Vol 2 2014: June PP 8307/12/2012(032066)

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The Prime Minister and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor at the National Economic Summit jointly organised by ASLI and Bernama.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh calling on the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana Singapore.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh accompanying Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to call on the Vice President of China Li Yuanchao at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in May 2014.

ASLI Senior Vice President Mr. Max Say greeting the Prime Minister of Turkey HE Recep Erdogan.

Chairman of the ASEAN Leadership Forum and CEO of ASLI Tan Sri Michael Yeoh accompanying Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and President of Myanmar U Thein Sein to the ALF Opening Dinner.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin officiating Jeffrey Cheah Institute Inaugural Conference co-organised by ASLI with ASLI Chairman and JCI Founder Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah.

Chairman of ASLI with HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak at the JCI lnaugural Conference dinner co-organised by JCI and ASLI.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh greeting President Aquino of the Philippines.

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ASLI ORGANISES 11th ASEAN LEADERSHIP FORUM

ASEAN Leadership Forum Chairman & ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh greeting the President of Myanmar HE U Thein Sein with UMFCCI President and ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chairman U Win Aung looking on.

Tan Sri Michael Yeoh with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Maung Lwin and ABAC Chairman U Win Aung at the Forum.

The 11th ASEAN Leadership Forum (ALF) was held on the May 11-12th, 2014 at Nay Pyi Taw - the capital city of Myanmar, who is also the Chair of ASEAN this year. The forum was graced by the presence of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. U Thein Sein and the President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

This two-day forum was co-organised by ASLI, led by its CEO and Chairman of ALF, Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, and The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (UMFCCI), led by its President and Chairman of ASEAN Business Advisory Council, U Win Aung. Other distinguished guests were H.E. Dato’ Seri Anifah Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, Cambodia Senior Minister Chantol Sun on behalf of Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

In an Opening Speech, H.E. U Thein Sein expressed his commitment to Myanmar’s Chairmanship of ASEAN with the theme “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community,” and reminded that the realisation of the ASEAN Community (AEC) by 2015 should be

seen as a work-in-progress in order to keep the region relevant when responding to challenges. Malaysia, the Chairman of ASEAN in 2015, will be focusing on a “People-Centred ASEAN,” according to H.E. Dato’ Seri Anifah Aman in a Special Address. On the growing divergence within ASEAN, H.E. Dato’ Seri Anifah Aman urged all stakeholders to be mindful of the underlying economic challenges, and called for cooperation and support in charting the future of AEC.

The first of four panel discussions centred on the “ASEAN Economic Community - Creating Regional Prosperity, Resilience and Opportunities” theme. The speakers noted that the 600 million strong AEC represents a diversity in resources, but stressed deeper integration and connection within the region in order for its potential to be fully unleashed. Action plans and infrastructure listings are called upon as means to reduce imbalances of plans and actions taken with respect to the AEC.

Diplomatic and political challenges were the focus in the second panel discussions, entitled “Political Leadership in ASEAN - Role of Government and Think Tanks towards the ASEAN Political & Security Community.” This session investigated the role of think tanks and government towards completing the Political & Security Community (PSC). Issues such as the response of ASEAN towards the South China

The Presidents of Indonesia and Myanmar and Ministers from ASEAN member states at the ALF Opening.

ASLI’s Senior Vice President Mr. Max Say greeting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono whilst Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Ms Jean Wong look on.

Ministers from Cambodia and Indonesia at the Forum.UMFCCI President and ABAC Chairman U Win Aung welcoming Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Dato Seri Anifah Aman.

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Sea territorial disputes and the armed religious conflict in southern Philippines were discussed. Some non-traditional security threats such as isolated ethnic relations were emphasised. This session concluded that ASEAN as a whole should play a larger role both in the international community and domestically. Think tanks in this regard could facilitate cooperation with government as long as financing is sustainable.

The third session, titled “Toward a People-Centered ASEAN - The Viewpoints of Women and Emerging Young Leaders in Achieving the ASEAN Social and Cultural Community” investigated profoundly how gender and youth empowerment issues should be addressed through the ASEAN Social and Cultural Community. This session emphasised that concerns from women, the youth and other social groups must be addressed in order to promote a sense of belonging to ASEAN. Panellists echoed with each other on the need to improve education in terms of tertiary education and research, arts education and knowledge transfer. On the other hand, the youth should be empowered to participate in ASEAN and there should be ASEAN core values to guide the youth in their decision-making and become more ASEAN conscious.

