TalentCorp Announces Leadership Transition: Thomas Mathew Concludes Five-Year Tenure, Edward Ling Appointed as New Group CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 November 2025 – Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) today announced a leadership transition, with Mr Thomas Mathew completing his tenure as Group Chief Executive Officer on 3 November 2025. Mr Edward Ling (林谢明) 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:

• Strengthened governance, institutional frameworks, and organisational resilience to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainable operations.
• Advanced Malaysia’s future skills agenda through MyMahir — establishing the International Labour Organization (ILO)-recognised Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC), publishing the national MyMahir Impact Study, and launching the MyMahir National AI Council for Industry (MyMahir–NAICI).
• Drove innovation through reforms, including Xpats Gateway, flagship initiatives (MyNext, MyHeart) and the world-first Expatriate Services Centre (ESC) 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.
• Advanced 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.

YB Wong Shu Qi, Chair of TalentCorp, expressed the Board’s appreciation for Thomas’s leadership:

“Thomas Mathew’s leadership over the past five years has been instrumental in elevating 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 YB 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.

YB Steven Sim added that with Edward’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.

Edward 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, Edward 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 Edward’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.

Issued by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp)

3 November 2025