logo
CEO Masterclass 2025: Transformation of Mindset and Attitude Essential for Sabahans to scale beyond limits

CEO Masterclass 2025: Transformation of Mindset and Attitude Essential for Sabahans to scale beyond limits

Daily Express14-07-2025
Published on: Monday, July 14, 2025
Published on: Mon, Jul 14, 2025
By: Azwin Zawawi Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: The much-anticipated CEO Masterclass 2025 marked its successful return with the participation of nearly 400 industry leaders and professionals at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Thursday. The event, co-organized by the Sabah Young Business and Industry Leaders (SYBIL) and the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Sabah, reaffirmed the strength of their collaboration in delivering one of the state's most esteemed platforms for leadership and networking. In his welcoming speech, SYBIL Founding President and Group General Manager of SEDCO, Datuk Ar. James Wong Kein Peng mentioned, 'In Sabah, it is not that we entrepreneurs are any less capable than our international counterparts - but it is due to a lack of exposure. Our industry friends from Singapore and KL scaling 30 outlets per year, have unlocked their imagination of what is possible - and we need to bring that confidence to scale up and think big to Sabah.' The greatest impact to Sabah's economy happens when local businesses learn to unlock their potential, scale up their organizations and manage to attract and retain the best local talent to work in Sabah. James accentuated that SYBIL is dedicated to continue organizing events that bring value to the Sabah Business Community. 'With CEO Masterclass, we are creating a powerful network to enable A-list business players to share their experience and enable direct dialogue and learning with our local entrepreneurs.' Engaging panel discussions were the crowd pleasers of the event. The first session 'Overcoming the Business Death Valley' moderated by Ray Chou brought together three distinguished panellists, Kenji Yeo CEO of Amazing Borneo Tours; Geraldyn Low co-founder of Ventamin and Asgari Stephens Director of Intelligent Capital, to discuss the challenges and lessons learnt from their personal entrepreneurship journeys. Datuk Ar. James moderated an esteemed panel of speakers that took participants on a journey to learning from the titans of Sabahan listed companies from their experience of 'Scaling Beyond Sabah' on how they succeeded in listing their companies on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. Datuk Dr. Gordon Loke, Group Managing Director of KTI Landmark Berhad; Liaw Hen Kong Managing Director of Life Water Berhad and Kang Ket Hung Managing Director of Colform Berhad shared their inspiring stories on growing their respective businesses from small towns in Sabah to becoming public listed companies and stand proudly amongst global giants. Guest of Honour YB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi Manjun emphasized that true progress begins with a shift in mindset. He urged government-linked companies (GLCs) to adopt a business-driven approach and collaborate with the private sector to leverage their expertise and efficiency. 'The government's role is not to compete with businesses but to facilitate their growth,' he noted, adding that public-private partnerships can lead to greater profitability, job creation, and tax revenue. Masidi encouraged GLCs to offer equity to private players and co-manage ventures to achieve shared success. Highlighting the importance of adaptability and cooperation in today's economy, he praised CEO Masterclass as a vital platform to foster these partnerships, reminding all that when Sabahans unite, challenges can be overcome together. A key highlight of the event was the keynote by Professor Inderjit Singh Dhaliwal, a distinguished business entrepreneur from Singapore, in a session moderated by John Cham, Managing Director of Blue Swan Home Care. In his talk, 'Scaling Beyond Limits,' Professor Inderjit shared hard-earned strategies from building multiple successful companies. He emphasized that 'Sabah businesses must be bold to step out of your comfort zones, embrace a strategic mindset, and leverage your unique identity to drive growth.' Collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital, along with a clear long-term vision. He also urged, 'It is crucial for Sabah to tap into its global diaspora talent and bring them back to contribute, to support and truly unlock the state's full potential.' Datuk Lee Swi Heng, Vice President of MICCI Malaysia and Organizing Committee of CEO Masterclass 2025 wrapped-up the event with a heartfelt thanks to all the respected guests, sponsors and attendees. 'We sincerely hope that the CEO Masterclass 2025 has not only offered valuable perspectives but has also ignited within each of you the courage to dream bigger, act bolder, and confidently tackle the exciting challenges of scaling your businesses' he said in his closing speech. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why ‘Sabah for Sabahans' justified
Why ‘Sabah for Sabahans' justified

