Dato Indera Mahmud

Dato Indera Mahmud bin Mohd Nawawi
Chief Executive Officer
Yayasan Pahang
Dato' Indera Mahmud's long tenure of 30 years has seen him holding many leadership positions in Yayasan Pahang. He became its CEO in 2014 and spearheaded many pivotal initiatives that have turned the foundation into the powerhouse it is today.
Country
Malaysia
Company
YP Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd

More about

Dato Indera Mahmud

Establishing Financial Independence

With over three decades of experience at Yayasan Pahang, Dato’ Indera Mahmud has played a pivotal role in transforming the foundation into a self-sustaining entity. In 2009, he led the foundation to financial independence, ensuring that it could operate without relying on government funding. His strategic leadership has allowed Yayasan Pahang to consistently support the community while maintaining financial stability.

To achieve this, he spearheaded the establishment of multiple revenue-generating subsidiaries across diverse industries, including plantations, mining, food security, real estate, and renewable energy. These ventures have significantly contributed to the foundation’s ability to fund its community programs. With a target of RM1 billion in revenue by 2028, Yayasan Pahang had already reached RM544 million by 2023, demonstrating steady growth and a strong trajectory towards surpassing its goal.

Diversifying Income Streams for Sustainable Growth

Understanding the importance of financial diversification, Dato’ Indera Mahmud expanded Yayasan Pahang’s revenue channels to ensure long-term sustainability. By investing in multiple sectors, the foundation has created a robust financial model that reduces risk while maximizing profitability. This approach not only strengthens the foundation’s ability to reinvest in the community but also secures its long-term growth and resilience.

Making a Lasting Social Impact

Beyond financial success, Yayasan Pahang remains deeply committed to uplifting the community through education, employment, and environmental initiatives. The Job Guaranteed Program has helped over 4,000 youths secure meaningful careers, while the Baca Cepat Kawanku (BCK) program enhances literacy among rural and indigenous students.

The foundation also champions environmental sustainability through initiatives such as distributing recycling bags to reduce plastic waste and organizing beach clean-ups. Other impactful programs include the Kotak Rezeki Shoebox Program, which provides essential supplies to those in need, and Eid shopping experiences for orphaned children to brighten their festive celebrations. Additionally, the foundation supports local livelihoods by offering free fuel for riders, easing transportation costs for daily workers.

Milestones and Recognitions

Under Dato’ Indera Mahmud’s leadership, Yayasan Pahang has achieved remarkable milestones. Between 1983 and 2023, the foundation provided RM1.59 billion in educational assistance to nearly two million recipients. The organization’s excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Pahang 1st Award in 2022, the Life at Work Awards 2023 for Best Overall Public Sector Organization, and the Employee Experience Awards 2024, where Dato’ Indera Mahmud was named Most Inspiring Leader.

In 2023, Yayasan Pahang inaugurated its first palm oil mill, which is expected to contribute RM200 million in revenue. Additionally, the foundation became the first state agency to conduct independent silica mining operations in Bebar, Pekan, generating RM8 million in its inaugural year.

A Vision for the Future

Dato’ Indera Mahmud’s leadership has positioned Yayasan Pahang as a model for financial independence and social impact. Through a combination of strategic investments, sustainable revenue generation, and unwavering commitment to the community, the foundation continues to set new benchmarks in self-sustaining governance. With a clear vision for long-term growth and societal advancement, Yayasan Pahang is well on its way to achieving even greater milestones in the years ahead.

Nominate now for 2025

Submit your nominations to gain the visibility and recognition you deserve

Got a question? Read our FAQ.
Be part of the prestige members

Get access to ACES Circle, the prestigious leaders' community