Weststar founder Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim receives the Tokoh Maulidur Rasul 2026 award for his contributions to aviation and community welfare.
SERDANG: Weststar Group founder and managing director Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim has been named the recipient of the Tokoh Maulidur Rasul 2026 award in recognition of his contributions to Malaysia’s aviation industry and society.
The 66-year-old is best known for his role in developing Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd (WAS), which provides helicopter services, particularly to the oil and gas industry.
Weststar operates more than 40 helicopters for offshore oil and gas operations, earning Syed Azman the nickname “Raja Helikopter Malaysia”.
Among the companies that have engaged Weststar’s services are Petronas Carigali, Shell and Tullow Oil.
Syed Azman began his career with the Malaysian Armed Forces in 1981 as an officer cadet before joining the Royal Intelligence Corps and serving in the Defence Intelligence Staff Division.
He subsequently served as a military intelligence officer, carrying out intelligence duties at both state and federal levels.
His foray into the aviation industry began with the acquisition of his first helicopter, after which he expanded his fleet and developed Weststar’s operations.
Five years later, the company secured its first major contract to transport oil and gas workers to offshore platforms.
In September 2025, Syed Azman was appointed chairman of the Board of Directors of Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
He is also involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including community development, disaster relief, support for orphanages and welfare programmes.
His contributions have included supporting the construction and maintenance of mosques and surau, particularly in Kedah and the Klang Valley, as well as welfare initiatives for Armed Forces veterans and the families of fallen or disabled servicemen.
Syed Azman was conferred the Darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM), which carries the title Tan Sri, in recognition of his contributions to the corporate sector and national industrial development.
Other recipients of the Maulidur Rasul 2026 Tokoh awards included Tokoh Agamawan Maulana Abdul Hamid Chin; Tokoh Wanita MADANI Prof Dr Ruzita Mohd Amin; Tokoh Saintis/Inovatif Kreatif (Ikon Minda Citra) Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Hj Ghulam Kadir; Tokoh Wirawan Negara Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay; Tokoh Belia Harapan Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin; Tokoh Keluarga Mithali Laman bin Yasim; and Tokoh Khas Saudara Baharu Cemerlang Muhammad Mikhael Sathayah.
Ayob Khan previously served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
The award recipients were presented with cash prizes and trophies in recognition of their contributions and achievements.
This year’s Maulidur Rasul celebration carries the theme “Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati”, which emphasises the importance of translating Islamic values into society and nation-building.