In the last session, titled “Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Regional Partnerships”, the speakers looked specifically into how closer

partnership and cooperation could be carried out within ASEAN. This session served as a conclusion of the forum and attempts were made to maximize the achievements of discussion over the last sessions. Various proposals, particularly on infrastructure and technology, were discussed with regards to increasing ASEAN connectivity. Panellists also discussed the need to integrate communities into one single ASEAN community, and to strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to encourage connectivity, adoption of technology and innovation and the streamlining of regulatory framework to increase the overall connectivity among businesses in ASEAN.

H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Union of Myanmar presented the Closing Speech where he praised the progress of ASEAN in establishing itself as a Small-and-Medium Enterprise (SME) Service Centre. This is crucial to the competitiveness of ASEAN given an estimated 96% of businesses are SMEs in the region. H.E. U Wunna Maung Lwin also reassured that the recommendations put forward throughout the forum will be useful in formulating the agenda for post-2015 ASEAN. The private sector will also be actively engaged in ensuring the successful implementation of the Masterplan on ASEAN Connectivity - the key to creating a sense of belonging to ASEAN.

U Win Aung presenting a memento to Minister of National Planning Dr. Kan Zaw.

CEO ASEAN Standard Chartered Bank Mr. Lim Cheng Teik, President GE ASEAN Mr. Stuart Dean and Ms Khine Khine Nwe Joint Secretary General of UMFCCI and Myanmar Investment Commission member.

From left: Mr. Razali Johari from Brunei, Mr. Alexander Wan of China Daily, Dato Ramesh Kodammal Co-Chairman ASEAN-India Business Council and Dr. Doan Duy Khuong Vice Executive President Vietnam Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

MITI Minister Dato Seri Mustapa Mohamad speaking at the Forum. Looking on are Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid Chairman CIMB ASEAN Research Institute and Dr. Serge Pun Chairman Yoma Strategic Holdings.

GMMF Chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail and other panellists at the Forum.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh presenting a memento to Senior Minister, Cambodia H.E. Chantol Sun whilst Dato Seri Anifah Aman, U Win Aung and Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So look on.

From right: ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Delia Albert, Singapore MP Penny Low, GMMF CEO Dato Saifudin Abdullah, ASLI Senior Vice President Ms Ng Yeen Seen and IDEAS President Tunku Abidin.

ASLI ORGANISES 11th ASEAN LEADERSHIP FORUM

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NATIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT

ASLI Chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah presenting a memento to the Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib whilst Communications and Multimedia Minister Dato Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek looks on.

The Prime Minister with organisers and sponsors of the National Economic Summit.

The Prime Minister speaking with Dato Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and BERNAMA Chairman Dato Abdul Rahman Sulaiman.

BERNAMA General Manager Dato Yong Soo Heong greeting the Prime Minister whilst Tan Sri Michael Yeoh looks on.

CEO of Siemens Prakash Chandran receiving a memento from the Prime Minister for sponsoring the Summit.

The Minister of Communication & Multimedia and the Prime Minister at the Summit. Behind is the Inspector General of Police.

The Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, in his keynote address at the National Economic Summit & Dialogue with the Prime Minister of Malaysia held on 7 March, 2014 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, reassured the public that the issue of rising cost of living will be the core focus of the government’s economic policies.

The Prime Minister underscored at the beginning of his hour-long speech the urgency to better manage public finances through subsidy rationalisation and the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 6% in 2015. These measures are necessary to bring down public debt and spending while the resulting savings could be better channelled into productive investments. Dato’ Sri Najib, acknowledged the short-term impact of these adjustments to the people, but warned against the greater danger of losing employment and investment opportunities due to falling global investor confidence.

Through savings from subsidies, the Prime Minister explained in detail the various programmes that the government is now able to implement to ameliorate inflationary pressure and building the capacity of individuals to grow their share of income. Dato’ Sri Najib

had also stressed his determination to make government more efficient while extended his willingness to work across the political divide in fighting corruption.

