HHRG appoints Weststar founder Syed Azman as executive chairman

PETALING JAYA: HHRG Bhd has appointed Weststar Group founder and owner Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim as its executive chairman, with his immediate focus set on advancing the group’s 150-acre development in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

In a statement, the manufacturer and trader of biomass material said the appointment will see Syed Azman take on an active strategic role in overseeing the development, as well as HHRG’s land bank in Kulim, while evaluating potential investment and growth opportunities for the group.

The Sungai Petani development, held through HHRG’s majority stakes in OPen Road (SP Circuit) Sdn Bhd and ORIC Development (SP) Sdn Bhd, has progressed beyond the preliminary planning stage, with on-site earthworks nearing completion.

The integrated development is planned to feature a world-class drag strip as its centrepiece, alongside a motorsports-themed industrial park.

HHRG said Syed Azman, a Sungai Petani native, brings experience across the aviation, defence, property, construction, automotive, energy and food and beverage sectors through Weststar Group.

Commenting on his appointment, Syed Azman said the appointment was particularly meaningful as Sungai Petani was his hometown, adding that he looked forward to helping HHRG evaluate and advance its development opportunities.

Syed Azman holds a doctorate in engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

He began his career in the Royal Intelligence Corps of the Malaysian Armed Forces and served for 30 years before retiring as a major in 1994. In 2002, he founded Weststar Aviation Services, a provider of offshore helicopter transportation services operating across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

HHRG added that Syed Azman is also an independent trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation.