The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) has revised the eligibility criteria for appointing chairpersons at state-owned enterprises (SOEs), making academic qualifications a central requirement. The new rules prioritise individuals holding a Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualifications.
The board unanimously passed the decision on Wednesday, 9th July, and officially communicated via a circular issued on the following day.
According to the PCB, the amendments aim to strengthen leadership across SOEs by ensuring that appointments are based on merit, expertise and a proven track record. The board stated that the goal is to ensure the most capable candidates are entrusted with steering public enterprises.
Under the updated framework, chairperson candidates must now meet one of two core requirements. The first requires possession of a National Qualifications Framework Level 7 certificate, which corresponds to a Master’s or Postgraduate degree, along with at least five years of experience in a relevant business field. The second option allows for a minimum of seven years of experience in business administration or management.
An earlier requirement, based on interview performance, creative thinking, strategic vision and the ability to develop the company, has now been listed as an optional third criterion.
This shift comes in response to growing public criticism over politically motivated appointments within SOEs. In recent months, concerns have been raised about the prevalence of political appointees with limited qualifications or relevant experience assuming leadership roles in key state-owned companies.
By enforcing higher educational and professional standards, the PCB appears to be responding to these criticisms with a more structured and transparent approach to governance in the public sector.
