- Appointed in 2020, Thomas led TalentCorp’s renewal, strengthening governance and strategic sustainability
- Ling brings over 20 years of experience in business transformation, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships to the role
Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) has announced a leadership transition, with Thomas Mathew completing his tenure as group CEO on 3 November 2025. Edward Ling (pic) has been appointed as the new group CEO, effective 4 November 2025.
Appointed in 2020, Thomas led TalentCorp through a period of renewal and transformation that reinforced governance, financial sustainability, and strategic relevance. Under his leadership, TalentCorp evolved from a programme-based agency into a policy enabler and strategic think tank under the Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma).
Key outcomes during his tenure include strengthening governance, institutional frameworks, and organisational resilience to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainable operations. During his tenure, he has played a role in advancing Malaysia’s future skills agenda through MyMahir — establishing the International Labour Organisation-recognised Future Skills Talent Council, publishing the national MyMahir Impact Study, and launching the MyMahir National AI Council for Industry.
Additionally, TalentCorp has driven innovation through reforms, including Xpats Gateway, flagship initiatives (MyNext, MyHeart), and the world-first Expatriate Services Centre at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, recognised by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation in 2024 as a Champion Leader for expediting employment pass approvals and improving Malaysia’s talent rankings under Kesuma.
Thomas has also been significant in advancing inclusion and workforce participation through initiatives such as Life At Work, Career Comeback, Wanita MyWira, and Veteran MyWira, aligning diversity and flexibility with productivity growth.
Wong Shu Qi, chair of TalentCorp, expressed the Board’s appreciation for Thomas’s leadership, stating, “Thomas Mathew’s leadership over the past five years has been instrumental in restoring TalentCorp’s credibility and impact. He transformed the organisation into a forward-looking, data-driven, and financially sustainable agency that plays a central role in shaping Malaysia’s workforce strategy. On behalf of the Board, I thank Thomas for his commitment and service.”
“We warmly welcome Edward Ling as he leads TalentCorp into its next chapter,” she said.
Minister of Kesuma Steven Sim Chee Keong said that under Thomas Mathew’s leadership, TalentCorp had built a strong institutional and strategic foundation, enabling it to play a more effective role in shaping Malaysia’s talent and skills agenda. He expressed appreciation for Thomas’s dedication and contributions in strengthening the country’s talent ecosystem.
Sim added that with Ling’s appointment, the Ministry looks forward to continued partnership with TalentCorp in driving Malaysia’s future-ready workforce agenda under Kesuma.
“I believe TalentCorp will be able to combine industry expertise with policy insights to forge stronger ties between government and industry, ensuring Malaysia’s talent strategies remain aligned with both national and global economic needs,” he said.
Ling brings over two decades of experience driving business transformation, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships across leading multinationals and high-growth organisations.
His career spans leadership roles at LinkedIn, Waze, Google, and L’Oréal Malaysia, where he advanced digital capability, fostered public-sector collaboration, and developed regional talent ecosystems. He has also held senior positions at Doctor Anywhere, Yinson Capital, and Fujitsu Malaysia, guiding organisations through expansion, innovation, and ecosystem development.
Recognised for bridging corporate expertise with national development priorities, Ling has led initiatives that enhanced cross-sector synergy, digital readiness, and workforce competitiveness. He holds a Bachelor of Computing (Distinction) from Monash University, Melbourne.
With Ling’s appointment, TalentCorp aims to accelerate Malaysia’s talent transformation agenda through stronger collaboration between industry, government, and global stakeholders. The organisation also extends its appreciation to all partners and stakeholders whose continued support remains central to advancing Malaysia’s workforce ecosystem and driving shared growth in the years ahead.
