Board of Directors& Senior Management

Term of office

Director of Protasco Berhad since 18 May 2001

Board committee

None

Skills and experience

Dato' Sri Ir Chong Ket Pen is the founder of Protasco Berhad Group of Companies.

He is a road pavement specialist with extensive experience in the evaluation, design, construction and maintenance of roads and pavements.

Upon graduating from the University of Malaya in 1979, he joined the Public Works Department of Kelantan (JKR Kelantan) as a Road Design Engineer.

He was promoted to Project Engineer where he supervised the construction of roads and bridges in southern Kelantan.

Equipped with invaluable design and site experience in roads and bridges, he was transferred to the Design and Research Branch of the JKR Headquarters, to became a Senior Research Engineer.

He pursued a Master's degree at the University of Birmingham while carrying out research works in the field of pavement engineering, and was conferred a Master of Philosophy (Civil Engineering) degree in 1990.

In 1991, he left the public sector to establish engineering consultancy and construction companies that ultimately become the foundation of Protasco Berhad.

Dato' Sri Ir Chong Ket Pen was appointed the Executive Chairman of Protasco Berhad on 1 January 2020.

Education and qualifications

• Master of Philosophy (Civil Engineering), University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, 1990.
• Registered Chartered Engineer with the United Kingdom's Engineering Council, 1987.
• Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, United Kingdom, 1985.
• Registered Professional Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), 1985.
• Member of the Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), 1984.
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), University of Malaya, Malaysia, 1979.

Other public company directorships and offices

Dato' Sri is currently the President of the Federal Hopo Association of Malaysia, President of KL-Selangor Hopo Association, Chairman of the Malaysia Hopo Cultural Foundation, and the Deputy President of the KL-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

Term of office

Director of Protasco Berhad since 1 January 2020

Board committee

A member of the Board Risk Management Committee

Skills and experience

Dato' Kenny Chong Ther Nen serves as the Group Managing Director of Protasco Berhad, assuming the role in January 2020.

Upon graduating with a Masters in Engineering in 2005, Dato' Kenny Chong was employed by VicRoads Australia as a Senior Pavement Engineer in Technical Consulting until 2008.

During his tenure there, he gained invaluable insights into road pavement design and supervision. Notably, he was the principal engineer in the development of a condition assessment module for major freeways in Victoria.

Upon returning to Malaysia, he joined Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd's Infrastructure Research & Development Centre (IRDC) as a Senior Engineer. He actively contributed to geotechnical and pavement design works and various research efforts.

He was promoted to Director at Ikram Centre of Excellence for Sustainability & Green Technology (ICSG), where he championed the organisation's green technology initiatives, implemented sustainability best practices such as the 3R principles, championed energy conservation measures, and established a recycling collection center, in De Centrum City

In 2012, Dato' Kenny Chong transitioned to Protasco Berhad, assuming the role of Special Assistant to the Group Managing Director where he played a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and facilitating the company's business expansion efforts.

He was appointed Executive Director for International Business & Property Development Division in 2013; and in 2014, he was promoted to Managing Director of Protasco Berhad's Property & Infrastructure Division. During his tenure, the division achieved significant milestones, securing numerous Government housing projects, including the prestigious Projek Perumahan Penjawat Awam, valued at nearly RM1 billion.

Prior to his appointment as the Group Managing Director of Protasco Berhad, he was the Managing Director overseeing Protasco's Construction; Property; Trading & Manufacturing divisions, Corporate Security; and Special Projects departments, demonstrating his versatility and ability to manage diverse business operations effectively.

Education and qualifications

• Professional Engineer, Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), 2010.
• Corporate Member, Institute of Engineering, Malaysia (IEM), 2010.
• Master of Engineering Science, University of Melbourne, Australia, 2005
• A member of the Institute of Engineers, Australia, 2004.
• Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours), University of Melbourne, Australia, 2003.

