Leave a Nest Malaysia Appoints Dr. Arief Izzairy Bin Zamani as New Local Director, Strengthening Its Role as Southeast Asia Headquarters
Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Arief Izzairy Bin Zamani as its new Local Director, effective 1 December 2025. This appointment represents a significant milestone for the organisation as it enters its 13th fiscal year, following the celebration of its 12-year anniversary in 2025.
A Leader Shaped by Experience and Resilience
Dr. Arief has been a key member of Leave a Nest Malaysia since 2020, joining as an Assistant Manager in the Human Development Division during the height of the global pandemic. As one of the four local members who remained with the organisation throughout this difficult period, he contributed substantially to sustaining operations and maintaining critical engagement with partners.
In 2024, he was promoted to Head of the Human Development Division, where he led strategic initiatives in youth development, educator training, and leadership capacity-building. His strong foundation in scientific research and human development has played an essential role in expanding programmes that nurture emerging leaders in science and technology.
With his appointment as Local Director, Dr. Arief will further support Leave a Nest Malaysia’s mission to establish itself as the regional Training Hub for developing talent and leadership across Southeast Asia.
A Strengthened Leadership and Management Team
In his new capacity, Dr. Arief joins a strengthened multinational leadership team comprising Malaysian Local Directors Mr. Abdul Hakim Sahidi and Mr. Nur Ahmad Zaim, along with Japanese Directors Dr. Yukihiro Maru and Dr. Yuko Ueno. Together, this diverse and experienced leadership group forms a unified governance structure that enhances strategic oversight and organisational capacity.
The combined expertise and perspectives of both local and international directors will further empower Leave a Nest Malaysia to fulfil its responsibilities as the Southeast Asia Headquarters (SEA HQ), ensuring more effective coordination of regional initiatives and deeper engagement across the Southeast Asian region.
Advancing Into Fiscal Year 13 and Beyond
As Leave a Nest Malaysia enters its 13th fiscal year, the organisation remains committed to strengthening its programmes in education, research development, talent cultivation, and deep-tech ecosystem building. The appointment of Dr. Arief underscores the company’s continued focus on expanding its regional role and accelerating collaborative efforts throughout Southeast Asia.
Looking Ahead
Leave a Nest Malaysia extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, collaborators, and Nakama who have supported the organisation since its establishment in 2013. With renewed leadership and a clear regional mandate, the company looks forward to achieving even greater impact in the years ahead.