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IRF Washington Names its 2016 Industry Professional of the Year:

Malaysia’s Minister of Works receives IRF’s top award. YB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Minister of Works and one of the chief architects behind Malaysia’s spectacular highway investment programme has been nominated to receive IRF’s most distinguished individual honor. Established in 1951, IRF’s Professional of the Year award recognises eminent public, private and education sector professionals with an outstanding track record of leadership and commitment to the road transport industry. Over the y
October 18, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
RSSMalaysia’s Minister of Works receives IRF’s top award

YB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Minister of Works and one of the chief architects behind Malaysia’s spectacular highway investment programme has been nominated to receive 3918 IRF Washington’s most distinguished individual honor.

Established in 1951, IRF’s Professional of the Year award recognises eminent public, private and education sector professionals with an outstanding track record of leadership and commitment to the road transport industry. Over the years, the award has recognised some of the world’s most influential transport leaders for their work in the field of advocacy, policy, research and educational programmes in support of better, safer, and more sustainable road networks globally.

Prior to his involvement in politics, Dato Fadillah was actively involved in non-governmental organisations and numerous charities. His foray into politics saw him elected as a Member of Parliament in 2004. In 2008, Fadillah was elevated to the post of Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation leading to his appointment in 2013 as Minister of Works.

Dato Fadillah quickly immersed himself in implementing innovative strategies to aggressively address Malaysia’s road deficit as a means to promote economic development and shared prosperity. Malaysia has now embarked on its most ambitious road development program since independence – the Trans Borneo Highway connecting the states of Sarawak and Sabah and linking Brunei Darussalam. Estimated to cost some 27 billion Malaysian Ringgit, this 2,080km (1,300mile), four-lane toll-free highway is scheduled for completion in 2025.
Accepting the award, the Minister noted that “road construction is expected to continue being an important driver for the economy and a key generator of skilled jobs for Malaysians as we progress towards a high-income nation”.

IRF Chairman Abdullah Al-Mogbel highlighted the achievements under Minister Fadillah’s tenure, noting they would serve as an inspiration for regional leaders in their efforts to address Asia’s infrastructure deficit. “The award will also further strengthen the ties between Malaysian transport stakeholders and the global community of road professionals'” he added.  

The award is presented during the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd IRF Asia Regional Congress & Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

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