The World Bank has appointed a new country director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam, effective July 1.
Zafer Mustafaoglu, a Turkish national, will oversee the World Bank's program in these countries to advance its policy dialogues with government officials, civil society, academia, the private sector, and other key stakeholders.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei—countries that stand out as some of the most vibrant economies in the East Asia region, with significant achievements in economic transformation and poverty alleviation,” Mustafaoglu said.
“I look forward to meeting our partners across government, the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions to deepen my understanding of the unique development challenges these countries face and to explore how the World Bank can further contribute to their progress,” he also said.
Mustafaoglu has 19 years of experience at the World Bank, serving as a practice manager for finance, competitiveness, and innovation in China, Mongolia, Korea, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
His recent roles include serving as the practice manager for the finance, competitiveness, and innovation global practice in Latin America and the Caribbean Region and as lead economist and program leader for Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Before joining the World Bank, Mustafaoglu worked for the Turkish government, where he headed the modeling and economic analysis department at the Prime Ministry State Planning Organization.
Mustafaoglu earned his doctorate in International Economics from the Middle East Technical University in Turkey and completed his master's degree in economics at the University of Essex and Cambridge University, England.
According to the institution, the World Bank Group (WBG) deploys “advanced analytics, advisory services, and financing operations to support the countries' development agendas and are tailored to each country’s needs and priorities.”
The WBG also said it supported the government’s key economic policy and governance reforms, helped spur private sector growth, and is promoting peace and development in Mindanao.