Other public company directorships and offices

None

Term of office

Director of Protasco Berhad since 16 December 2014

Board committee

Chairman of the Audit Committee

Skills and experience

Suhaimi Bin Badrul Jamil is a highly accomplished and experienced leader with corporate expertise across multifaceted domains such as transformation, value management, restructuring, finance, risk management, turnaround management, cross-border investments, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic management.

He began his career in an international chartered accounting firm's audit and financial consulting department. He then transitioned to the corporate sector, where he held a series of senior positions, including Group Financial Controller, Group General Manager, and Group Executive Director, in a Malaysian conglomerate with diversified business interests that include property development, transportation, insurance and banking, plantation, construction, manufacturing and investment holdings.

Suhaimi's experience extends to board directorships in public listed companies and licensed financial institutions, where he contributed significantly to their growth and success. He served as Chairman of the Board for MEMS Technology Berhad and held directorship positions in Petra Energy Berhad, Credit Corporation (M) Berhad, MIMB Investment Bank Berhad, Gadek Capital Berhad, SPK-Sentosa Corporation Berhad, Intrakota Consolidated Berhad, eB Capital Berhad, and SJ Kumpulan Berhad. In addition, he served as an Executive Director with Ferrier Hodgson MH and Baker Tilly MH.

Education and qualifications

• Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Pass with Merit), University of Wales Trinity Saint David, 2020.
• Master of Business Administration from Deakin University, Australia, 2005.
• Fellow of CPA Australia, 2002.
• Chartered Accountant (Malaysia) with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, 1989.
• Graduate Diploma in Accounting, Australian National University, 1986.
• Bachelor of Economics (with specialisation in Accounting), Australian National University, 1985.

Other public company directorships and offices

None

Term of office

Director of Protasco Berhad since 1 January 2018.

Board committee

A member of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee

Skills and experience

Tham Wei Mei has over 30 years of experience in the fields of mass media, communications, journalism, marketing, publishing and public relations garnered through a distinguished career both domestically and internationally.

Her journey commenced in Jakarta before she embarked on a pivotal role in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she was a journalist and the Assistant Bureau Chief for The Cambodia Times, a reputable publication published in both English and Khmer languages. During her tenure in Cambodia, Tham was also a principal writer for a United Nations newsletter, The Peacekeeper.

She returned to Malaysia to serve in a US telco services company with clients in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. Subsequently, Tham established Alpha Platform Sdn Bhd, a public relations consultancy where she served GLCs, MNCs and Government agencies, working on national issues, crisis, lobbying, mergers and acquisitions as well as corporate exercise. She is also actively involved in social media campaigns

Beyond her professional achievements, Tham distinguishes herself as a qualified nutritional therapist and a member of the Association of Nutritional Medicine Practitioners, Malaysia, underscoring her commitment to holistic well-being and her dedication to contributing positively to society.

Education and qualifications

• Diploma in Nutritional Medicine, School of Complementary and Traditional Medicine, affiliated with University College Yayasan, 2023.
• Professional Certificate in Nutritional Medicine, School of Complementary and Traditional Medicine, affiliated with University College Yayasan Pahang, 2021.
• Degree in Mass Communications, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 1991.

Other public company directorships and offices

Tham Wei Mei is a Director of Lay Hong Berhad since 31 May 2023 and CPE Technology Berhad since 17 July 2023, where she sits on the Audit, Nomination, Remuneration Committees and Nomination & Remuneration Committee respectively

Term of office

Director of Protasco Berhad since 1 January 2020.

Board committee

• Chairman of the Board Risk Management Committee
• A member of the Audit Committee
• A member of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee

Skills and experience

Celine Chan Hooi Li has more than 25 years of experience in senior positions in both global and local companies. Her last position was as Managing Director of Webhelp APAC. She was also the CEO of one of the largest share registrar companies in Malaysia in 2013. Prior to that, she held the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director posts at TMF Group Malaysia.

Celine started her career as an auditor in one of the major accounting firms before moving to a start-up company specialising in records management and growing it into a leading player in Malaysia.

