
En Azlan was appointed as Executive Director of RLYC in 2018, where he is until today.
He also currently sits on the Boards of Melewar Industrial Group Berhad, Mycron Steel Berhad, MIDF Amanah Investment Bank and several other private limited companies.
En Azlan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, USA and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Morehead State University, Kentucky, USA.
He started his career in 1983 with Citibank N A and in 1987, he joined United Asian Bank (“UAB”) where he started and headed the Treasury Marketing Unit. After UAB merged with Bank of Commerce, he was subsequently promoted to Head of Priority Banking Division and Branch Manager of the KL Main Branch in 1992. In 1994, he rejoined Citibank Berhad as Vice President and Head of Public Sector Division. Azlan was the Deputy President of the Malaysia Iron and Steel Industry Federation (“MISIF”) from 2008 until October 2018 and was one of MISIF’s representatives on the Asian Iron and Steel Council from 2012 until May 2018.

As the ED of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, what are the challenges of running a successful marina on an island?
There are indeed many challenges in running a successful marina which include requiring several key factors including having a strategic location with easy access to the water, providing well maintained docks and facilities for boaters, having excellent customer service to build a loyal customer base, by having a friendly and knowledgeable staff, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, promoting the marina through various channels like online platforms and having local events, engaging with the local community to foster goodwill and attract more visitors, maintaining a sustainable financial model by carefully managing expenses, setting competitive pricing and exploring extra revenue streams.
How was the response to the recent 20th Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2024?
The response was much better than the previous years. We had 32 entries from 12 countries compared to 25 entries from 7 countries the previous year.
What is the difference between a marina and a yacht club?
A marina is a facility that provides services and infrastructure for recreational boaters like mooring services, docks, fuelling services and sometimes light repair services. It serves to provide a safe and convenient location for boat owners to berth their vessels and have access to necessary amenities.
A Yacht Club, on the other hand , is a membership-based organisation that often has a marina but also offers additional amenities and services to their members such as dining facilities, social regattas and educational programs related to boating. Some yacht clubs also open their premises to the public, especially for food and beverage outlets and also other commercial outlets.
Will there be a 21st RLIR 2025 and what are your expectations?
InsyaAllah, there will be a 21st RLIR Regatta in 2025 and we look forward to being the opening event for the Visit Kedah Year 2025. We are expecting an even bigger and possibly better event than this year’s. (I have to start looking for sponsors soon!)
Is the RLYC unique?
Yes, the RLYC is unique in it’s own way. Other than having a marina, we also have the Ramada Langkawi Marina Hotel , 8 F&B outlets, commercial and retail shoplots, a spa, a karaoke, a gym and a cigar lounge. We are also home to 50 boats registered to do Sunset Dinner Cruises.
What do you enjoy most about Langkawi?
The lack of traffic jams and the easy going nature of life on the island.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
This is quite subjective and can vary from person to person. Mine is measured by contentment, self-fulfillment and inner peace when around family and close friends.
What is the trait you most admire in others?
Their resilience.
What is your greatest extravagance?
None, I am not an extravagant person.
What is your favourite journey?
When I travelled through Europe in 1980 after my undergraduate studies in Texas. I bought a Eurail Pass and travelled to Belgium, France, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Switzerland , Monaco and a few other countries.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Perfectionism.
Which person have you most admired?
Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Alamak!
When and where were you happiest?
I have a few but all family-related.
What do you consider your greatest achievement/s?
Being the first non-Chinese Deputy President of the Malaysian Iron and Steel Industry Federation from 2008-2018.
Favourite movie?
Apocalypse now.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a good son, father, husband, sibling and friend.
What is your motto?
Do it right the first time!