2025 Malaysia Budget Tax Seminar KL Edition

Dr. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid

Chief Economist, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (BMMB)

With over two decades of expertise in investment research, Dr. Afzanizam has a distinguished career specializing in economics and capital markets. His professional journey includes significant roles at notable institutions such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, and the Retirement Fund Incorporated (KWAP), where he provided valuable economic insights.

In his current position at BMMB, Dr. Afzanizam is instrumental in offering strategic macroeconomic advice, focusing on fiscal and monetary policy. Beyond his contributions to the financial sector, he is an active commentator in the media, an academic mentor at various local universities, an Adjunct Professor at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and an advisor to the Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy, Parliament of Malaysia.

Dr. Afzanizam's educational credentials are equally impressive, holding a Ph.D. in Economics and an MBA in Applied Finance & Investment from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), along with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Finance and a Diploma in Investment Analysis from UiTM.

Puan Raizam binti Setapa@Mustapha

Assistant Director General of Customs (Enforcement), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD)

Puan Raizam Setapa @ Mustapha serves as the Assistant Director General of Customs (Enforcement) at the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD). With a wealth of experience in customs regulations and tax administration, she has been instrumental in implementing policies like GST and SST, helping businesses navigate compliance challenges.

Her efforts focus on enhancing enforcement, streamlining customs procedures, and ensuring effective tax administration. As a prominent speaker at industry events, she shares valuable insights on regulatory updates, contributing to the ongoing improvement of Malaysia’s customs practices and supporting economic development through efficient enforcement strategies.

Muhammad Aminudin Awaludin

Associate Director, SALIHIN Tax Advisory Sdn Bhd

Muhammad Aminudin Awaludin is an accomplished Associate Director at SALIHIN Tax Advisory Sdn Bhd, bringing over eight years of professional experience in taxation.

He holds professional qualifications from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) from Universiti Teknologi MARA.

His career journey includes various pivotal roles at Ernst & Young Tax Consultant Sdn Bhd, where he progressed from Tax Executive to Senior Tax Executive, Tax Supervisor, and eventually Tax Manager by 2021. In 2022, he joined SALIHIN as a Senior Manager and was promoted to Associate Director in 2024.

Aminudin has managed a wide range of tax-related projects for both governmental and private entities. His notable projects include corporate tax health checks, corporate restructuring, tax audits, and compliance initiatives for large Multi-National Corporations, Government Linked Companies, and SMEs. His strong leadership in overseeing these projects as a Project Manager has contributed to his success in the field.

His expertise spans corporate tax compliance, advisory, tax management and restructuring, tax audits, and withholding tax, making him a key figure in delivering high-quality tax solutions.

Ivy Ling Yieng Ping

Partner, Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill

Ivy’s area of practice focuses on tax advisory and litigation, including indirect taxes such as sales and service tax (SST), goods and services tax (GST), as well as import, export, and excise duties involving the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Customs).

Ivy represents and advises a vast array of clients, ranging from multinational corporations, manufacturers, property developers, construction companies, and utility companies to GLCs and financial institutions. She is routinely engaged by clients to represent them in complex GST and SST litigations. Her extensive experience in Customs’ audits and investigations, combined with her background as a former Big 4 indirect tax advisor, enables her to offer pragmatic litigation strategies and practical solutions to clients.

She regularly advises taxpayers on SST exemptions, Customs’ valuations, GST/SST transitional issues, voluntary disclosures, Customs’ penalties, and indirect tax planning and restructuring. Ivy is a regular speaker for the Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. She is also a frequent contributor to various tax publications.

Ivy graduated from Aberystwyth University in Wales. She was called to the English Bar in 2013 and is a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. She was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 2016.

She was recently acknowledged as a “Next Generation Partner” for Tax by The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2024 rankings, a “Rising Star” for Tax by Asialaw, and a “Highly Regarded Practitioner 2025” for Indirect Tax and Tax Controversy by ITR World Tax 2025 rankings.

Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Nizom Sairi

Tax Advisor, SALIHIN

Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Nizom bin Sairi, born on December 17, 1962, in Klang, Selangor, is an accomplished leader in Malaysia’s tax administration. He served as the Chief Executive Officer and Director General of the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDNM) up until 2023. With a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years, he has been a key figure in the development and enforcement of Malaysia’s tax policies.

