Datuk Wira Ahmad Rusli started his career with the Administrative an Diplomatic Service (PTD) as an Assistant Director of the Melaka State Economic Planning Unit. Subsequently, he held other various positions in the Public Services Department (Training Division), National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), Ministry of Agriculture, Economic Planning Unit, Melaka State Financial Office, Melaka State Secretariat before he retired in October 2005 as Senior Deputy Secretary General of the Prime Minister’s Department.

Among the senior positions that he has held during his long and distinguished career include the positions of Director of Development Budget, Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Melaka State Financial Officer, Melaka State Secretary and Senior Deputy Secretary General of the Prime Minister’s Department.

Datuk Wira Ahmad Rusli graduated from the University of Malaya with a B.A (Hons) degree majoring in Economics in 1973. In 1976, he obtained his Diploma in Public Administration from the same university. In 1981 Datuk Wira obtained his M.A. (Development Economics) from Vanderbilt University, USA.