UEM Edgenta picks former MCMC comms director as new corporate comms head

Asset management and infrastructure solutions company UEM Edgenta has appointed Budi Citawan W Hanafi (pictured) as its new head of corporate communications, effective early March 2026.

She takes over the helm of group communications from Wan Laila Fatihah Wan Omar Sukri, who has moved on to AEON Credit Service after two and a half years with UEM Edgenta.

Budi Citawan joins UEM Edgenta after a two-year stint at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), where she first served as director of international affairs in 2024 before pivoting to director of communications and industry relations in 2025.

Reflecting on her time at the regulator, she described the experience as deeply fulfilling. Among the standout moments was leading Malaysia’s representation at MWC Barcelona 2025, where the country showcased its digital advancements while strengthening collaboration across government and industry players.

Don't miss: OSK Group names Amelia Lim to lead group corporate communications 

Another milestone was helming "Hari Keselamatan Internet", MCMC’s Safer Internet Day Malaysia initiative, a collaborative effort involving youth, creators and industry partners to raise awareness around online safety and digital wellbeing. She also highlighted the growth of her communications team into what she described as a confident and purpose driven unit grounded in empathy, trust and collaboration.

“I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues and the leadership at MCMC for the support and teamwork throughout my time there,” she said, adding that authentic and empathetic communication remains key to inspiring action.

At UEM Edgenta, Budi Citawan will lead the overall communications strategy, with a focus on strengthening stakeholder engagement and reinforcing the company’s reputation as a regional leader in asset management and infrastructure solutions.

“I’m excited to lead the overall communications strategy for UEM Edgenta and build on its strong reputation. This role gives me the chance to tell purposeful stories, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and support the company’s vision for sustainable and innovative growth,” she said.

Citawan began her career in broadcasting, with stints at TV3 and Media Prima. She later transitioned into corporate communications as assistant manager of corporate communications at SapuraKencana Petroleum, where she spent three and a half years.

Her career subsequently spanned leadership roles including general manager at Yayasan Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah, head of talent management for on screen talent at Astro in 2018, and a short stint at Malaysia Airports. She also served part time as managing director at Berjaya Corporation, while concurrently anchoring Berita Dunia for Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

On the evolving communications landscape in Malaysia, Budi Citawan noted that audiences today gravitate towards messaging that is authentic, transparent and data driven. Her advice to young communicators is to stay curious and adaptable. "Keep learning, listen more than you speak, and don’t be afraid to bring your genuine voice into the work you do," she said. 

In other recent people movements within the communications industry in Malaysia, Azmi Yaakop, chief strategic communications officer at FGV Holdings, is approaching the conclusion of his four-year contract, officially wrapping up his tenure at the end of June 2026.

Last month, OSK Group appointed Amelia Lim as its new head of group corporate communications, bringing more than two decades of experience in corporate storytelling and reputation management to the conglomerate's management team. She officially stepped into the role on 2 January 2026.

And end last year, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) appointed Arni Laily Anwarrudin as its new senior general manager of strategic communications within the group strategic relations and communications division, effective 1 November 2025.


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