SINGAPORE – 31 July 2026. StateSquare Capital is pleased to announce the appointment of Dato’ Syed Yasir Arafat bin Syed Abd Kadir to its Portfolio Advisory Council (“PAC”), further strengthening the firm’s investment, governance and portfolio value creation capabilities across Southeast Asia.


Dato’ Syed Yasir brings more than 30 years of experience in private equity, investment banking and corporate finance across Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region. He is widely recognised as one of Malaysia’s leading private equity professionals, having spent 15 years at Ekuiti Nasional Berhad (Ekuinas), Malaysia’s government-backed private equity firm, including nine years as Chief Executive Officer.


As a member of Ekuinas’ founding senior management team, Dato’ Syed Yasir played an instrumental role in establishing one of Malaysia’s premier private equity institutions. During his tenure, he led the firm’s investment strategy, portfolio value creation initiatives and overall strategic direction, partnering closely with management teams to accelerate growth, strengthen governance and build long-term enterprise value across a diversified portfolio of businesses.


Prior to Ekuinas, Dato’ Syed Yasir spent nine years with the ING Group, where he served as Country Manager for ING Wholesale Banking Malaysia, overseeing mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, structured financing and offshore banking activities. Earlier in his career, he held investment banking and restructuring roles with United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Berhad, Commerce International Merchant Bankers Berhad and Aseambankers Malaysia Berhad.


Today, Dato’ Syed Yasir serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Maxis Berhad. He also brings extensive board-level experience across industries including healthcare, technology, education, retail, oil & gas, and maritime & logistics.


As a member of StateSquare Capital’s Portfolio Advisory Council, Dato’ Syed Yasir will work closely with the firm’s investment professionals and portfolio company leadership teams, providing strategic guidance across the investment lifecycle – from investment evaluation and commercial diligence through governance, operational transformation, regional expansion and long-term value creation.


Joseph Khoo, Partner of StateSquare Capital, said:


“We are delighted to welcome Dato’ Syed Yasir to our Portfolio Advisory Council. He is one of Southeast Asia’s most respected private equity professionals, having spent more than three decades investing in and building businesses across the region. His experience leading Ekuinas, together with his deep understanding of portfolio value creation, governance and founder partnerships, aligns exceptionally well with StateSquare’s investment philosophy.
Malaysia continues to be one of the most compelling investment markets in Southeast Asia. Supported by a diversified economy, resilient domestic demand, strong manufacturing capabilities and increasing foreign direct investment, we believe the country is well positioned to benefit from long-term structural trends including healthcare demand, industrial upgrading and supply chain diversification. Dato’ Syed Yasir’s deep relationships, local market knowledge and investment experience will further strengthen our ability to identify differentiated opportunities and support outstanding Malaysian businesses as they scale across the region.”


Dato’ Syed Yasir Arafat bin Syed Abd Kadir commented:


“I am honoured to join StateSquare Capital’s Portfolio Advisory Council. I have been impressed by StateSquare’s disciplined investment approach and its commitment to working alongside founders and management teams to build exceptional businesses over the long term. I look forward to contributing my experience and working closely with the investment team and portfolio companies as the firm continues to expand its presence across Southeast Asia.”


StateSquare Capital established its Portfolio Advisory Council to bring together experienced investors, operators and business leaders with deep industry expertise and global networks. Council members work alongside the firm’s investment professionals throughout the investment lifecycle, providing strategic guidance on investment opportunities, governance, operational excellence and portfolio value creation.


About StateSquare Capital


StateSquare Capital is a Singapore-headquartered private equity firm with offices across Asia and Europe. The firm specializes in control investments focused on operational transformation and long-term value creation. StateSquare partners with niche leaders across global supply and service chains, spanning data and knowledge-based services, industrial technology, products, and healthcare. The firm targets mid-market opportunities, building industry leaders worldwide through organic growth acceleration and buy-and-build strategies.

For more information, please visit www.statesquarecapital.com