Ashari Kasnan appointed CEO of Iskandar Regional Development Authority
His tenure begins Nov 1, taking over from Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman, who has led the agency since Jan 1, 2025.
Datuk Ashari Kasnan will become chief executive officer of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) on Nov 1, the agency said. The career civil servant replaces Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman.
IRDA said Ashari’s responsibilities will include facilitating strategic investment and improving the region’s economic competitiveness. He will also oversee work on Iskandar Malaysia’s long-term development priorities, with a focus on balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth.
Before this appointment, Ashari was CEO of both the Johor State Biotechnology and Biodiversity Corporation and J-Biotech Holdings Sdn Bhd. His Johor state civil service career spans more than three decades, covering areas including land and district administration, entrepreneurship and economic development.
His earlier roles include Johor deputy state secretary responsible for development, Johor Land and Mines Office director and Mersing district officer. He previously held IRDA’s state commissioner post from January 2016 to December 2017.
A federal statutory body under the Ministry of Economy, IRDA has the main regulatory responsibility for planning and facilitating Iskandar Malaysia’s development. It also coordinates the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as the lead agency.
