Datuk Zahid bin Ismail, Director General of the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), is a distinguished leader in the field of national productivity and competitiveness, with more than three decades of service in advancing Malaysia’s economic growth through policy reforms, organizational transformation, and international collaborations.

Career Journey and Leadership

Datuk Zahid has held several pivotal roles in MPC, where he has consistently driven initiatives to enhance productivity at both national and sectoral levels. Prior to his current appointment as Director General, he served as the Deputy Director General of the Productivity & Competitiveness Development Division (2019–2023) and earlier as its Director (2009–2019). In these positions, he was instrumental in shaping national strategies that aligned productivity growth with Malaysia’s long-term economic aspirations.

His extensive experience and commitment to organizational excellence have made him a trusted figure in guiding both public and private sectors towards higher efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation.

Contributions to National Development

Beyond his role in MPC, Datuk Zahid has contributed significantly to national development through active participation in various high-level committees and councils. He is currently the Head of the National Productivity Organisation and Alternate Director of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), representing Malaysia in international platforms dedicated to productivity and sustainable economic advancement.

Among his many contributions, he serves as:

• Member of the Public Sector Premier Innovation Award (AIPSA) Committee (2023–Present), promoting innovation across government agencies.
• Member of the Executive Committee for the Implementation of the Progressive Wage Policy (2023–Present), ensuring fair and sustainable wage practices that enhance workforce productivity.
• Chairperson of the Technical Committee for “Research on Data Profiling of Establishments Within Priority Sectors” (2020–Present), providing evidence-based insights for national policy.
• Permanent Member of the Steering Committee for the National Trade Blueprint (MATRADE) (2020–Present), strengthening Malaysia’s trade competitiveness.
• Member of the National Standards ISO Committee on Corporate Governance Efficiency Measurement (2019–Present).

Previously, he also contributed as an Alternate Member of the PSMB Board of Directors (2020–2023), Panel Evaluator for the CIDB Construction Industry Excellence Awards (2017–2018), and Permanent Member of the National APEC SCSC Committee (2012–2014). His leadership in these roles reflects his broad influence in shaping policies, standards, and best practices for productivity improvement across industries.

Academic Excellence

Datuk Zahid holds a Master’s Degree in Quality Management from Meiji University, Japan (2005), where he gained valuable exposure to Japan’s world-renowned productivity and quality practices. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (1988), which laid the foundation for his structured and analytical approach to problem-solving and governance.

Recognition and Honours

His exemplary service and contributions have been recognized through several prestigious national honours:

• Darjah Kebesaran Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (P.W.M.) by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong (2025).
• Darjah Johan Mangku Negara (J.M.N.) by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong (2024).
• Darjah Johan Negeri (D.J.N.) by the Governor of Penang (2023).

These honours reflect not only his personal achievements but also his unwavering dedication to the nation’s development agenda.

A Visionary for Malaysia’s Productivity Future

Throughout his career, Datuk Zahid has been at the forefront of initiatives that link productivity with economic resilience. His work emphasizes the integration of data-driven policies, progressive wage structures, international cooperation, and innovation in governance. As Director General of MPC, he continues to lead with vision, ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive in an increasingly complex global economy.