KUALA LUMPUR – 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Berhad has appointed corporate tech veteran Dato’ Sivananthan Shanmugam as an Independent Non-Executive Director. The official appointment will take effect on 1 July 2026. This strategic move aims to strengthen the boardroom with deep technical expertise as the retail group expands its operations.
Sivananthan, 58, brings over thirty years of leadership experience from the global technology and telecommunications sectors. He previously served as the Managing Director of Nokia, where he ran operations across Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. He has also held top executive positions at other prominent firms, including IBM, Maxis, and Tech Mahindra.
The business environment is shifting fast. The company noted that his technical literacy will help the board navigate digitalisation, automation, and technology-driven growth. Over his career, Sivananthan has directed corporate transformations involving artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and strategic business turnarounds. His familiarity with Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 systems will support the group as it adopts new data-driven tools, cloud computing, and e-commerce platforms.
Sivananthan holds an Arts degree from the University of Malaya. He is already a familiar face in the Malaysian public market, serving as an independent director for both Media Prima Berhad and C.I. Holdings Berhad. 99 Speedmart expects this corporate transition to enhance its governance framework while expanding its operational footprint.
