Senior Leadership

Henry Tan Poh Hock

Chief Executive Officer

Malaysian, 55, Male

Henry joined our Group on 2 May 2008 as Chief Operating Officer and was redesignated as Group Chief Content & Consumer Officer on 1 November 2017. He has also been serving as Chairman of Go Shop, Astro's home shopping platform, since 28 April 2014. On 1 February 2019 Henry was appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

Henry was key in introducing Malaysians to high definition (“HD”) TV viewing with Astro B.yond, and launching the first free satellite multichannel service, NJOI. He raised the bar on storytelling and championed vernacular and Asian originals, from film to TV to digital, to ensure consumer relevance, reach and engagement.

His many firsts include Tutor TV, Malaysia's first free learning channels; Astro First, a cinema in your home service; eGG Network, the first regional eSports channel; Boo, the first Asian horror channel; local Hua Hee Hokkien entertainment and the hugely popular Malay ‘Lawak’ comedy brands. He is focused on creating digital content experiences via Astro digital brands such as Gempak, Xuan, Ulagam, ZAYAN, AWANI and Stadium Astro.

Henry believes in the potential of Malaysian movies and was instrumental in the success of seven of Malaysia’s top 10 films: The Journey, Polis Evo and Polis Evo 2, OlaBola, Abang Long Fadil 2, Hantu Kak Limah, and Paskal.

Henry was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Mindshare Malaysia and GroupM (Malaysia and Singapore). Prior to that, he held the position of Media Director, Ogilvy & Mather and General Manager, HVD Entertainment. He holds degrees in Business (Marketing) and Arts (Communications) from Chisholm Institute of Technology Australia (now known as Monash University).

Shafiq Abdul Jabbar

Chief Financial Officer

Malaysian, 41, Male

Shafiq joined our Group on 9 January 2017 as Chief Financial Officer.

He oversees the finance and risk management functions across our Group encompassing financial control, process risk assurance, treasury, business partner advisory, investor relations, corporate finance, and tax. More recently his role has expanded to oversee legal, procurement, strategic contracts and regulatory relations as well.

Prior to joining Astro, he was the Group Financial Controller and Chief Financial Officer (Malaysia) of CIMB Bank Berhad. Before joining CIMB, he was Executive Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a role he held having advanced from managerial positions in its Kuala Lumpur and London offices, where he provided assurance and advisory services to key clients listed on Bursa Malaysia and FTSE 100.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance from the University of Melbourne, Australia and was formerly the Malaysian Chair of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Phuah Aik Chong

Director, Technology

Malaysian, 47, Male

A pioneer member of Astro, Aik Chong has served our Group across different technology roles. In his current role, he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Technology & Broadcast functions in our Group. This includes technical strategy, development, delivery and the continuous uninterrupted operations of technology and broadcast platforms.

He spearheads the design, development and delivery of products and services for homes and individuals. He leads our Group’s technology-related functions, enabling the delivery of Astro services through satellite, broadband and mobile platforms. He also leads data and analytics, software engineering, cloud platform, broadcast platform, enterprise IT, cyber security and project management office.

He received a Master in Business Administration from the University of Chicago – Booth School of Business, and holds a Bachelor in Electronic and Computer Engineering (Honours) from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Dr. Grace Lee Hwee Ling

Chief Executive Officer, Go Shop

Malaysian, 43, Female

Grace joined our Group’s Corporate Assurance Division on 2 January 2001 and has held several other roles within the Group including Head of Process Improvement, Group Financial Controller and Chief Risk Officer prior to her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Go Shop on 1 October 2016. She was also recently appointed as a board member of Malaysian Global Innovation and Creative Centre (MaGIC).

She is responsible for driving Go Shop’s growth, doubling Go Shop’s customer base and growing cumulative top line revenue to RM1 billion since joining Go Shop in October 2016. This was achieved through her strategic focus on continuous improvement of customer experience, content production, formats and distribution, analytics-driven sales and marketing initiatives, supply chain management and technology. Prior to joining Astro, she worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Assurance and Advisory Division.

Grace earned her Doctorate in Business Administration from ELM-Graduate School, HELP University and was awarded the Distinguished 2018 Alumni Award for her outstanding performance. She received a degree in Accounting and Finance from Curtin University and a Master in Business Administration with Distinction from Charles Sturt University, both in Australia. She is an Australian Fellow of Certified Practicing Accountant (FCPA Aust.), Information Systems Auditor (CISA,US) and is Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT, US).