With over 20 years of Senior Management experience spanning logistics, IT & business process outsourcing, and capital markets, Celine possesses a diverse skill set. Her expertise encompasses growth and strategic planning, organisational restructuring, risk management & internal controls, corporate governance, people management, and regulatory compliance with Bursa rules and regulations, among others.

Celine is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors of Malaysia (ICDM) and also is the Deputy President of Contact Centre Association of Malaysia (CCAM).

Education and qualifications

• Bachelor of Business (Accounting), RMIT Melbourne Australia, 1993

Other public company directorships and offices

None

Term of office

Director of Protasco Berhad since 1 January 2025.

Board committee

• A Member of the Audit Committee
• A Member of Board Risk Management Committee
• A Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee

Skills and experience

Upon graduation, Khoo Chen Nan joined Ernst & Young, a global audit firm, and worked there until 1993. There he gained extensive experience in auditing a wide range of industries, acquisition audits and other specialised assignments. He then joined the Berjaya Group Berhad's Group Investment division, where he was involved in various corporate finance exercises.

In 1995, he returned to the field of auditing and is currently practicing as an auditor with CN Khoo & Associates.

He was an Independent Non-Executive Director of ES Ceramics Technology Berhad, a listed company involved in manufacturing of ceramic formers and ready-mix concrete from 2005 to 2023 and LBI Capital Bhd, a listed company involved in property investment and property development from 2012 to 2024.

Education and qualifications

• Chartered Accountant registered with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants
• Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) degree from University of Malaya in 1991

Other public company directorships and offices

None

Term of office

Director of Protasco Berhad since 1 January 2020

Board committee

A member of the Board Risk Management Committee

Skills and experience

Dato' Kenny Chong Ther Nen serves as the Group Managing Director of Protasco Berhad, assuming the role in January 2020.

Upon graduating with a Masters in Engineering in 2005, Dato' Kenny Chong was employed by VicRoads Australia as a Senior Pavement Engineer in Technical Consulting until 2008.

During his tenure there, he gained invaluable insights into road pavement design and supervision. Notably, he was the principal engineer in the development of a condition assessment module for major freeways in Victoria.

Upon returning to Malaysia, he joined Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd's Infrastructure Research & Development Centre (IRDC) as a Senior Engineer. He actively contributed to geotechnical and pavement design works and various research efforts.

He was promoted to Director at Ikram Centre of Excellence for Sustainability & Green Technology (ICSG), where he championed the organisation's green technology initiatives, implemented sustainability best practices such as the 3R principles, championed energy conservation measures, and established a recycling collection center, in De Centrum City

In 2012, Dato' Kenny Chong transitioned to Protasco Berhad, assuming the role of Special Assistant to the Group Managing Director where he played a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and facilitating the company's business expansion efforts.

He was appointed Executive Director for International Business & Property Development Division in 2013; and in 2014, he was promoted to Managing Director of Protasco Berhad's Property & Infrastructure Division. During his tenure, the division achieved significant milestones, securing numerous Government housing projects, including the prestigious Projek Perumahan Penjawat Awam, valued at nearly RM1 billion.

Prior to his appointment as the Group Managing Director of Protasco Berhad, he was the Managing Director overseeing Protasco's Construction; Property; Trading & Manufacturing divisions, Corporate Security; and Special Projects departments, demonstrating his versatility and ability to manage diverse business operations effectively.

Education and qualifications

• Professional Engineer, Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), 2010.
• Corporate Member, Institute of Engineering, Malaysia (IEM), 2010.
• Master of Engineering Science, University of Melbourne, Australia, 2005
• A member of the Institute of Engineers, Australia, 2004.
• Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours), University of Melbourne, Australia, 2003.

Other public company directorships and offices

None

Family relationship

Eldest son of Dato' Sri Ir Chong Ket Pen, Executive Chairman, who is a major shareholder of Protasco Berhad.

Appointment

Appointed to key senior management in April 2021. Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, Protasco Berhad since 2025.

