General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Abdul Aziz bin Haji Zainal (R)

Principal Advisor
Nehrasia Group Sdn Bhd
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General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Abdul Aziz bin Haji Zainal serves as the Principal Advisor to Nehrasia Group Sdn Bhd, bringing with him an impressive record of national service, top-level leadership, and profound strategic understanding gained from more than 50 years of experience in institutional governance, defense, and diplomacy. For many years, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz served as Malaysia's 17th Chief of Defence Forces, the country's top military officer.

He oversaw the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the three main branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces, and was in charge of the country's defense strategy, regional military cooperation, force modernization, and general operational preparedness. During this time, his leadership was distinguished by revolutionary projects including the Fourth Dimension Malaysian Armed Forces (4D-MAF) structure, which placed an emphasis on integrated joint operations, performance-based culture, and technology-driven capabilities.

After completing his studies at the Royal Military College in Sungai Besi, he entered the military in 1971. He advanced through the ranks over the course of the following three decades, holding a number of command and staff positions, such as Assistant Defence Attaché in the Philippines, Commander of Malaysian Contingents in Bosnia under NATO-led peacekeeping operations, and Chief of Army prior to his appointment as Chief of Defence Forces.

Tan Sri Abdul Aziz was appointed Ambassador of Malaysia to France after retiring from active military service, and he also held concurrent accreditations to Portugal and Monaco from 2010 to 2013. In this diplomatic capacity, he was able to fortify bilateral collaboration in a number of vital areas and boost Malaysia's economic and defense connections with the European Union.

Tan Sri Abdul Aziz has held positions as Chairman, Director, and Advisor in a variety of corporate settings, including defense, finance, infrastructure, and government-affiliated businesses. His extensive background makes him a sought-after consultant for organizations needing in-depth knowledge of international involvement, risk management, defense and security strategy, and government policy.

Tan Sri Abdul Aziz is essential in setting the strategic direction of Nehrasia Group Sdn Bhd, guaranteeing the quality of governance, and promoting high-level stakeholder engagement with the public and private sectors. His knowledge is crucial in coordinating the Group's goals with regional economic goals, national development targets, and ESG-driven growth.

As Principal Advisor, he provides strategic counsel on

  • National and regional policy alignment

  • Risk and regulatory compliance

  • Public-private sector relations

  • Corporate governance and institutional transformation

  • Strategic positioning in defence, infrastructure, and innovation sectors

Renowned for his integrity, foresight, and disciplined leadership, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz is a symbol of Nehrasia Group’s commitment to excellence, resilience, and nation-building. His presence on the Group’s leadership team underscores its dedication to operating at the highest standards of professionalism, national relevance, and global competitiveness.