Datuk Jake Abdullah

Chief Executive Officer, Astro Radio

Malaysian, 53, Male

Jake joined our Group on 1 April 1996 and was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Astro Radio on 19 December 2013.

He is responsible for overseeing Astro Radio’s strategic direction, particularly for brands and talent, as well as driving radex growth. Jake is also the Chief Executive Officer of Rocketfuel Entertainment which spearheads talent-driven digital content across our Group’s platforms.

Jake also led the setup of four Astro affiliated radio stations overseas, namely Aamar FM and Power FM in India; and Gen FM and Jak FM in Jakarta. He holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool, UK.

Gavin Baxter

Senior Vice President, Human Capital

British, 44, Male

Gavin joined our Group on 3 September 2018 as the Senior Vice President of Human Capital.

He leads our Group’s Human Capital operations, which aims to provide an amazing people experience for everyone at Astro through a culture of creativity, diversity and collaboration.

A senior HR professional with over 15 years of experience, working in both Australia and the UK, Gavin spent the last 6 years in the technology/media sector as the Group Head of Talent Performance for Sky plc in the UK where he developed and delivered the group’s talent strategy. Prior to that he was the Head of Organisational Capability, Optus Business in Australia. In both roles, he was involved in the ongoing digital transformation of the organisations.

He has also held senior roles in professional services firms including Deloitte Australia and BDO Australia. Gavin started his career in the insurance industry with Royal Sun Alliance & QBE where he advanced into management positions in the UK & Australia.

Gavin studied at the University of East Anglia, UK where he pursued technical insurance qualifications with the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Mazhairul Jamaludin (MJ)

Director, Pay-TV

Malaysian, 49, Male

MJ serves as Director, Pay-TV at Astro on 16 January 2019. He was previously Financial Controller and Senior Vice President, Commercial Services Multichannel TV at Astro until 2010.

He is responsible for driving Astro’s Pay-TV business, ensuring its continued and sustainable growth. He currently oversees product management, customer experience and service operations.

MJ has diverse experiences in media, assurance, advisory, telco and private equity. Prior to joining Astro, he was Senior Director, Investment/Outsourcing of Ekuinas. Other positions he held at Ekuinas include Chief Financial Officer, Senior Director of Ekuinas’ education portfolio and Head of Ekuinas’ Outsourced Programme. He also had a stint at Celcom as Vice President of Financial Accounting and Management Reporting, and served at both Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young where he provided assurance and advisory services.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Lancaster University, UK, and is a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) UK. He has also been accorded Chartered Accountant Malaysia as well as ASEAN Chartered Professional Accountant. He is currently a member of the Professional Accounts in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and sits on the board of Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd and AXA AFFIN Life Insurance Berhad.

Chong Teck Hiong (TH)

Director, Media Sales

Malaysian, 56, Male

TH joined our Group on 16 April 2007 as Group General Manager of Sales, Astro Radio and was instrumental in driving Astro’s Radio Adex revenue from RM180 million to RM340 million in FY2016.

In 2016, TH was appointed as Director, Media Sales, leading the team in media sales and services across all Astro media assets, including TV, Radio and Digital. He is responsible for spearheading the growth of group media sales Adex revenue and driving integrated media solutions across all Astro’s media properties and Intellectual Properties.

His key achievements include centralising Blaze Digital advertising sales and sales operations system, extending advertising sales beyond pure commercial airtime to include event, activation capabilities, formulating media sales strategy and operation efficiency, as well as trade marketing communication.

With 30 years of experience in advertising and brand management, TH has held various senior positions in MNCs including Ford Malaysia, Guinness Berhad and M&C Saatchi, where he was part of the management team responsible in establishing an international creative advertising agency in Malaysia. TH received his Business Administration degree, majoring in Marketing from University of Arkansas, USA.

Alison Lau

Director, Customer Sales

Malaysian, 53, Female

Alison joined our Group on 8 September 1996 and was appointed as Director, Customer Sales on 1 February 2019.

