MDA president Eileen Ooi steps down, new leadership announced

share on

twitter /
facebook /
linkedin /
- email
- telegram
- whatsapp
- wechat
- pinterest
- line
- snapchat
- reddit

The Malaysian Digital Association (MDA) has announced key leadership updates for the following 2025-2026 term. Notably, Eileen Ooi (pictured left), APAC chief executive officer of PHD, has stepped down as president, with Nicholas Sagau Tony Ngimat (pictured right), COO of REV Media Group taking over the helm.

Ooi was the president of MDA since 2022, while she was the CEO of Omnicom Media Group Malaysia. Ooi had to step down, as she was recently promoted to the CEO of PHD APAC. She also previously served as the association's VP, alongside Ngimat, who was president at the time.

Don't miss: Women who lead: PHD APAC's Eileen Ooi on the power of people-first leadership

Meanwhile, Pranav Jha (pictured left), head of media practices at GroupM Malaysia has been elected as vice president of MDA. In addition, MDA has appointed Cindy Eliza Vaz (pictured middle), chief digital officer of IPG Mediabrands, as the new treasurer, and has extensive experience in data-driven marketing and media solutions. Lydia Wang (pictured right), who was recently promoted to COO of Star Media Group, will continue to serve as MDA’s secretary.

The updated MDA Council for the 2025–2026 term includes key industry players such as Astro Media Solutions, Dentsu Holdings, FCB Shout, REV Media Group, iMedia Asia, PETRONAS, Sinar Karangkraf, Star Media Group, Vivaki Malaysia and Xamble Group, according to a statement sighted by A+M. The MDA said that the key leadership updates reinforces its commitment to keeping pace with the rapidly changing digital media and marketing landscape, driven by AI’s arrival and shifting global economic and geopolitical factors impacting digital businesses.

"Serving as MDA president since 2022 has been an honour and a fulfilling journey. Malaysia has a promising digital talent pool that is relentless in pushing boundaries and challenging conventions," Ooi told A+M.

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with the next generation of talent to innovate and shape the future of our industry, as well as nurture Malaysia's digital economy. The MDA is in good hands with its new leadership, and we look forward to seeing them driving continued growth in this space," she added.

"The digital landscape is at a critical juncture, with AI set to disrupt the ecosystem like previous technologies have reshaped the digital world. It’s now more crucial than ever for MDA to act as a facilitator, driving collaboration and innovation,” said Ngimat, the newly appointed president of MDA.

“I am honoured and excited to take on this new role at MDA. It’s been a very enriching journey for me over the last three years, being part of this convergence of ad agencies, publishers, advertisers, and tech companies. I am looking forward to strengthening MDA’s promise of nurturing talents, shaping digital and tech best practices, driving new cross-industry initiatives, and recognizing the best work of our people," said Pranav, the newly elected vice president.

Established in 2009, the MDA focuses primarily on growing the digital advertising pie and delivering a single standard currency of measurement of Malaysian Internet traffic. It represents 61 companies, comprising digital publishers, platforms, advertising agencies, creative agencies and digital service providers. Through MDA, members speak with one voice and act with one purpose on digital publishing and advertising matters.

MDA also plays a role in unifying all sectors involved in the various aspects of digital media and advertising, thereby securing the long-term interest of the industry in Malaysia.

Join us this coming 21 May for #Content360, an extravaganza centered around three core thematic pillars: Challenging the norm; Conquering Media Fragmentation; and Unlocking Imagination. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!