KUALA LUMPUR: The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) has announced the appointment of Datuk Ashari Kasnan as its chief executive, effective Nov 1, 2026, succeeding Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman who has served since Jan 1, 2025.
In a statement today, IRDA said this appointment marks a new chapter in IRDA's leadership as Iskandar Malaysia builds on two decades of regional development and advances its next phase of growth.
"Ashari's appointment comes as Iskandar Malaysia moves beyond its 20th anniversary in 2026 and enters its next phase of regional development.
"As chief executive, he will lead IRDA's efforts to facilitate strategic investments, strengthen the region's economic competitiveness and promote balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth, while advancing Iskandar Malaysia's long-term development priorities and reinforcing Johor's position as a competitive investment destination," IRDA said.
Ashari has more than three decades of experience in the Johor state civil service, with a career spanning land administration, district administration, institutional development, entrepreneurship and economic development.
Prior to his appointment at IRDA, he served as the chief executive officer of the Johor State Biotechnology and Biodiversity Corporation (J'Biotech) and J-Biotech Holdings Sdn Bhd.
His previous appointments include deputy state secretary of Johor (development), director of the Johor Land and Mines Office, Mersing district officer, and executive director and general manager of Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn. Bhd. (PUJB).
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