AdminYBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) Rozali Ismail, was honored with the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the recently concluded 13th Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2022 Malaysia.
Organised by Enterprise Asia, the APEA is the region’s most prestigious awards recognizing entrepreneurial excellence across Asia. Held annually across 16 countries, the awards aim to foster the continuity of sustainable entrepreneurial growth in Asian economies.
Puncak Niaga
The Executive Chairman of Puncak Niaga Holdings Berhad (PNHB) was among 47 business leaders and enterprises recognised for playing a vital role in shaping Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape in the post-pandemic era.
PNHB Group, a pioneer in Malaysia’s water industry, was founded by Tan Sri Rozali in the 1990’s.
Under his helm the Group has grown into a reputable conglomerate with diversified businesses primarily engaged in water, wastewater and environmental engineering with involvement in facilities management services, plantation sectors as well as research and technology development.
The Group has continued to create sustainable value and triumphantly exceeded the expectations of its stakeholders despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tan Sri Rozali’s prudent, focused, committed, and disciplined approach was the key in ensuring Puncak Niaga’s business resilience in withstanding external headwinds despite the intensely difficult operating environment in 2020.
Although Tan Sri Rozali Ismail expects the challenges and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to persist over the next two years, he remains focused on the execution of strategies within Puncak Niaga business segments towards the Group’s long-term growth and value creation prospects.
‘Malaysia’s Water King’
Tan Sri Rozali Ismail earned his Bachelor of Laws from the Universiti of Malaya in 1981. He started his career as a legal advisor for the Urban Development Authority.
In 1983, he joined Bank Islam (M) Berhad, where he conceptualised Malaysia’s first Islamic banking institution.
In 1989, he ventured into the property industry with the development of the Bandar Baru Puncak Alam townships under Puncak Alam Housing Sdn Bhd.
The corporate figure was also known as “The Water-Man” and “Malaysia’s Water King” for his contributions in revitalising Malaysia’s water industry.
Puncak Niaga Group was entrusted by the Selangor State Government to operate, manage, and maintain the entire water distribution supply system for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya.
From 2005 to 2015, he oversaw the privatisation of the treated water supply distribution system for Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SYABAS).
Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honours including from His Majesty the King of Malaysia as well as honorary doctorates from international institutions.
Tan Sri Rozali is also well-known for his work as a Trustee of social foundations and President of non-profit organisations that serve the public interest.
He recently has expressed his interest to venture into politics by contesting the 15th General Election (GE15) as a candidate in Kuala Selangor.
Tan Sri Rozali who was raised in Felda Gedangsa, Hulu Selangor is expected to set up a new party to represent the current generation of Felda settlers.
