28 Mar – Dato' Norman Abdul Halim has recently been appointed as the Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Regional Board of IFPI, the organisation representing the recording industry worldwide. Dato' Norman, the President and Chief Executive Officer of KRU Group, becomes the first Malaysian to hold the position, taking over the Chairman role – which rotates every two years – from Denis Handlin AM, Chairman & CEO Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, Sony Music Entertainment. "It is a truly a great honour to be elected as the new Chairman of the IFPI Asia-Pacific Regional Board," said Dato' Norman in a statement from IFPI. "Denis and his predecessors have left a great legacy and I will in my best endeavour continue to strengthen ties and collaboration amongst independent labels in the Asia Pacific region, with the strong support that I have been getting from the major record companies. I also hope IFPI will continue to foster positive relationships with governments throughout the region for the betterment of the music industry at large." Meanwhile, Handlin, who will continue to serve as a member of the board, said that he was "delighted that Norman has agreed to take on the Chairman role". He believes that with Norman's vast experience in the entertainment industry, Norman will be able to ensure the increased collaboration throughout the region that IFPI has achieved in the last two years will continue in a very positive way. IFPI is a not-for-profit international organisation registered in Switzerland that represents the interests of 1,300 record companies from across the globe. There are a total of 57 countries with IFPI affiliated national groups or music licensing companies. IFPI's mission is to promote the value of recorded music, campaign for the rights of record producers and expand the commercial uses of record music. (Photo source: Dato' Norman Abdul Halim's Instagram)