Shahril brings in-depth experience having built a career with a tri-sector profile; in the public, private and non-profit spaces. He brings with him extensive experience in public policy formulation and analysis, government and business strategy, and management consulting in industries and sectors which include oil and gas, energy and investment. 

Shahril is currently the founder and Managing Director of Watchtower Advisory, a corporate advisory firm that assists investors in navigating Malaysia’s corporate landscape, as well as acting as a placement agent for Europe and US-based funds engaged in capital raising activities in Southeast Asia. 

He formerly held the role of Economic Director in the Prime Minister’s Office and a member of the National Economic Action Council under the administration of Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, being involved in the formulation and delivery of key economic strategies to drive sustainable growth for Malaysia. 

Shahril has also worked for Teach for Malaysia, an education non-profit within the Teach for All global network and spent 3 years as a consultant with McKinsey and Company, where he served clients in various industries including the firm’s Electric Power and Natural Gas Practice. After that, he ran a midsized oilfield services company from 2014 to 2018 as CEO of Destini Oil. 

From 2018 to 2020, he ran IGV Partners, a VC Management Corporation which ultimately assisted investors in deploying direct investments into a number of Malaysian startups at seed to Series A levels. 

Apart from the private sector, Shahril co-founded The Centre, a centrist think tank conducting research and proposals on public policy issues. Shahril is also a Visiting Fellow at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and co-hosts Malaysia’s top podcast on current issues titled Keluar Sekejap.  

Shahril is a 2023 World Economic Forum Youth Global Leader, having also been a member of the Southeast Asia Young Leaders Progrram cohort at the 2022 Shangri-La Dialogue by IISS.  

Shahril obtained his Bachelor’s and post graduate degrees from the University of Manchester and the London School of Economics, respectively.