Ruben Emir Gnanalingam

Ruben Emir Gnanalingam is a prominent Malaysian business leader who currently serves as the Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director of Westports Holdings Berhad, a leading logistics and port operations conglomerate in Malaysia.12

Career and Leadership

Ruben's journey with Westports began in 1999 when he started as a trainee.3 He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming:

• Chief Executive Officer in 2009
• Group Managing Director in 2018
• Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director in July 202315

His appointment as Executive Chairman came following the passing of his father, Tan Sri Gnanalingam Gunanath Lingam, who was the previous chairman of the company.1

Education and Background

Ruben Gnanalingam has a strong educational background:

• Attended Victoria Institution (1989-1993)
• Studied at Eton College in the UK (1994-1995)
• Graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science34
• Completed the Programme for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School1

Other Roles and Interests

Beyond his primary role at Westports, Ruben is involved in various other business and sports-related ventures:

• Co-Chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club
• Founder and Board Member of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)
• President of the Kuala Lumpur Business Club (KLBC)
• Member of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)
• Board member of the Malaysian Productivity Corporation and the Employees Provident Fund3

Achievements and Recognition

Under Ruben's leadership, Westports has achieved significant milestones:

• Inclusion in the MSCI, FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI, and FTSE4Good Bursa Index
• Won an infrastructure technology award for its Remote Physical-Check System (RPS) in 20222

Ruben is known for steering the company through ambitious expansions and navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic.2