Abdul Karim Fakir bin Ali

Abdul Karim Fakir bin Ali is the Managing Director of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), bringing more than three decades of leadership and industry experience across telecommunications, digital infrastructure, technology strategy and the broader digital ecosystem.

An engineer by training and a technology leader by experience, his career has closely followed the evolution of connectivity in Malaysia and the region—from building and operating telecommunications networks to leading technology strategy, advancing national digital infrastructure and contributing to the development of an increasingly connected digital economy.

Before assuming the role of Managing Director of MCMC in July 2025, Abdul Karim held senior leadership positions with leading telecommunications companies including Maxis, Digi and DTAC Thailand. At Maxis, he served in key technology leadership roles, including as Chief Technology Strategy Officer and Chief Network Officer, where he led major network and technology initiatives, national mobile coverage programmes and industry collaborations aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s connectivity landscape.

His experience across both industry and regulation gives him a distinctive perspective on the opportunities and challenges created by rapid technological change. At MCMC, he leads during a period when connectivity is increasingly converging with artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital platforms and other emerging technologies. His focus is on advancing a digital ecosystem that is innovative, trusted, inclusive and resilient, while enabling technology and investment to deliver meaningful value to people, businesses and society.

Abdul Karim is also active on the regional and international stage, contributing to high-level discussions at platforms including the ITU Global Symposium for Regulators, the APEC Global Digital and AI Forum and Mobile World Congress. His engagements span digital transformation, connectivity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, spectrum, investment and the development of safe and inclusive digital ecosystems.

Underlying his approach is a people-centred philosophy of leadership grounded in Care, Growth and Transformative Leadership. He believes that leadership is ultimately about developing people, building capable institutions and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Drawing on more than 30 years across technology, industry and regulation, Abdul Karim brings a practitioner’s perspective to one of the defining questions of the digital era: how can technology be harnessed not only to connect people, but to build trust, expand opportunity and create meaningful progress for society?