On the issue of policy communication, the Prime Minister had pointed out that the silent majority should speak up for the policies that they support and also highlighted the need to send the government’s messages more clearly to the people. Alluding to the timeliness of this Summit, the Prime Minister had wanted to take the “opportunity to speak through this platform to the rakyat,” and demonstrated his determination to take difficult decisions for the nation’s long-term interests.

In his welcoming speech, Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh commended that Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib had adopted bold measures to grapple with issues such as a slowdown in domestic demand and growing religious tensions. Tan Sri Michael emphasised the need for Malaysia to be a peaceful and united nation in order to facilitate a sustained and robust economy. He added further that the “feel-good” factor of a sound economy must trickle-down to the people so that national unity can be strengthened in a more meaningful manner.

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ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh moderating the Questions and Answers session with the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister receiving a memento from the Communication and Multimedia Minister whilst Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh look on.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Dato Sri Mohd Najib and Ms Ng Yeen Seen, ASLI Senior Vice President. The Panellists Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid, Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn, Tan Sri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob and the moderator Mr. Mikhail Abdullah from BERNAMA.

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah and Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam. Standard Chartered Bank Chairman Tan Sri Sheriff Kassim, Standard Chartered Bank CEO Osman Morad and Siemens CEO Prakash Chandran.

The ASLI Team.

While the Malaysian economy remained resilient in the face of the global economic turmoil, Tan Sri Michael strongly urged the Prime Minister to stay committed to the transformation agenda and actively pursue the implementation of the New Economic Model (NEM).

The panel discussions with the Prime Minister, moderated by ASLI’s CEO Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, were joined by Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid, Chairman, Bank Muamalat and Senior Visiting Fellow, London School of Economics (LSE), Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, former Minister of Human Resources and former Dean of Economics Faculty, University of Malaya, and Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman, Malaysian Institute of Economic Research and former Chairman, MIDA.

Tan Sri Munir pointed out that structural fiscal deficit is a legacy issue that the nation should remain concerned about - a sentiment that was echoed by Tan Sri Fong who commented that the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the least prepared to face the challenges imposed by measures to address the deficit. The Prime Minister maintained that the subsidy removal mechanism was a result of very thorough studies and adequate consultation was made with other countries. On the other hand, Tan Sri Sulaiman asked the Prime Minister if Malaysia can continue to build its export market. In

response, Dato’ Sri Najib pressed on the need for a structural change in export and reiterated the importance for Malaysia to be part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in order to remain competitive.

This was followed by another panel session entitled “What is the real truth of the Malaysian economy? How can we move ahead to overcome our economic challenges?” The session was moderated by Mr. Mikhail Raj Abdullah, Editor, BERNAMA Economic Services (BES), and the panellists were Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid, Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, and Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob.

According to Tan Sri Munir, the government fails to be effective and credible in communication strategies and much needs to be done to educate the people with regards to the real truth of the Malaysian economy. From the perspective of SMEs, Tan Sri Fong expressed concerns over the widening gap between policy design and implementation which may require a “new mission of service delivery with key performance indicators (KPIs) based on grassroots understanding and acceptance.” On the issue of informal economy, Tan Sri Sulaiman suggested that the Malaysian economy should increase its focus in finding a niche in order to continue growing in an ever globalising world. This is necessary, according to Tan Sri Sulaiman, if the Malaysian economy were to maintain a 5% GDP growth.

NATIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT

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ASLI CO-HOSTS PRESIDENT AQUINO

During his official visit to Malaysia, President Benigno Aquino addressed the Malaysia-Philippines Business Forum organised by the Embassy of the Philippines, the Malaysia-Philippines Business Council and ASLI. In his Keynote Address, President Acquino spoke about the reforms he has carried out and his vision for the Philippines. He also spoke about the attractiveness of the Philippines as an investment and tourism destination.

Earlier MITI Minister Dato Sri Mustapa Mohamed and Philippines Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo addressed the Forum. The CEO of ASLI Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and the Chairman of the Malaysia Philippines Business Council delivered Welcome Speeches. The Forum was also attended by the Philippines Foreign Secretary and Business Leaders from both countries. The Philippines business delegation was led by Mr. Ramon Ang, President of San Miguel Corp.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh talking to President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino. President Aquino with Philippines Foreign Secretary, Trade Secretary, MITI Minister, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and the Malaysia-Philippines Business Council President.