Dr. Mohd Nizom holds a PhD from the Swiss School of Management, earned in 2022. He also holds a master's degree in information system management from Lawrence Technological University in Michigan, USA, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada. His academic achievements have earned him additional recognition, including titles such as Adjunct Professor at UNITAR International University and Honorary Professor at the University of Cyberjaya, both conferred in 2023.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mohd Nizom has actively participated in international tax forums, solidifying his reputation as a global leader in tax administration. He is the Chairman of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) for the 2021–2024 term and served as Head of the Executive Council of the Association of Tax Authorities of Islamic Countries (ATAIC) from 2021 to 2023. His global contributions include representing Malaysia at events hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the G20, and SGATAR, helping to drive innovations and reforms in tax systems both regionally and internationally.

Dato’ Abd Aziz Abu Bakar

President Malaysian Association of Tax Accountants (MATA)

Dato' Hj. Abd Aziz bin Abu Bakar is a highly respected tax consultant with over 33 years of experience in accounting and taxation. He serves as the President of the Malaysian Association of Tax Accountants (MATA) and holds numerous influential positions, including membership in the Malaysian Harvard Business School Alumni Club, Islamic Financial Planner (IFP), and the Malaysian Financial Planner Association (FPAM). He is also a member of several advisory boards, including Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and INTI International University, and holds various directorships, such as at Akademi Ikhtisas Berhad and SALIHIN Shariah Advisory Sdn Bhd.

Dato' Hj. Abd Aziz's career began with an international accounting firm, where he gained extensive experience in corporate and individual tax planning, tax audits, and business advisory. He frequently collaborates with the Malaysian Ministry of Finance and other governmental bodies on tax matters and is a sought-after speaker on economic issues, particularly income tax, GST, SST, and Zakat. His expertise extends to lecturing on Islamic Financial Planning and co-authoring books on Zakat management and taxation.

Additionally, Dato' Hj. Abd Aziz is a Licensed Tax Agent under the Income Tax Act 1967 and is authorized to assess and collect Zakat for various Malaysian states. His contributions to the field of taxation and customs were recognized with a "Certificate of Merit" from the World Customs Organization. He also advises on Malaysia’s annual federal budget analysis through publications by MATA.

Chin Chee Seong

National President, SME Association of Malaysia

With over 38 years of experience across various industries, CS Chin is a seasoned professional specializing in Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Venture Investment. His career spans Malaysia, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, collaborating with companies such as IBM, Telekom Malaysia, and Gozzo Rosso Japan. He has held leadership roles as the Independent Director of M-Mode Bhd and Non-Executive Director of Galasys PLC.

Currently, CS Chin serves as the CEO and Director of Seatech Ventures Corp (US-OTC: SEAV). He is actively engaged in regional business networks and NGOs, holding prominent positions such as National President of the SME Association of Malaysia and President Emeritus of the Malaysia Cross Border E-Commerce Association. Additionally, he serves as Deputy President of the Malaysia Independent Non-Executive Director Association and has previously chaired the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM).

CS Chin is also deeply committed to advancing ESG principles as the Founding Advisor of the ESG Association of Malaysia. His corporate focus includes venture advisory services, assisting startups and scale-ups in navigating the US-OTC and NASDAQ markets. His extensive network across Greater China and the Asia-Pacific region further enhances his influence and expertise.

Dr. Rasyidah Che Rosli

Director, E-Invoice Division, Tax Operations Department, Inland Revenue Board Of Malaysia (LHDNM)

Dr. Rasyidah Che Rosli is currently the Director of the e-Invoice Division, Tax Operations Department, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (HASiL). She has served with HASiL for more than 17 years and has been involved in various fields, including e-Invoicing implementation in IRBM, tax compliance for corporate and individual taxpayers, as well as the implementation of data analytics.

Dr. Rasyidah has co-authored two publications on tax and has presented at tax conferences both locally and internationally. She holds a PhD in Accounting (Taxation), a Master’s in Forensic Accounting & Financial Criminology, and a Degree in Accounting.

Surin Segar Gnanasegaram

Senior Executive Vice President, Head Of Group Tax Maybank

Surin Segar Gnanasegaram is the Senior Executive Vice President at Maybank, overseeing taxation for the Group. He holds several leadership roles and contributes extensively to various professional organizations.

Leadership Roles:

• President of CPA Australia Divisional Council in Malaysia
• Chair of tax committees for:
  •  Association of Banks
  •  Malaysian Investment Banking Association
• Member of tax committees at:
  •  Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
  •  CPA Australia

Additional Roles:

•  Council member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
•  Disciplinary Committee Chairman at the Malaysian Institute of Accountants