She is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction on customer sales, business development, customer operations and supply chain. She spearheaded and managed Astro regional sales channels and operations in achieving targets and operational efficiency in her previous role as Head of National Sales. She was instrumental in contributing to the growth of Astro’s penetration in East Malaysia from 34% in 2008 to 83% in 2018 through market and business intelligence. She has extensive experience in customer service and retention via key customer strategies and sustainable, market-driven initiatives.

She graduated from the Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre (SHATEC) and holds a certificate of Specialisation from the American Hotel and Motel Association (AHMA).

Agnes Rozario

Director, Content

Malaysian, 51, Female

A pioneer member of Astro, Agnes was appointed as Director, Content on 1 February 2019.

She leads the Group’s content team, covering Malay, Nusantara, Chinese, Indian, International, Korean, Hollywood, Kids, Sports and Film businesses. She was instrumental in driving the success of Astro On Demand services, bringing the Astro First cinema experience into customers’ homes, and introducing Astro Best which allows early access to global blockbuster movies. Being a passionate advocate of regional content, she has championed numerous Asian and Southeast Asian initiatives, which include introducing horror channel Boo and bringing the Korean wave to Astro’s offerings.

Agnes holds degrees in Law and Economics from Monash University, Australia and completed Harvard Business School’s General Management Programme.

Christinne Lim Yen Wah

Director, Marketing

Malaysian, 43, Female

Christinne joined our Group on 18 April 2005 and was appointed as Director, Marketing on 1 February 2019.

She is responsible for providing leadership in marketing strategies and promotion of Astro’s products, services and content IPs ranging from on-air, online to on-ground. She also oversees the Group’s strategic imperatives and business development activities, delivering strong value proposition to Astro customers. Prior to this, Christinne led different portfolios within the Group including regional content, content strategy and marketing, premium business and corporate finance. Before joining Astro, she was Corporate Finance Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services, Malaysia.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce with First Class Honours from Lincoln University, New Zealand.

Tammy Toh Seok Kheng

Director, Communications

Malaysian, 51, Female

Tammy joined our Group on 3 September 2007 as Vice President, Communications. In her current role, she is responsible for reinforcing our Group’s market leadership via 360° communications.

She spearheads external and internal communications for the Company’s financial reporting, crisis management, digital and social media, product launches, corporate events, foundation and community sponsorship programs, employee relations, as well as diversity and inclusion.

On 1 March 2019 she took on the corporate responsibility and stakeholder management portfolio, including Astro Kasih which promotes education, community advancement, sports development and environmental awareness, particularly in underserved communities across Malaysia.

Prior to joining Astro, Tammy served in senior positions in various industries including Royal Selangor Pewter, Maybank, Gamuda Berhad, Alliance Financial Group and Tesco.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from University of Malaya, and is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

Laila Saat

Director, Regulatory

Malaysian, 50, Female

Laila joined our Group on 3 May 2005 and was appointed as Vice President, Regulatory, Intellectual Property Protection & Industry Affairs on 1 April 2009.

In her current role, she is responsible for providing specialist advice on the Malaysian regulatory framework and facilitating a conducive regulatory environment for the execution of our Group’s strategic imperatives. Working alongside the relevant authorities and stakeholders, she is instrumental in spearheading anti-piracy initiatives in the industry besides leading our Group’s intellectual property protection efforts. She has 25 years of working experience both in local and international markets. Prior to joining our Group, she worked in the communications and property industries, including UEM Holdings Bhd.

She received a Master of Science in Corporate Communications from University Putra Malaysia and holds a Bachelor of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from University of Malaya.

Liew Wei Yee Sharon

Company Secretary

Malaysian, 47, Female

Sharon joined our Group on 1 March 2002 and was appointed as the Company Secretary of Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad since its incorporation on 14 February 2012. Prior to that, she was the Company Secretary of Astro All Asia Networks Plc, a position she has held since January 2008.

She is responsible for the overall corporate secretarial and governance functions of our Group. Her responsibilities include advising our Board on its role and responsibilities, managing our Board and shareholders’ meetings, as well as providing efficient administration to our Group entities with regards to compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. She also acts as the focal point for shareholders’ communication and is a conduit between our Board members and Senior Leadership to ensure proper communication.

She has over 20 years of working experience in the corporate secretarial field and is a licensed secretary approved by the Companies Commission of Malaysia. She holds a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from the University of London and was issued the Certificate of Legal Practice by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board, Malaysia.