ASLI Senior Vice President Mr. Max Say greeting the Philippines President.

Dato Azmil Chairman of Malaysia Philippines Business Council and ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh with Mr. Ramon Ang CEO of San Miguel Corp & President of Petron with Dato Seri Mustapa Mohamad.

Tan Sri Michael Chen, Ms Jean Wong and Tan Sri Alex Chen.

PAN-BEIBU THINK TANK SUMMIT

ASLI Senior Vice President Ms Ng Yeen Seen was invited to moderate a session on ‘Regional Cooperation and Maritime Silk Road’ at the 8th Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation Forum’s Think Tank Summit with the theme ‘Maritime Silk Road in the 21st Century’. The session

discussed how to build a new maritime Silk Road in the 21st Century through bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the region; how the Pan-Beibu Gulf region play a pivotal role in China-ASEAN cooperation; and how to realise industrial transformation and to upgrade the region.

A roundtable was held on 7 April to discuss and identify pragmatic options to reinforce the implementation of anti-corruption measures in Malaysia. It was one of the gatherings of high level representatives from the public and corporate sectors, national planning authorities, regulators, academicians, politicians , advocates and the diplomatic communities focused exclusively on issues specific to monopoly, high level corruption, unexplained wealth and illicit financial outflow. 50 delegates participated at the roundtable.

FIRSTLY, understanding the relationship between allegation of corruption offenses and prosecution is deeply challenging, given the inherent legislative loopholes of the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Act (MACC). Those engaged in these issues-anti corruption commission, law enforcement agencies and national planning authority proposed for the amendment of sections 23 and 36 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. Section 23 enables administration members to grant tenders, contracts and procurements to associates and relatives, with a declaration of interest. Authorities lack the real power to ask for individuals to declare assets that does not match with their level of income.

SECONDLY, amendments to some relevant articles of the Constitutions are required to reflect the 12 principles underlined by the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). This includes the elevation of the status of the MACC chief commissioner to one that is equivalent to the Attorney General and the judge for the improvement of the commission independence.

THIRDLY, the overriding importance on encouraging whistleblower to expose corruption can come at the expense of the whistleblower. The provision of the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) 2010 is weak as it ONLY offers protection when the disclosure is addressed to an enforcement agency. A whistleblower would not receive any protection in WPA 2010 if disclosure is made to their employer. This act should be amended to include protection for whistleblowers that choose to expose misconduct within their organisations as opposed to the reinforcement agency.

FOURTHLY, there is a general consensus that corruption and competition is inversely related. There are industrial policies that are not competition friendly. Discussion indicated further that the disintegration of the existing policies may actually exacerbate corruption. There is a lack of coordination within the policy makers when policies are drafted. Therefore, open dialogues are required to address the issue of “bid-rigging cartels”.

FIFTHLY, the participants called for stiffer punishment for corruption offenses. These punitive actions should commensurate with the degree of crime committed. Reinforcement of punitive actions is required to create a high risk environment for corruption offences.

SIXLY, public citizens and the corporate sectors are urged to work closely with the government to fight against corruption. Public cooperation is crucial in supporting the work of enforcement agencies.

CPPS ROUNDTABLE: CORRUPTION IN MALAYSIA

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MEETING WITH CHINESE LEADERS

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh joined Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in calling on the President of China Xi Jinping.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh accompanying Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to a meeting with China’s Vice President Li Yuanchao at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh with Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

The MoU exchange of documents between ASLI and Chinese Development Institute witnessed by the Prime Minister at the Malaysia-China Economic Forum at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

From right : Tan Sri Kenneth Eswaran, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Dato Abdul Majid Khan and other members of the Business delegation at the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

ASLI ACHIEVES GLOBAL RECOGNITION-RANKED AMONG TOP THINK TANKS

MEETING WITH AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh attended a Roundtable discussion with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

ASLI Directors Tan Sri Razman Hashim and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh at the Istana Negara for the King’s Birthday.

The Board of Directors, Management and staffof ASLI congratulates Tan Sri Razman Md Hashim on being conferred a Tan Sri-ship by the king.