Daily Express

time14 hours ago

  • Daily Express

Why ‘Sabah for Sabahans' justified

Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: NATIONAL Leaders Should Manage Nation, Let Sabah Leaders Manage Sabah. Let us clear this out of the way first. Meaning of Sabah leaders is that they are from Sabah-based parties. Best if federal leaders can concentrate providing economic leadership on nation building. Let Sabah parties to govern Sabah for two reasons: [1] Malaysian Economy is not doing that great. Malaysia's performance is ok but far from best that we are capable of. Malaysia has potential to be at the top if the national leaders can solve racial-based politics, low productivity, lack of direction in innovation and research and poverty. Dragging down Malaysia are two major causes: First is rampant inflation that is plaguing the poor and young families. Second is unprecedented massive corruption. Big corruption, in 10s and 100s of millions of cash stashed in homes and billions overseas. Latest 'handouts' from PMX will not solve fundamental economic problems. They are for temporary 'feel good' or 'shiok Sendiri' only. Very little enhancement of economic capacity. The new appointment of more than 4,000 doctors is very beneficial for all Malaysians. [2] Turbulent Global Economy. Challenges in Multi-polar World. National leaders are providing insufficient leadership, direction, and clarity for Malaysians in these very uncertain times. Excessive domestic politics has blurred their responsibility in this very important aspect of economic management. It is logical to let Sabahan leaders manage Sabah. Federal leaders should not interfere. Focus on solving the national problems. Sabah leaders are capable of managing Sabah. CM Hajiji's economic restructure for Sabah is on course and will, in time, yield the desired results for Sabah. In addition, he has reclaimed some rights in oil and gas. The base of a burgeoning vibrant manufacturing industry has already been established. ECoS will solve Sabah's power problem. By 2030 there shall be no power issue. ECoS has done it within two years of its existence. The Federal government had no plan and failed to do so in 30 years. Sabahans are Malaysians as any Malaysian of other states. 'Sabah for Sabahans' does not dilute our Malaysianess. It must be stated here and now that Sabah is part of Malaysia, Sabahans are Malaysians just like any Malaysians of other states. Don't be distracted by any leader trying to steer us away from pursuing 'Sabah for Sabahans'. Such leaders have dubious ulterior motives. These following facts must be remembered always by all Sabahans and Malayans: Sabah is a direct signatory of MA63, 1/3 of Malaysia. Sabah is not 1/13 or 1/16 if the 3 federal territories are included, of Malaysia. These facts have become inconvenient truths and are often forgotten by many federal and some Sabah leaders. Many of them, for bizarre reasons, want Sabahans to forget Sabah's special role/position in the formation of Malaysia. 'Malaysia for Sabahans' more relevant slogan, says Ahmad Maslan. What is the meaning of 'Malaysia for Sabahans'? The ideal situation would be that Malaysia, of which Sabah is 1/3, would give Sabah a fair deal in all matters, especially in economic development and investment promotion. Sabah should have been looked after and assisted with extra help in development funding for Sabah to catch up with other states. Sabah's resources like oil and gas should have been used for the development of Sabah's economy from the very beginning. What does history tell us? Unfortunately, it has been a very sad story. The hard facts are that Sabah today is the 2nd poorest state, most of Sabah's resources have been siphoned off or controlled by non-Sabahans. Sabah has become well-known for poverty and bad infrastructures. To summarise, it has been a very bad nightmare. No one can blame Sabahans' scepticism on slogans like 'Malaysia for Sabah' from Malayan leaders. Should Sabahans want 'Malaysia for Sabah'? No one can blame Sabahans' heightened scepticism of this slogan which has been sold to us in various versions for many years. With due respect, this slogan seems to have come as an after-thought, an off-the-cuff remark. Better and easier for Sabahans to swallow if there is a properly prepared presentation of what 'Malaysia for Sabah' means to Sabahans in real term in this coming election. Sabahans, especially young better educated Sabahans, are no longer naïve. They aren't afraid to vent their frustrations. 