Leading with consistency, courage, and long-term vision.
PROFESSIONAL TIMELINE
I am a strategist and transformation leader shaping Malaysia’s next phase of economic and organisational advancement. My work blends digital innovation, tech commercialisation, corporate governance, and high-performance leadership to deliver measurable, sustainable impact at a national level.
With experience spanning the digital economy, public sector transformation, and agriculture modernisation, I lead initiatives that accelerate growth, elevate talent, and strengthen institutional capability. My mission is to build future-ready organisation, powered by clarity, innovation, and purposeful execution.
CURRENT CHAPTER
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Nov'24 - Present (Contract)
Key Responsibilities:
- Spearheading corporate governance and operational excellence across all divisions.
- Driving MARDICorp’s strategic goals to achieve increase in revenue generated in 2025 and 2026.
- Overseeing two core portfolios: Corporate Services (HR, Finance, Corporate Communications, ICT & Digital, Procurement, and Asset Facilities) and Revenue Streams (Tech Commercialisation, Agri-Training, Agrotourism, and MICE).
- Establishing robust KPIs and performance management strategies to align departmental efforts with organizational goals.
- Developing and managing innovative projects targeting ASEAN markets and international stakeholders.
- Enhancing collaboration opportunities with key industry players.
Focus Areas:
- Corporate culture transformation to foster innovation and productivity.
- Strengthening MARDICorp’s branding through Corporate Communications initiatives.
- Exploring high-value collaborations in agricultural technology.
Key Initiatives & Achievements (Ongoing):
- Developed and executed MARDI Corporation Transformation 2025 – 2030.
- Spearheaded the conceptualisation of MAEPS MADANI National blueprint.
- Introduced integrated KPI & performance monitoring ecosystem
- Forged partnerships with PETRONAS, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, Agrobank, and key technology forms to accelerate commercialisation.
- Leading the preparation and finalization of the 2025 & 2026 Business Plan and Budget for Board approval.
- Facilitating transformation initiatives, including a revamped organizational structure to drive efficiency and innovation.
- Setting up streamlined processes for project approvals through the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to ensure alignment with revenue targets.
Chairman, Alumni Leadership & Fellowship Association (ALFA)
May'25 - Present
Leading the transformation and activation of the UKM-Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB) alumni ecosystem through strategic direction, governance, and high-impact initiatives. As Chairman, I oversee the establishment of ALFA’s vision, mission, and organisational structure, ensuring the association becomes a catalyst for leadership development, professional networking, and long-term alumni engagement.
My role involves driving strategic planning, stakeholder alignment with UKM-GSB, and curating impactful programs that strengthen leadership culture, fellowship, and career advancement among alumni. I integrate real-world executive experience with community-building strategies to create a high-value platform where alumni can collaborate, contribute, and grow.
This includes governance development, membership drive activation, event leadership, and building partnerships that expand opportunities for alumni across industries. Through ALFA, I aim to shape a sustainable and dynamic alumni movement that inspires purpose, excellence, and legacy.
Adjunct MBA Lecturer
July'25 - Present
Delivering postgraduate-level lectures at UKM-Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB), focusing on Corporate Governance, Risk Management, and Boardroom Dynamics. This role involves guiding MBA and executive students in understanding the critical frameworks and best practices that drive ethical leadership, regulatory compliance, and effective decision-making at the board level. I integrate real-world industry experience with academic theory to shape future leaders capable of navigating complex corporate environments and enhancing governance performance.
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL ADVISOR
2023 - Present
As part of my broader leadership ecosystem, I established MHH Advisory to extend my professional experience in transformation strategy, governance, and organizational development into structured advisory and thought leadership initiatives.
This initiative reflects my commitment to helping SMEs achieve clarity in direction, structure in execution, and sustainability in performance, the same principles I apply in corporate transformation.
MHH Advisory is a platform to share frameworks, insights, and strategies that enable SMEs to perform with purpose and discipline.