ASLI DIRECTOR TAN SRI RAZMAN MD HASHIM CONFERRED TAN SRI

ASLI will be organising the 6th World Chinese Economic Forum (WCEF) in Chongqing, China on 4th and 5th December 2014. Recently the Founders of the WCEF; Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, Co-Founder and Patron and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, the WCEF Chairman & ASLI Chief Executive Officer accompanied former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in calling on the President of China H.E. Xi Jinping and the Chinese Vice President H.E. Li Yuanchao in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Tan Sri Yeoh also attended the commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Relations held at the Great Hall of the People. During the high-level Forum, ASLI signed an MoU with the China Development Institute to undertake joint economic research and studies.

The Global Report on Think Tanks announced in the United Nations in New York on Friday 24, January 2014 ranked the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) and its research arm, the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) among the top Think Tanks in the World and in the Asia Pacific Region.

ASLI’s CPPS was ranked No 7 among top Think Tanks in Asia and the Pacific region.

This annual Global study on Think Tanks surveyed 6826 think tanks worldwide and was carried out by the University of Pennsylvania.

CPPS was also ranked No 38 in the world among top Education Think Tanks and No 27 in the world among top transparency and good governance Think Tanks. In these two categories ASLI’s CPPS were the only Malaysian Think Tanks listed. CPPS was also ranked No 37 in the world for Best Advocacy Campaign and No 35 for Best Use of Social Networks.

(Cont. to page 17)

• ASLI was also ranked No 23 in the world among top think tanks with Smaller Budgets below USD5mill. ASLI is also No 22 in the world among Think Tanks To Watch.

• ASLI was ranked No 37 in the world among Think Tanks with Best Public Engagement Programmes and No 47 in the world among think tanks with Most Significant Impact on Public Policy

• ASLI was ranked No 47 Best Managed Think Tanks in the world-the only ASEAN Think Tank in this list.

• ASLI was ranked No 29 in the world with Best New Idea Developed last year and No 22 in the world for Best Policy Report Produced by a Think Tank last year for our study on FTAS and impact on 10 countries.

• ASLI was No 34 in the world for Best Think Tank Conferences.

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MALAYSIAN BANKING SUMMIT

Group Managing Director AMBANK Group Mr. Ashok Ramamurthy receiving a memento from the Minister for sponsoring the Summit.

The Minister presenting a memento to President of Maybank Dato’ Abdul Farid Alias for being the main sponsor.

Minister of Finance II Dato’ Seri Haji Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah with ASLI Director Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and President Mirzan Mahathir.

ASLI President Mr. Mirzan Mahathir presenting a memento to the Minister Dato’ Seri Husni.

CEO Standard Chartered Bank Mr. Osman Morad, Dato’ Abdul Farid Alias, Tan Sri Navaratnam, Mr. Goh Peng Ooi and Mr. Ashok Ramamurthy.

Bank Muamalat Chairman Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid moderating the regionalisation of banks session. With him are Dato’ Khairulsaleh Ramli CEO RHB Bank and Mr. Muzzafar Hisham CEO Maybank Islamic.

ASLI once again organised the Annual Malaysian Banking Summit the 18th edition in this annual series. The Second Finance Minister Dato’ Seri Haji Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah officiated the opening of the summit and delivered the Keynote Address. The summit was attended by over 200 delegates.

A CEO Roundtable on Leadership in a Changing Global and Regional Financial Landscape featured several prominent bank CEOs. Dato’ Abdul Farid Alias, President of Maybank; Mr. Osman Morad, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank; Mr. Ashok Ramamurthy, Group Managing Director of Ambank; Mr. Sanjeev Nanavati, CEO Citibank; and Mr. Goh Peng Ooi, Chairman of Silverlake Axis. They stressed the importance of leadership agility, balancing expectations and managing complexity. The CEOs also agreed that margins for banks are declining as costs increases. There is a greater need to create efficiencies and enhance innovation. A strong focus on excellence, transformation and market leadership is essential.

Earlier in his Opening Keynote Address, the Minister said the banking sector is one of the primary pillars of the economy. The Minister also

shares his overview on the Malaysian economy stressing the good growth figure in first quarter growth this year of 6.2% growth. He stressed that Malaysia remains on track to become a high income country. He emphasised, that Government policy will ensure the public good must prevail “government will rather do good than be popular”.