'Malaysia for Sabahans' vs 'Sabah for Sabahans' These 2 slogans can be the best complements for nation building if only the federal government has lived up to the letter and spirit of MA63. Experience is telling us otherwise. History should have also taught Sabahans a lesson of self-discipline, the pitfalls, and dire consequences of political disunity. In view of numerous past unpleasant experiences [remember the 47 years old procrastination of 40% share of revenue?], it is better for Sabahans to have 'Sabah for Sabahans' so that we can build up and strengthen Sabah first. It is also time for Sabahans to grow up, not dependent on others, to exert our equitable rights and not to wait for charity and manna to fall from heaven. Sabahans must adopt 'Sabah for Sabahans' to regain self-respect. [1] 'Sabah for Sabahans' is a natural desire for all Sabahans, no difference from 'Selangor for Selangoreans' or 'Bangsa Johor'. Any Sabah leader not subscripting to this ought to have their heads examined. [2] Time for Sabahans to mature, to take charge and be responsible for our own destiny and future within Malaysia. Sabahans cannot continue to rely on others to make decisions for Sabahans. [3] Time to have our legitimate voice in major decisions that affect the nations like financial and budgetary policies and their implementations. Sabah is almost voiceless now. [4] As 1/3 partner of Malaysia, Sabah should and must have 1/3 representation in all federal agencies like Khazanah, all GLCs and GLIC. They don't give any attention for or implement any meaningful projects in Sabah. [5] Time for Sabahans to secure all our legitimate rights under MA63, our equitable rights for economic funding to develop our own state. [6] Time for Sabahans to have priority of our resources for the benefit of Sabahans. Like present siphoning off CPO must stop or impose higher sales tax of 15%. The CPO must be used for Sabah's downstream. [7] Sabah must be included in foreign trips by PM for investment promotions. [8] Federal government must give Sabah approval authority of RM2.5 billion on investment in manufacturing. Present RM2.5m is a joke. This amount cannot buy a semi-D now. 'Sabah for Sabahans' must be Encouraged by all Sabah leaders. Sabahans do not crave for what is not ours. Sabah is very far from getting what is rightfully ours, what Sabah is entitled to as 1/3 partner. 'Sabah for Sabahans LAST' is no longer acceptable by Sabah's young generation. They are deeply aware of and abhor the economic deprivations inflicted on Sabahans since MA63. 'Sabah for Sabahans' has room for a junior role for Malayan parties. As a trade-off, Sabah parties can support Malayan parties at federal level. Fair is fair. Priority is for all Sabah parties to unite for the sake of Sabahans, present and future generations. Good for Malaysia when 'Sabah for Sabahans' has made Sabah strong economically. 'Sabah for Sabahans' can Succeed only with Political Unity in Sabah. A strong Sabah will strengthen Malaysia economically and enhance its international prestige. 'Sabah for Sabahans' is a national asset. Sabah, now the 6th direct contributor to the national GDP will be able to contribute much more. Sabah's indirect contribution is much bigger cos most of our oil and gas and CPO are being shipped out to fuel industrial growth in Malaya. Malayan national leaders should let Sabahan leaders manage our state. For the future of all Sabahans, Sabah parties must fight for 'Sabah for Sabahans'. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]

