Anita Azrina has made history as the first woman to be appointed as chairman of the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM).
Bernama said that PSM expressed its honour in welcoming her appointment, along with the new board members whose tenure officially began on March 21 and will continue for the next two years.
Azrina has pledged to upgrade Malaysia’s sporting facilities and increase their use for concerts and events to increase profitability.
The PSM said, “PSM remains committed to strengthening governance, management and maintenance of facilities under the Malaysia Stadium Corporation for the benefit of Malaysians.
“A heartfelt thank you and appreciation to the outgoing board members of the 2023/2025 term for their dedicated service, especially to Datuk Gerald Hans Isaac as PSM Chairman 2023/2025.”
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed Anita Azrina’s appointment, replacing Hans, who had previously stated that he would not be continuing in the role he had held for the past two years.
Hannah also confirmed the appointment of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Secretary-General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John as PSM deputy chairman for the 2025/2027 term.
Azrina, who was appointed after serving as deputy chairman since 2023, described the opportunity as a great honour and pledged to continue the progress made under former chairman Datuk Hans Isaac.
She said, “I joined PSM in 2023 as deputy chairman. Even then, I felt really honoured to be given the trust by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to join the PSM family. To be made chairman is truly humbling. I have been working with Datuk Hans and will continue with the good work he has done leading us since 2023.
“The key priorities include upgrading of the facilities in preparation for SEA Games 2027, as Malaysia is a host we need to make sure all the facilities, infrastructure, and overall readiness is of global standards; sustainability of PSM through various commercial efforts, for example sponsorship, full utilisation of facilities (concerts, sports, events).”
Looking ahead, she envisions the facilities managed by PSM to be the ultimate hub for national and community sports as well as entertainment events.
She said several key projects are already underway, including replacing the track at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, upgrading the squash stadium, and improving lawn bowl facilities.
“PSM has managed these facilities well, but most of our facilities are old and need upgrades or replacement. This, as you know, requires huge investments, resources, and time,” she said.
To keep up with maintenance and ensure financial sustainability, Azrina is focusing on increasing sponsorships, maximising the use of facilities for concerts and events as well as integrating digital solutions to improve efficiency.
She added, “This is why we want to put more focus on the commercial side of things… With increased income, we are able to reinvest in the facilities, improve the experience for our sportsmen and women, concertgoers, spectators, and in the long term, ensure the sustainability of PSM.
“We are also emphasising the need for control and check and balance, to ensure efficiency and good governance.”
Azrina hopes that within the next two years, PSM will be financially sustainable and its facilities to become the country’s top venue for sports and entertainment.
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