The Minister reiterated that the Government will continue to provide access to essential resources to ensure every opportunity for all. Justice and fairness in income distribution will be a key priority. The Government will work hard to expand the economic pie and will never deprive another to benefit others. The Minister ended his Keynote Address by warning us not to take the economy’s comfort zone for granted.

The Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Dr. Sukhdave Singh in his Luncheon Address spoke on the quality and sustainability of growth. He said there are increasing signs that advanced countries are showing signs of steady and sustainable growth albeit still low. Emerging market economies have done well since the Global

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Raja Teh Maimunah CEO Hong Leong Islamic Banking speaking at the Islamic Banking session with moderator Dato’ Mohamad Faiz Chairman PWC Malaysia.

The session on epayments moderated by Dr. Raymond Kwong Group Managing Director Silverlake Axis.

Mr. Tay Kay Luan CEO Institute of Bankers Malaysia. Mr. Raj Lorenz, CEO GHL System, Mr. Quah Poh Keat Deputy CEO Public Bank, Dr. Sukhdave Singh Deputy Governor Bank Negara, and Dato’ Steve Ong, Private Pension Administrator.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh presenting a memento to Bank Negara Deputy Governor Dr. Sukhdave Singh.

The Wealth Management session with Mr. Saiful Bahari Baharom CEO Labuan IBFC, Dato’ Steve Ong, CEO Private Pension Administrator, Ms Ong Shi Jie, Head Wealth Management OCBC Bank.

MALAYSIAN BANKING SUMMIT

Financial Crisis, where domestic consumption, strong commodities demand and fiscal stimulus have driven growth in emerging market economies. However, growth in EME’s are tapering off as commodity boom is tapering off. Although emerging market economies will have slower growth they will still contribute more to global growth than advanced economies. There are some concerns about China but Dr. Sukhdave feel China should be able to still generate 7% growth annually.

He said the Central Bank feels that for 2014 Malaysia can still achieve 5% to 5.5% growth as private investment remains healthy although there is a bit of concern about higher indebtedness. On a global basis, he shared concerns about income inequality, youth unemployment, slow recovery in advanced countries. He ended by saying that economically things are growing better but the legacy of the global financial crisis remains and this will cloud the global outlook.

Another key session in the Banking Summit was on Regionalisation of Banks - the ASEAN challenge which saw Dato’ Khairusalleh

Ramli, CEO of RHB Bank; Mr. Muzzafar Hisham, CEO Maybank Islamic; and Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid. The speakers spoke about the challenges and opportunities arising from regionalisation and the ASEAN economic community and shared issues of concern as well as new opportunities from regionalisation. Other sessions include Human Capital Development, Talent and Skill Requirement, Operational Excellence, Islamic Banking, Epayments, Wealth Management and’ High Networth Banking, Risk Management and Financial Inclusion.

Other speakers include Mr. Sanjeev Nanavati, CEO CItibank and President Amcham, Raja Teh Maimunah, CEO Hong Leong Islamic; Mr. Musa Abdul Malek from CIMB Islamic; Dato’ Mohd Effendi Abdullah, Head Islamic Market, Amlnvestment Bank; Mr. Tay Kay Luan, CEO Institute of Bankers and several others.

The main sponsors are Maybank & Silverlake Axis, other corporate sponsors are Ambank, Standard Chartered Bank, GHL and Institute of Bankers.

Ms. Nora Manaf Group Chief Human Capital Officer, Maybank Group, Mr. Pun Tian Pouw of Korn Ferry and Mr. Jamaluddin Bakri. Group Chief Human Resource Officer, RHB Bank.

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MALAYSIA STRATEGIC OUTLOOK

ASLI Director Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam presenting a memento to the Youth & Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

YB Khairy Jamaluddin with Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam.

The Malaysia Strategic Outlook Conference is an annual conference organised by the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) at the beginning of each year to assess the key trends, strategic challenges and critical issues facing the nation in the coming year.

The 16th Malaysia Strategic Outlook Conference with the theme “Forging Resilient Growth, Entering a New Era” was held on 23rd January 2014 at Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur. The Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives & Consumerism Dato’ Seri Ahmad Bashah Hanipah represented the Minister and read out the Minister’s speech on “Growing The Domestic Trade Sector and Promoting Competition”.