Conference draws attendees from 12 nations
Conference draws attendees from 12 nations

Daily Express

timea day ago

  • Daily Express

Conference draws attendees from 12 nations

Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 Text Size: Wong said the centre's vision had always been to create a dedicated platform in Borneo that facilitates not just dispute resolution but also dialogue, education and partnerships across borders. Kota Kinabalu: On the conference, Tan Sri Wong said the three-day Bicam Global ADR Horizons 2025 attracted participants from 12 countries including the United Kingdom, China, France, Germany, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. 'Your presence is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing alternative dispute resolution and building a more just, efficient and collaborative global dispute resolution landscape,' he said. He reflected on Bicam's journey from its official launch two years ago, the introduction of its Arbitration and Mediation Rules in October 2023 and the recent launch of the Expert Determination Rules 2025, the first of its kind in Malaysia. Wong said the centre's vision had always been to create a dedicated platform in Borneo that facilitates not just dispute resolution but also dialogue, education and partnerships across borders. 'Bicam bridges worlds. We are rooted in Borneo, but our reach is global. We are a Sabahan initiative that speaks the language of international law,' he said. 'We connect East and West, law and industry, and emerging economies with established jurisdictions. Our strength lies in this ability to act as a conduit.' He also recounted the success of the inaugural Bicam ADR Summit in September 2024, where a modest target of 100 participants turned into 176 registrations from 14 countries, including India, Austria, Japan and Brunei. 'That event showed the world what Sabah could offer. It gave us momentum and confidence that Bicam could become a major voice in the global ADR community.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

SMM sues MalaysiaNow for defamation, denies issuing mining licence to politically-linked firm
SMM sues MalaysiaNow for defamation, denies issuing mining licence to politically-linked firm

Malay Mail

time2 days ago

  • Malay Mail

SMM sues MalaysiaNow for defamation, denies issuing mining licence to politically-linked firm

KOTA KINABALU, July 25 — Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) has initiated legal proceedings against news portal MalaysiaNow over allegedly false and defamatory reports concerning the politically-linked company Bumi Suria Sdn Bhd. In a statement, SMM accused MalaysiaNow of publishing 'numerous allegations which are false, misleading, and defamatory' regarding the purported awarding of a prospecting licence (PL) to Bumi Suria, a company linked to prominent businessman and former political aide Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak. 'At no point in time did MalaysiaNow seek SMM's clarification prior to the publication. The publications were biased, one-sided, and represent a calculated attempt by MalaysiaNow to defame SMM, its directors, and officers,' SMM stated, adding that it would pursue legal action against any other media outlet that republishes the claims. The lawsuit comes after a series of articles and videos by MalaysiaNow suggesting that SMM had improperly awarded a prospecting licence to Bumi Suria for a 70,000-hectare forest reserve area in Kalabakan and Gunung Rara. SMM rebutted this, reiterating that it has no legal power to issue prospecting or mining licences. It stressed that this authority lies solely with the Sabah Department of Lands and Surveys (JTU) under the Sabah Mining Ordinance 1960. JTU director Datuk Bernard Liew noted this yesterday when saying that no mineral-related licence had ever been issued to Bumi Suria. Instead, SMM clarified that it had only issued a 'Conditional Letter of Permission to Apply for a Prospecting Licence' to Bumi Suria following internal board deliberations, stressing that this document was not an approval or the issuance of any licence. 'However, Bumi Suria did not proceed to formally submit any of the required documents for an application. Consequently, on March 24, 2025, SMM issued an official letter of cancellation of permission to apply to Bumi Suria Sdn Bhd. 'These facts were maliciously omitted by MalaysiaNow,' SMM said. SMM also took issue with the use of a photo of its chief executive officer, Natasha Sim, and her name in connection with an audio recording that they claim does not feature her voice and is not associated with her. 'This deliberate act of misrepresentation is unacceptable and unethical,' it said. The issue has drawn public scrutiny, particularly as SMM has been embroiled in controversy since a series of leaked videos and audio recordings emerged, alleging corrupt practices in the awarding of licences and implicating several Sabahan politicians. Two state assemblymen, Datuk Yusof Yaacob (Sindumin) and Datuk Andy Suryady Bandy (Tanjung Batu), are currently facing corruption charges over the scandal. Farhash, a former aide to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has denied allegations that he owned Bumi Suria and that the company had been awarded a mineral prospecting or exploration licence. While confirming he is a director and shareholder, his lawyers have demanded the articles be removed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store