Skills and experience

Lenny Chong Ther Zern joined Protasco Berhad as Corporate Finance Manager in 2020 and was appointed Executive Director of the Education Division in 2021.

Before joining the group he was an Associate at OCBC Bank in 2018 and Assistant Manager there in 2019, and earlier an Office Administrator at Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt, Australia, in 2013.

Education and qualifications

• CFA charterholder, CFA Institute, 2022.
• Master of Finance, University of Melbourne, Australia, 2017.
• Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting & Finance, University of Melbourne, 2015.

Other directorships

None

Family relationship

Son of Dato' Sri Ir Chong Ket Pen, Executive Chairman, who is a major shareholder of Protasco Berhad, and sibling of Dato' Ir Kenny Chong Ther Nen, Group Managing Director.

Appointment

Appointed to key senior management on 8 June 2026. Chief Financial Officer, Protasco Berhad.

Skills and experience

Yap Yik Yong was Chief Financial Officer of Ventice Berhad in 2018 and Associate Director at Sierac Corporate Advisers Sdn Bhd in 2012.

He was previously Group Financial Controller at Malaysia Pacific Corporation Berhad in 2012, Project Manager (Finance) at Powertek Berhad in 2011, Head of Finance at Mahmood Security (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in 2008, and Senior Finance Manager at Ranhill Berhad in 2005.

Earlier in his career, he served as Financial Controller at Steel Circle Industries Sdn Bhd in 2000, Finance & Administration Manager at Impsa Asia Sdn Bhd in 1997, Accountant at Aggreko (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in 1995, Accountant at Malaysian United Manufacturing Berhad in 1993, and Executive at Pacific & Orient Insurance Company Sdn Bhd in 1989.

Education and qualifications

• Chartered Accountant, Malaysian Institute of Accountants, 1993.
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, United Kingdom, 1993.

Appointment

Appointed to key senior management in August 2026. Chief Executive Officer, Maintenance Division, Protasco Berhad.

Skills and experience

Nikifli Nurizan bin Nik Saad was Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Maintenance Division of Protasco Berhad from June to July 2026 and Chief Operating Officer of Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd in 2026.

He was previously General Manager (Operation) at Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd in 2020, Assistant General Manager in 2015, Operation Manager in 2013, Area Manager-Bangi in 2009, Assistant Technical Manager in 2007, and Technical Executive in 2001.

Earlier in his career, he served as Technical Assistant at Unit Rekabentuk Jalan-Ibu Pejabat JKR in 2001, Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Pronas Construction Sdn Bhd in 1996, and Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Gamuda Sdn Bhd in 1995.

Education and qualifications

• Diploma in Civil Engineering, Politeknik Kota Bharu, 1995.

Appointment

Appointed to key senior management in January 2014. Chief Executive Officer, Engineering & Consultancy Services Division since 2023.

Skills and experience

Within the Protasco group, Dato' Ts. Haji Mohd Taufik Bin Haron was Senior Engineer at Kumpulan IKRAM Sdn Bhd in 2005 and Head of Geotechnical Forensic Unit there in 2007, before becoming Chief Operating Officer of Kumpulan IKRAM Sdn Bhd in 2013 and Chief Operating Officer of Protasco Berhad in 2014.

He went on to serve as Executive Director of HCM Engineering Sdn Bhd in 2016, Executive Director, Group Business Development at Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd in 2018, Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan IKRAM Sdn Bhd in 2019, and BIM Director, IKRAM in 2022.

Earlier in his career he was Trainee Engineer at Bachy Soletanche (M) Sdn Bhd in 1996 and Site Manager there in 1998, Project Manager at Shinei Engineering & Bauer in 1999, Project Engineer at Geopancar Sdn Bhd in 2000, Geotechnical Engineer at IKRAM Runding Sdn Bhd in 2001 and at the IKRAM R&D Centre in 2002, and Senior Engineer at the Research & Development Centre of Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College (KLIUC) in 2003.

