PENANG, 23 March 2018 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently held another round of the CEO@Faculty Programme at the USM University Conference Hall (DPU).

The programme, organised by the USM Graduate School of Business (GSB) and in collaboration with USM Division of Industry and Community Network (BJIM), featured Tan Sri Datuk Wira Azman Mokhtar, the Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, who presented on the topic of ‘Internationalisation and Regional Champions’.

In citing examples of Khazanah ever since it began operations, he highlighted a few points with regard to ensuring the positive growth and good governance of the nation’s wealth.

He stated that while Khazanah was tasked to support the long-term economic aspiration of the country, it also has the role of supporting ‘nations-building’ (expanding into other countries) through investments made within those countries.

Though Khazanah has experienced growth and expansion, its footprint is still small compared to other major global investors and business players. It is here that Azman used the analogy of Khazanah being the ‘mousedeer’, a small yet clever animal that could be found in the wilderness.

“Be like the mousedeer; small and clever,” he said, in facing the challenges of globalisation and internationalisation.

He further stated that having a positive company culture is essential in navigating through the various challenges in doing business at the regional and global stages. Values such as integrity and ‘doing the right things right and in the right way’ would provide a clear moral compass for the management and staff to steer the company in the right direction.

In facing globalisation, he said that it is necessary for businesses nowadays to be able to collaborate and understand their partners better in order to achieve win-win outcomes.

“The element of trust must also be there, as the foundation of any successful partnerships is trust,” he added.

He was joined by his main management staff for the Q and A session in the final part of the session. A few questions were fielded by the audience and Azman, together with the management staff took turns answering them.

Those present at the CEO@Faculty Programme include the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network), Professor Dr. Ir. Abdul Rahman Mohamed; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dato' Dr. Muhamad Jantan; USM Bursar, Dr. Rohayati Mohd Isa and USM Heads of Departments, along with key university officials, other academicians and students.

Text: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin