Mr Farizal B. Jaafar

MR. FARIZAL B. JAAFAR is the Acting Chief Executive Officer / Chief Commercial Officer at Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Health Malaysia. MHTC is entrusted to promote, facilitate, and strategically expand Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry, which is a significant export service for the country.

Drawing on over 25 years of professional experience in leading corporate and growth strategy, digital marketing, data analytics, business development, and operational transformation, Farizal’s diverse skillset has enabled him to drive sustainable growth by unlocking new sources of value across a wide repertoire of industries, responding to the changing business needs and market dynamics in key transition moments.

Farizal’s strategic thinking skills, leadership abilities, and strong analytical skills have enabled him to work successfully in government-linked organisations, multinational, and local conglomerates spanning various industries, in Malaysia, the United States, and the Asia Pacic region. Additionally, his proficiency in sales and marketing, branding, digital, business development, and market trend analysis have been instrumental in leading national-level healthcare programmes and the implementation of global marketing strategy and campaigns.

After joining MHTC as the Chief Strategy Officer, Farizal’s strengths in managing corporate strategy and transformation programmes, as well as his extensive experience in business development and marketing, led to his appointment as Chief Commercial Officer, and subsequently as the Acting Chief Executive Ofcer. Leveraging his wealth of experience and exceptional leadership skills, Farizal is spearheading MHTC with a focus on establishing long-term strategic partnerships and formulating new revenue opportunities for the organisation and the industry.

Farizal collaborates with a vast network of industry partners to develop corporate and growth strategies. His responsibilities encompass various areas, such as industry development, big data analytics, technology, and digital convergence, brand marketing, market development, emerging businesses, and loyalty strategies
within the healthcare travel industry. In addition, he also oversees the commercialisation and investment opportunities for Malaysia Healthcare’s stakeholders by expanding market pipelines, creating new demand, establishing data supremacy, securing strategic industry partnerships, and adoption of robust digital platform solutions.

Prior to joining MHTC, Farizal served as Sunway’s Hospitality Division’s Group Director of Brand Marketing & Communications. Previously, he was the Senior Vice President, Tourism Development, and Investments at Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), an economic implementation authority, under the purview of Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Office. While serving in the Prime Minister’s Office, Farizal spearheaded various complex and critical economic transformation programmes aimed at improving and realising untapped potential that focused on healthcare, travel and tourism, hospitality, and real estate investments. Farizal has held several senior leadership roles with global hospitality chains, including Hyatt Corporation, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Accor Group in the United States and Asia Pacific.

Farizal obtained his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. He also completed several executive business and leadership development programmes, including the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Farizal is also a well-regarded speaker and frequently delivers talks on the topics of strategy, innovation, and business transformation.

Outside of work, Farizal has a passion for exploring new destinations, immersing himself in diverse local communities and experiencing the unique cuisines, culture, and heritage. As a wellness advocate, he prioritizes mental and physical fitness, dedicating time to maintain a healthy, active, and balanced lifestyle.