KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA November 21, 2025 – The Ministry of National Unity has welcomed the appointment of YM Datin Sri Sharifah Menyalara Syed Hussein as Chairman of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation (YTAR), effective from 14 November 2025.
This appointment marks a historic first, with the position of YTAR Chairman held by an individual other than the responsible Minister, in line with the amendments to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Fund Act (Act 389), which were passed with majority support in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara in February this year. The amendments allow for the appointment of individuals other than the responsible Minister as YTAR Chairman, aimed at strengthening the foundation’s governance and autonomy.
Datin Sri Sharifah Menyalara, also known as Datin Lara Hussein, is the granddaughter of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the Father of Malaysian Independence. She is a prominent corporate figure as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of M&C Saatchi Malaysia, and has long been active as a member of the YTAR Board of Trustees. Since 2019, she has led the foundation’s strategic transformation towards greater inclusivity, relevance, and equity, including spearheading the renewal and rebranding of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship (BTAR). She also chairs the YTAR Awarding Committee, which oversees the implementation of scholarships and other foundation programmes.
In an official statement, the Minister of National Unity, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, expressed his confidence that this appointment will strengthen YTAR’s role in advancing the nation-building agenda through more inclusive, impactful education opportunities centred on the leadership values of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman.
“I believe this appointment will strengthen YTAR’s role in elevating the nation-building agenda through more inclusive, impactful education opportunities rooted in the leadership values of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman. I am confident that Datin Sri Sharifah Menyalara’s extensive experience in strategic leadership, governance, and education advocacy will continue to elevate YTAR as a prestigious institution and a leader in developing the nation’s young talent,” said Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
Established in 1966, YTAR remains committed to empowering young people, particularly from the B40 community, through programmes such as the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship, Closing The Gap, and FutureReady, to produce high-quality and inclusive future leaders. This appointment is expected to bring fresh momentum to the foundation’s efforts to expand its social impact across the country.