The country’s macroeconomic performance was well on-track with the targets set out by the Government’s Transformation Programme. The GDP expanded by 5% in the third quarter of 2013 and we were confident that this growth would be sustained throughout the rest of 2013 to achieve the annual target of between 4.5% and 5% GDP growth. As for 2014, the economy is expected to grow even robustly by 5% to 5.5%. The economy created more jobs in 2013 too, along with an increase in the labour force participation rate which had spiked from 65% in 2012 to near 69% in 2013. The 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) has also generated 1.3 million new employments from 2010 to 2013, bringing total employment to 13.66 million.

The macroeconomic outlook for 2014 is however going to be a tricky one. There will be a slight “reversal” in the role that both domestic and external demand play in driving the economy. Private consumption was fuelling the growth in 2013, advancing 8.2% from the previous year. Private investment also increased by 15.2% in third quarter of 2013, almost doubled from 2012. This came at the back of a more lukewarm exports performance due to weak external environment.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism focusing on intellectual property (IP) as a new engine of growth. Fast and easy acquisition of protection as well as competent and steadfast enforcement mechanism creates the right incentives for firms to innovate. In fact, countries that enjoy high standard of living on average have better institutional framework, including the protection of IP. The Minister further added that firms must find new ways to doing business and with the Government playing its role as both a regulator and a facilitator, the country will take the next big leap in becoming an innovative, high-income nation.

The topics discussed at the one day conference were “World, Regional and National Economic Outlook - What To Look Out For in 2014? How Resilient is Growth in 2014?”, “Malaysia’s New Politics - What Next After the 13GE and Party Elections?”, Gen Y Outlook: What the Younger Generation Expect and Want? Young People’s Perspectives of the Nation - Where it is Heading and What to Expect”, “Management lnsights - What Should Businesses and Top Managers Watch Out For? Key Watchlists for 2014”, “Industry and Sectoral Outlook: What Are New Growth Sectors? How Will They Perform?”.

The speakers who spoke in the session on Malaysia’s New Politics are Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Global Movement of Moderates Foundation, former UMNO Supreme Council Member & former Deputy Higher Education Minister; Liew Chin Tong, Member, DAP CEC and Political Education Director / MP Kluang; Nurul Izzah Anwar, PKR Vice President / MP Lembah Pantai; and Mr. Gan Ping Sieu, former MCA Vice President / former Deputy Minister, Ministry of Youth & Sports. The session was moderated by Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Chief Executive Officer, ASLI.

From left to right: Mr. Alan Tan, Chief Economist, Affin Investment Bank; Mr. Geoffrey Heenan, President Representative IMF; Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Chairman, CPPS-ASLI and Mr. Rajiv Biswas, Senior Director and Asia-Pacific Chief Economist, IHS Global.

From left to right: YB Liew Chin Tong, member, DAP CEC and Political Education Director/ MP Kluang; Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, CEO. Global Movement of Moderates Foundation; Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, CEO of ASLI; YB Nurul Izzah Anwar, PKR Vice President / MP Lembah Pantai and Mr Gan Ping Sieu, former MCA Vice President and former Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports.

Datuk Seri Iqbal Rawther, Chairman, MIM chairing session with Mr. Mark Rozario, CEO, National Innovation Agency and Mr Edward Clayton, Managing Partner, Booz & Co.

YB Nurul Izzah Anwar, PKR Vice President / MP Lembah Pantai speaking at the conference with Mr. Gan Ping Sieu, former MCA UP / former Deputy Minister, Ministry of Youth & Sports.

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Australian High Commissioner Rod Smith with ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh. Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat.

Dato Seri Ahmad Bashah Hanipah, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives & Consumerism with Puan Sri Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI.

From left to right: Dato’ Chevy Beh, Group Managing Director, BP Healthcare Group; Mr. Paul Moung, Managing Director, IBM Malaysia; Tan Sri Eddy Chen, Group Managing Director, MKN Berhad; and Dr. Deniele Gambero, CEO and Co-founder, REI Group.

Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, CEO of ASLI with Ms Tan Lei Cheng, CEO of Goldis Berhad and Puan Sri Susan Cheah.

Ms Sarena Cheah (middle), Joint Managing Director, Property Development, Sunway Group chairing the session with Ms Ng Yeen Seen, Senior VP, ASLI and Mr. Wan Firdaus Director, IDEAS.