Education and qualifications

• Professional Engineer, Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), 2024.
• Professional Technologist, Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT), 2022.
• Professional Engineer Membership, Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), 2015.
• Professional Engineer Membership, Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), 2014.
• Bachelor in Civil Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 1997.

Other directorships

None

Appointment

Appointed to key senior management in January 2017. Executive Director, Engineering, Industries & Agriventures Division since 2022.

Skills and experience

Within Protasco Berhad, Benny Chong Ther Vern was Executive Director, Group Corporate Office in 2017, Executive Director for Engineering & Consultancy Services, Education and Clean Energy in 2018, and Executive Director for Engineering, Education & Industries in 2019.

Earlier in his career he was Business Development Consultant at Protasco Berhad and Head of De Centrum Mall at De Centrum Development Sdn Bhd in 2016, Managing Director of Tutti Frutti Australia Pty Ltd in 2011, and Head of After Sales Service in 2009 and Electronic Engineer in 2006 at XiMAX Communications Sdn Bhd.

Education and qualifications

• Master of Sustainable Energy, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, 2011.
• Master of Finance, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, 2005.
• Bachelor of Electronic Engineering (Honours), RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, 2003.
• Graduate Member, Institute of Engineers, Malaysia, 2010.

Other directorships

• Director, Tenggara Food Industries Sdn Bhd, 2022.
• Director, PJP Barisan HCM JV Sdn Bhd, 2020.

Family relationship

Son of Dato' Sri Ir Chong Ket Pen, Executive Chairman, who is a major shareholder of Protasco Berhad, and sibling of Dato' Ir Kenny Chong Ther Nen, Group Managing Director.

Appointment

Appointed to key senior management in January 2018. Executive Director, Clean Energy Division since 2018.

Skills and experience

Within Protasco Berhad, Denny Chong Ther Shern was Technical Head, Special Projects in 2014 and Head, Special Projects in 2015.

He began his career at C&H Engineering Consultants Sdn Bhd as Project Engineer in 2011 and as Project Manager in 2013.

Education and qualifications

• Masters in Environmental Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia, 2010.
• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), (Honours), University of Melbourne, Australia, 2009.

Other directorships

• Director, IKRAM Greentech Sdn Bhd, 2017.
• Director, i2 Energy Sdn Bhd, 2017.
• Director, i2 Solarpark One Sdn Bhd, 2017.

Family relationship

Son of Dato' Sri Ir Chong Ket Pen, Executive Chairman, who is a major shareholder of Protasco Berhad, and sibling of Dato' Ir Kenny Chong Ther Nen, Group Managing Director.

Appointment

Appointed to key senior management in January 2009. Executive Director, Property & Construction Division since 2016.

Skills and experience

Ir Edward Khoo Mong Wei joined Protasco Development Sdn Bhd as Project Director in 2009.

Before joining the group he was Project Engineer with Cardno Grogans Richards in Melbourne, Australia in 2007, Project Manager at Mahajaya Berhad in 2004, and Structural Engineer at Sepakat Setia Perunding in 2001.

Education and qualifications

• Chartered Professional Engineer of Australia (CP Eng), 2007.
• Professional Engineer Membership, National Professional Engineering Register, Australia (NPER), 2007.
• Professional Engineer Membership, Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), 2006.
• Professional Engineer Membership, Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), 2006.
• Green Building Index (GBI) Accredited Facilitator, 2010.
• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), (Honours), University of Melbourne, Australia, 2000.

Other directorships

• Director, Protasco Development Sdn Bhd, 2013.

Appointment

Appointed to key senior management in July 2001. Executive Director, Trading & Manufacturing Division since 2001.

Skills and experience

Dato' Ronnie Yap Kee Tian joined Protasco Trading Sdn Bhd as Assistant Manager, Marketing in 1997 and was appointed General Manager of the company in 2001.

Education and qualifications

• B.A. (Honours) in Business Administration, University of Coventry, United Kingdom, 1995.
• Certificate in Business Administration and Higher Diploma in Business Administration, INTI College, Petaling Jaya, 1994.

Other directorships

None