In an exclusive interview with Top 10 of Malaysia, Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Zahari Dollah shares his remarkable engineering journey, the transformative projects he has led, the experiences that have shaped him, and his belief in what it takes to become a great leader.
Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Zahari Dollah was born and raised in Pak Badol, Kelantan, where he received his early education. “My passion for engineering led me to pursue my studies in Japan under Look East Policy Programme, attending the Tokyo International Student Institute; Yonago College of Technology; and Nagaoka University of Technology” shares Dato’ Dr. Zahari.
“I am an energy professional with more than 35 years of experience in the power and utility industry. Throughout my career with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), I have held several senior leadership positions, including Chairman of TNB Energy Services; Board Director of TNB Research; Board Director of Malaysia Transformer Manufacturing; Adjunct Professor at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN); and Senior General Manager at Distribution Network.”
Today, he continues to contribute to academia as an Adjunct Professor at Universiti Malaya and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan; Principal Fellow at UNITEN; Industry Advisory Panel at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia; and Principal Advisor at MIMOS Services.
His professional journey has been driven by a passion for advancing asset management, smart grid transformation and Malaysia’s energy transition. “I have focused on developing innovative solutions that enhance utility performance, strengthen network resilience, and create long-term value for both the industry and the nation,” says Dato’ Dr. Zahari.
“In 1997, TNB entrusted me with the opportunity to be part of the Putrajaya Smart City Project, where I played a key role in designing its electricity infrastructure to achieve an exceptional 99.97% power supply reliability, leveraging insights gained from an in-depth study with Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in Japan,” says Dato’ Dr. Zahari.
“Today, Putrajaya continues to achieve a System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) of less than one minute/customer/year, placing it among the world’s most reliable power systems. The greatest challenge was adapting TEPCO’s engineering concepts to suit TNB’s environment. This required strong engineering expertise, effective coordination and close collaboration among multiple stakeholders to ensure seamless interoperability.”
He emphasises that great leadership is measured not only by technology, but by the capabilities built, the people inspired and the lasting impact created for future generations.
“For me, transformation begins with a clear vision, well-defined objectives, measurable targets and disciplined execution. These principles became the foundation of the grid modernisation programme, the Smart Utility 2030 Masterplan (SU2030).”
“SU2030 has contributed significantly to the nation’s Energy Transition Agenda and played a pivotal role in improving Malaysia’s Smart Grid Index score from 50% in 2019 to 80.2% in 2024, elevating Malaysia among the Global Top 11 utilities.”
Looking ahead, Dato’ Dr. Zahari believes the time has come to evolve today’s SU2030 into a Future Smart Utility Programme, placing AI, autonomous and flexible grid and energy market ecosystems at the centre of utility transformation.
“The utility of the future will be defined by how intelligently it manages energy, data and customer value. Its business model will shift towards delivering energy intelligence, creating sustainable new revenue streams while accelerating ASEAN’s clean energy transition.”
Dato’ Dr. Zahari’s visionary leadership has earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including Anugerah Teknologis Negara 2026 by Malaysia Board of Technologists; Distinguished Energy Leadership Award by Malaysia Education TVET Awards 2026; Leadership Excellence Award by Green Finance Asia Awards 2026; Technology Innovation Award by Solar Project Asia Awards 2026; AIBP Asia Innovation Award 2025; and Male Executive of the Year Award at Enlit Asia Awards 2024, among many others.
He firmly believes that true leadership is ultimately about creating lasting value and ensuring that knowledge continues to benefit future generations.
“Knowledge creates value only when it is shared, institutionalised and continuously improved. If future engineers, policymakers and industry leaders can build upon what we have started, then I believe we have succeeded.”
Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Zahari Dollah’s remarkable journey demonstrates how engineering excellence, innovation and visionary leadership can drive meaningful transformation. With his sights firmly set on the future, he remains committed to building smarter utilities, developing future leaders, and shaping a sustainable energy ecosystem for Malaysia.