Abdul Rahman Ayob

Abdul Rahman bin Ayob
Born	(1964-12-02) December 2, 1964 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Occupation	Naval officer
Years active	1982–present
Known for	18th Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy

Abdul Rahman bin Ayob (born 2 December 1964 in Johor Bahru, Johor) is a Malaysian naval officer who has been serving as the 18th Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy since 27 January 2023.

Early life

Born in Johor Bahru, Johor, Abdul Rahman bin Ayob entered the world on 2 December 1964.

Navy career

Abdul Rahman commenced his service with the Royal Malaysian Navy as an Officer Cadet on 2 July 1982 and attained the rank of Sub Lieutenant upon commissioning on 13 June 1984.

Throughout his career, he has occupied significant roles such as Commander of the Submarine Force, Deputy Chief of Mission for the Mindanao International Observation Team, Commander of Naval Areas 2, and Commander of the Eastern Fleet. Prior to his current appointment, he served as Deputy Chief of Navy beginning in 2019.

He was elevated to Chief of the Navy on 27 January 2023, taking over from Mohd Reza Mohd Sany. Notably, he is the first officer from the Submarine branch to assume this leadership role.

Malaysian honours

• :
  • Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) – awarded the title Tan Sri in 2023
  • Commander of the Order of Meritorious Service (PJN) – conferred with Datuk in 2022
  • Companion of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (JSM) received in 2015
  • Officer of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (KMN), honored in 2009
  • Awarded the Loyal Service Medal (PPS)
  • Recipient of the General Service Medal (PPA)
  • Holder of the 9th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal
  • Holder of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal
  • Holder of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal
• Malaysian Armed Forces :
  • Courageous Commander rank within the Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PGAT) awarded in 2023
  • Loyal Commander rank within the Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PSAT) awarded in 2015
  • Warrior rank within the Most Gallant Order of Military Service (PAT)
  • Officer rank within the Most Gallant Order of Military Service (KAT)
  • Awarded the Malaysian Service Medal (PJM)
• :
  • Conferred Companion Class II of the Exalted Order of Malacca (DPSM), receiving the title Datuk in 2015
• :
  • Bestowed Commander rank within the Order of Kinabalu (PGDK) – carrying the title Datuk since 2019
• :
  • Knight Commander rank within the Order of the Crown of Selangor (DPMS), honored with Dato in 2019

International honours

• :
  • Awarded Chevalier status in the Legion of Honour in 2024
  • Bestowed Chevalier rank in the Ordre national du Mérite
• :
  • Recipient of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) in 2024