Board members

Zafar Siddiqi
Chairman

Zafar Siddiqi is Chairman and Co-Founder of Murdoch University International Study Centre Dubai and Global Institute Middle East FZ LLC. The development and growth of this business follows his vision of developing human capital in emerging markets.

Zafar Siddiqi is also Chairman and Co-Founder of CNBC Africa, Chairman and Founder of CNBC Arabia and President and Founder of CNBC Pakistan. He provides strategic oversight to the three networks that encompass 71 countries with a staff contingent of 900 people.

Mr. Siddiqi is a former KPMG Partner and ventured into media in 1995 when he established Telebiz in Karachi, Pakistan. He established a general new channel, Samaa TV, in Pakistan in 2007 and serves as its Chairman.

Mr. Siddiqi is on the Board of the International Emmy’s and also serves on the advisory counsel of the President of Nigeria. He is an Adjunct Professor of Murdoch University. He is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants (England & Wales).

Rakesh Wahi
Vice Chairman

Rakesh Wahi is Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Murdoch University International Study Centre Dubai and Global Institute Middle East FZ LLC and has been the driving force in the conceptualizing, planning and setting up of the University. He was the Project Director with responsibility for the business planning, licensing, financing and implementation of the venture. In his capacity as Vice Chairman, Mr. Wahi oversees the operations of Global Institute on behalf of the shareholders and has a specific focus on delivering the business plan, strategic growth and building shareholder value.

Mr. Wahi is an investment banker and entrepreneur with an emerging markets appetite and has been involved with the media, telecommunications and IT industries across North America, Europe, Middle East, South & South East Asia and Africa. Mr. Wahi is also the co-founder and Vice Chairman of CNBC Africa. He is also co-founder of Tech Distribution that owns the distribution rights of Microsoft, ADOBE and Oracle in Sri Lanka and Brunei.

Mr. Wahi started his career with the Indian Army and was decorated with the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal ("VSM") by the President of India in 1985. He was also part of India's scientific expedition to Antarctica in 1987/88. He has a Bachelor of Science degree (Physics & Mathematics) and a Bachelor of Technology degree in Civil Engineering from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is a Chartered Engineer from the Institute of Engineers, Calcutta, India.