Focus Areas:
- Strategic Transformation & Business Planning
- Governance, KPI & Performance Management Systems
- Organizational Structure & Leadership Alignment
- Culture & People Transformation
- Sustainability, and Innovation Ecosystem Strategy
EARLIER MILESTONES
HEAD OF INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE
Sep'22 - Oct '24 (Full Time)
- Led divisional strategies and drove implementation of the 9 Malaysia Digital promoted sectors by working closely with all subject matter experts (Heads of Departments).
- Ensured achievement of division goals and targets by monitoring performance regularly and providing recommendations, expertise, and strategic interventions to deliver catalytic outcomes aligning with National and corporate goals.
MANAGER, STRATEGIC PROJECTS & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENTS
Jan'22 - Sep'22 (Full Time)
- Facilitated implementation of strategies across the Ecosystem Development Division.
- Oversaw all areas of business, implemented operational changes, and delivered measurable improvements.
- Designed and implemented strategic and operational planning processes, including research and market intelligence.
- Bridged the gap between stakeholders to translate MDEC strategic plans into actions with measurable impact.
Manager, Business Community Engagement
Mar'21 - Jan'22 (Full Time)
- Led department strategies and implemented action plans to support traditional businesses (MSMEs) in embracing digital adoption.
- Actively participated in management forums, corporate initiatives, and provided valuable recommendations, inputs, and feedback.
Project Manager, Digital Enhancement Centre (Special Project)
Mar'20 - Mar'21 (Full Time)
- Oversaw private and state partnerships for the Digital Enhancement Centre (DEC) project.
- Developed, executed, and managed the SME Digitalization blueprint, focusing on business sustainability.
Senior Executive, Strategic Planning & Execution
Nov'19 - Mar'20 (Full Time)
- Supported clear outcomes of plans and strategies by coordinating with resources from other business units within the division.
- Provided growth and development support for the Start-up Ecosystem by actively participating in forums/conferences and providing feedback and inputs.
Executive, Business Advisory Unit
Dec'18 - Oct'19 (Full Time)
- Managed multiple business coaching programs based on several industries.
- Highly involved with the Request for Proposals (RFP) for all programs at the organizational level (Business Advisory, Entrepreneurship Training, Entrepreneurship Resource Center).
Executive, High Performing Enterprise Development
Aug'17 - Dec'18 (Full Time)
- Managed high-performing enterprise development programs to scale up SMEs and micro-enterprises.
- Conducted market research, data analysis, and provided strategic recommendations to businesses.
Executive, Entrepreneurship Learning & Development
Aug'16 - Aug'17 (Full Time)
- Responsible in marketing and business development of entrepreneurship development programs as well as became the special officer for INSKEN executive director (Head of INSKEN)
INVOLVEMENT WITH MULTIPLE SMEs
2010 - 2016
Before joining INSKEN and the institutional entrepreneurship ecosystem, I was actively involved with multiple small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across diverse industries, including F&B, education, retail, and lifestyle ventures
In these formative years, I wore multiple hats , from business development, operations, and finance to marketing and strategic planning, gaining firsthand experience in building and scaling businesses from the ground up.
This hands-on period became the foundation of my leadership philosophy: that true transformation begins by understanding how businesses operate at their most practical, human level.
Key Responsibilities & Involvements:
- Business Development (BD): Identified new opportunities, secured partnerships, and expanded market reach for several SME ventures.
- Operations Management: Oversaw daily business operations, optimized processes, and improved efficiency across multiple projects.
- Financial Planning & Control: Handled costing, pricing strategy, and budget management for startup operations.
- Branding & Marketing: Designed go-to-market campaigns and improved brand visibility through local and digital channels.
- Team Leadership: Recruited, trained, and managed small teams — building a culture of accountability and agility.
Key Achievements:
- Successfully grew several early-stage ventures from concept to profitability.
- Led end-to-end business execution — from idea validation to market entry.
- Built multi-sector partnerships, bridging small business goals with corporate collaboration opportunities.
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
