Zulkifli bin Baharudin

Zulkifli bin Baharudin (b. 19 September 1959, Singapore-) is a distinguished Malay leader in Singapore, recognised for his multifaceted contributions in politics, diplomacy, business and community service. His career trajectory reflects the growing participation and influence of the Malay-Muslim community within Singapore’s national framework¹.

Education
Zulkifli Baharudin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Estate Management from the National University of Singapore in 1984².

Political Career
Zulkifli entered politics when he became a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) in 1997, a role he held till 2001. The NMP scheme was established to broaden the representation of voices in Parliament, and Zulkifli’s presence brought the perspectives of the Malay-Muslim community and the business sector to national debates. During his tenure, he advocated for social cohesion, minority rights, and the importance of multiculturalism in Singapore’s rapidly developing society³.

Diplomatic Service and International Engagements
After his parliamentary stint, Zulkifli was appointed as Singapore’s first Ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in 2007⁴, and later as Non-Resident Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. These diplomatic roles underscored his ability to represent Singapore’s interests on the international stage and facilitate bilateral relations, particularly in emerging markets. His diplomatic appointments also highlight the trust placed in him by the Singapore government to advance the nation’s foreign policy objectives⁵.

Business Leadership and Community Service
Beyond politics and diplomacy, Zulkifli is an influential businessman. He is the Executive Chairman of Indo-Trans Corporation, a logistics and supply chain company operating across Indo-China. He has served on the boards of major organisations, including NTUC FairPrice, Singapore Post Limited and Ascott Residence Trust Management Limited. Additionally, Zulkifli has been deeply involved in community service, notably as Chairman of Mercy Relief (2003–2007) and as a board member of Ang Mo Kio-THK Hospital ^{6, 7}.

Recognition and Legacy
For his contributions, Zulkifli was awarded the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Medal) in 2005 and the Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Star) in 2011⁸. His career exemplifies the integration and advancement of the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore, serving as a role model for future generations and reflecting the nation’s commitment to multiculturalism and meritocracy.

Zulkifli Baharudin’s distinguished career as a politician, diplomat, business leader, and community advocate underscores his status as a prominent Malay figure in Singapore. His work has strengthened minority representation, fostered international relations, and advanced social causes, making him a pivotal figure in Singapore’s modern history.

Author
Olive Gan

Reference
1. National Library Board. (2021). *Zulkifli Baharudin*. Singapore Infopedia. https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2019-03-01_092342.html
2. National Library Board. (2021). *Zulkifli Baharudin*. Singapore Infopedia. https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2019-03-01_092342.html
3. National Library Board. (2021). *Zulkifli Baharudin*. Singapore Infopedia. https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2019-03-01_092342.html
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore. (2007, December 21). *Appointment of Singapore's Ambassador to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria*. https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20071221992.pdf
5. National Library Board. (2021). *Zulkifli Baharudin*. Singapore Infopedia. https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2019-03-01_092342.html
6. National Library Board. (2021). *Zulkifli Baharudin*. Singapore Infopedia. https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2019-03-01_092342.html
7. National Archives of Singapore. (2018). *Oral history interview with Zulkifli Baharudin* [Accession No. 003456]. https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/oral_history_interviews/record-details/003456
8. National Archives of Singapore. (2018). *Oral history interview with Zulkifli Baharudin* [Accession No. 003456]. https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/oral_history_interviews/record-details/003456

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The information in this article is valid as of October 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit it here.