RAM Ratings announces leadership transition and appointments

Published on 01 Apr 2024.

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RAM Rating Services Berhad (RAM Ratings), Malaysia’s leading credit rating agency, today announces a leadership transition as Awang Za'aba Awang Mahmud, the company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), steps down after nearly 30 years of distinguished service within the RAM Group. 

Awang Za'aba's journey has been marked by exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. His illustrious career included a pivotal role as Chief Compliance Officer before he assumed the position of CEO in 2022. Under his watch, Awang Za’aba strengthened the rating agency’s franchise in Islamic finance, and enhanced market engagement with stakeholders as well as resource management. RAM Ratings won several accolades including the GIFA Power Award for three consecutive years at the Global Islamic Finance Awards (2021-2023) and being named the Best Islamic Rating Agency (Malaysia) at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2022, showcasing our expertise and impact.

Datuk Kamaruddin Taib, Chairman of the Board, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Awang Za'aba for his invaluable contributions, stating, "His leadership has been pivotal in shaping RAM Ratings' success, and we extend our best wishes to him for a well-deserved retirement."

The Board, with the approval of the Securities Commission Malaysia, has appointed Julie Ng as RAM Ratings' new CEO, effective 1 April 2024. With over 30 years of experience in risk management, credit rating, financial analysis and project management, Julie brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.  As RAM Ratings’ former Deputy CEO and Head of Data Analytics, Julie has demonstrated exceptional leadership in driving strategic business initiatives, spearheading research, and fostering product innovation and development in the risk and sustainability domains, making her a strong leader to steer RAM Ratings’ current aspirations and future endeavours.

RAM Ratings' current Chief Rating Officer (CRO), Siew Suet Ming has been appointed Deputy CEO in addition to her current role. With over 20 years of experience in credit risk management, Suet Ming has played a crucial role in the development of rating methodologies, and evaluation of new asset classes particularly in structured finance. Suet Ming also spearheads RAM’s Islamic finance franchise. As CRO and Deputy CEO, she will continue to oversee the analytical rating operations while supporting the new CEO.

Datuk Kamaruddin Taib expressed confidence in the new leadership team, affirming, "Under the guidance of Julie Ng and Siew Suet Ming, RAM Ratings will continue to enhance its brand equity, drive business growth, and achieve its strategic objectives."

This transition at RAM Ratings underscores RAM Group's unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and sustainability, as it embarks on a journey of innovation and agility to capitalise on emerging growth opportunities while maintaining its core business strengths.

 

Media contact
Sakinah Arifin
(603) 3385 2500
sakinah@ram.com.my

 

About RAM Rating Services Berhad (RAM Ratings)

Established in 1990, RAM Ratings is a leading credit rating agency registered under the Securities Commission’s Guidelines on Credit Rating Agencies. In addition to the provision of credit ratings for corporate bonds and sukuk and their issuers, RAM Ratings also provides research and publications on Islamic finance, fixed income and macro-economic and industry analysis as well as data analytics relating to credit risk, counterparty assessments and other related domains. 

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