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Mohd Suhail Amar Suresh Abdullah

Top 10 Most Influential Tech Leaders Asia’s Top 50 CIOs Award, Mohd Suhail Amar Suresh Abdullah, Group CTO at Maybank, is a technology executive with over 35 years of business and technology leadership experience.
Mohd Suhail Amar Suresh Abdullah
Nationality
Malaysian
Residence
Selangor, Malaysia
Occupation
Entrepreneur, banker, global influencer
Known for
Group Chief Technology Officer (GCTO) for Maybank, Executive Vice President in Maybank
Education
Master of Business Administration, Charles Sturt University, Australia Chartered Banker, Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers Fellow, Malaysian Institute of Management
Social Media
Summary

Mohd Suhail Amar Suresh is the Group Chief Technology Officer (GCTO) at Maybank, Malaysia's largest financial services institution and the fourth largest in ASEAN by asset size. Appointed on 1 April 2015, he is responsible for crafting and implementing technology strategies that drive the bank’s digital transformation. Suhail's role involves overseeing major technological advancements and ensuring the bank remains at the forefront of digital innovation. Before his current position, he was the Executive Vice President at Maybank, leading the Virtual Banking and Payments division.

With over 35 years of experience, Suhail has held significant roles in both national and multinational organisations. He was previously the Managing Director of Malaysian Electronic Clearing Corporation (MyClear) and the Group Managing Director of Malaysian Electronic Payment System (MEPS). His extensive career spans various sectors, including telecommunications and financial services, where he has excelled in IT architecture, systems development, and business strategy. His efforts have notably enhanced customer experience and technological capabilities.

Suhail's academic background includes an MBA from Charles Sturt University, an advanced management programme from Harvard Business School, and qualifications as a Chartered Banker from the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers. He also serves on the boards of several prominent organisations, including Maybank Shared Services and MCB Bank Limited. His leadership and achievements have earned him accolades such as the Asia’s Top 50 CIOs Award and recognition as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Tech Leaders.


 

Biography

Mohd Suhail Amar Suresh Abdullah has been a key figure in the digital transformation of Malaysia's largest financial institution, Maybank, since he was appointed Group Chief Technology Officer (GCTO) on 1 April 2015. With a career spanning over three decades, Suhail has accumulated vast experience in technology and business leadership roles within the financial services and telecommunications industries, both domestically and internationally.

Suhail began his academic journey by earning a Master of Business Administration from Charles Sturt University in Australia. He further enhanced his credentials by completing the Chartered Banker program at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers and the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He is also a Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Management, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

In his role as GCTO at Maybank, Suhail is responsible for formulating technology strategies and leading the execution of digital transformation initiatives. Under his leadership, Maybank has successfully navigated the complexities of digital banking, ensuring the institution remains competitive in the fast-evolving financial landscape. Suhail's expertise in IT architecture, systems and application development, and regional implementation has been instrumental in driving these changes. His dedication to leveraging technology as a competitive advantage has significantly enhanced the customer experience at Maybank.

Before joining Maybank, Suhail held several prominent positions. He was the Managing Director of the Malaysian Electronic Clearing Corporation Sdn Bhd (MyClear), a subsidiary of Bank Negara Malaysia, where he played a crucial role in the country's electronic payment systems. Before that, he served as the Group Managing Director of the Malaysian Electronic Payment System Sdn Bhd (MEPS), further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the financial technology sector. Suhail's career also includes various senior roles in the Information Services Division of a commercial bank and key positions in multinational organizations within the Asia Pacific region.

Suhail's achievements extend beyond his professional roles. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field of technology and business. His participation in the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School and his status as a Chartered Banker highlight his dedication to excellence and leadership in his field. Additionally, his fellowship at the Malaysian Institute of Management reflects his commitment to advancing management practices in Malaysia.

Throughout his career, Suhail has demonstrated a deep passion for technology and its potential to transform businesses. His leadership at Maybank during the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to his ability to ensure operational resilience and drive digital innovation in challenging times. Suhail has been recognised for his significant achievements in technology and leadership. He has received accolades such as Asia’s Top 50 CIOs Award and has been listed among the Top 10 Most Influential Tech Leaders. These awards highlight his impact on the technology landscape and his role in driving innovation within the financial services industry.


 

Vision

Mohd Suhail Amar Suresh envisions a future where technology seamlessly integrates with business to drive innovation and improve lives. He aims to lead Maybank and other organisations towards becoming pioneers in digital transformation by harnessing cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional customer experiences. His goal is to make financial services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of a rapidly evolving digital world. Suhail believes in creating a tech-driven environment that not only meets current demands but also anticipates future trends, ensuring sustained growth and competitive advantage in the global market.

Recognition and Awards
Mohd Suhail Amar Suresh has earned significant recognition for his leadership in technology and finance. Notably, he was named one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Financial Technology. His efforts in driving digital transformation and enhancing technological capabilities have also been acknowledged through various industry awards. Suhail’s strategic vision and ability to implement complex technology solutions have established him as a leading figure in the field. His contributions have not only advanced Maybank’s technological landscape but also set benchmarks for innovation in the financial services sector.
References
Mohd Suhail Amar Suresh Abdullah
Nationality
Malaysian
Residence
Selangor, Malaysia
Occupation
Entrepreneur, banker, global influencer
Known for
Group Chief Technology Officer (GCTO) for Maybank, Executive Vice President in Maybank
Education
Master of Business Administration, Charles Sturt University, Australia Chartered Banker, Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers Fellow, Malaysian Institute of Management
Social Media