YB Liew Chin Tong, Member, DAP CEC and Political Education Director / MP Kluang speaking at the conference with Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, CEP, Global Movement of Moderates Faundation / former UMNO Supreme Council Member / former Deputy Higher Education Minister.

Dato Saifuddin Abdullah, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and YB Nurul Izzah.

Among other distinguished speakers who spoke at the conference are Mr. Geoffrey Heenan, Resident Representative, IMF Singapore; Mr. Rajiv Biswas, Senior Director and Asia-Pacific Chief Economist, IHS Global Singapore; Mr. Alan Tan, Chief Economist, Affin Investment Bank Berhad; Mr. Wan Mohd Firdaus, Founding Director, IDEAS and Founder, Young Corporate Malaysians; Mr. Kenny Goh, Co-founder / CEO, Macro Kiosk Group; Ms. Ng Yeen Seen, Senior Director, CPPS-ASLI; Mr. Mark Rozario, CEO, National Innovation Agency; Mr. Edward Clayton, Managing Partner, Booz & Company (M) Sdn Bhd; Datuk Dr. Hamzah Kassim, Co-founder and CEO, The IA Group; Dato’ Chevy Beh, Group Managing Director, BP Healthcare Group; Tan Sri Eddy Chen, Group Managing Director, MKH Group; and Dr. Daniele Gambero, CEO and Co-founder, REI Group of Companies.

The Minister of Youth & Sports Khairy Jamaluddin delivered the Special Luncheon Address on the “New Politics - Increasing Political Power of the Younger Generation - What Do They Want and Expect”. He stressed the importance of youth engagement and listening to the voice of the younger generation. The Minister also participated in a dialogue session with the participants.

About 200 participants attended the conference which is sponsored by Qi Group with the support from the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Malaysian Reserve and the Oxford Business Group.

MALAYSIA STRATEGIC OUTLOOK

LECTURE BY AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER

The Australian High Commission and ASLI organised a discussion with the High Commissioner of Australia H.E. Rod Smith who presented his topic on ‘Australian Foreign Policy & a Region in Transition’.

H.E. Rod Smith began his speech by briefly introducing the progressive development of Australia who underwent a transformational and aggressive reform agenda in the 1980s and 1990s to become the dynamic and highly productive economy it is today. The country is globally engaged, competitive, focused on Asia and confident of its role in the region.

H.E. Rod Smith highlighted the acumen of successive Australian governments who recognised the need to continually reform the economy while developing good foreign relations with their neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that the world’s economic centre of gravity has shifted to Asia in recent decades with the rise of Japan,

Korea, China and increasingly, the nations of South-East Asia. Hence Australian and ASEAN interests would be best served by a stable balance of power in Asia which encourages economic integration. Naturally Australia’s future security and prosperity will rely on a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Australia’s formal dialogue partnership with ASEAN and is a testament to the strong relations they have formed with cooperation over the decades. H.E. Rod Smith commented that ASEAN is seen as a vital institution that plays a cohesive role in ensuring the region is economically and socially integrated. At the heart of the Australia-ASEAN partnership is the people-to-people ties, and education has been the key driver with Australia being the leading provider of overseas tertiary education to ASEAN students and have received more than 500,000 enrollments since 2002.

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ASLI HIGHLIGHTS

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh greeting HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah whilst Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah and Tan Sri Dr. Lin See Yan look on.

The Prime Minister signing an autograph for Mr. Max Say.

Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, Datuk Seri Rosmah Mansor and Dato Sri Mohd Najib having tea at an ASLI programme.

Minister of Youth & Sports YB Khairy Jamaluddin with Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, CEO of ASLI; Datuk Seri Iqbal Rawther, Chairman of MIM; Puan Sri Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI; and on Minister’s left - Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Chairman CPPS-ASLI; Ng Yeen Seen, Senior Vice President ASLI and Ms Sarena Cheah, Joint Managing Director, Property Development, Sunway Group.

The Prime Minister looking at some photographs whilst Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah look on.

HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah with Tan Sri Razman Hashim.

Group photograph at the Opening of the ASEAN Leadership Forum in Naypitaw, Myanmar with the President of Indonesia and Myanmar and Ministers from ASEAN.

Member of National Economic Council Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon being welcomed at an ASLI programme by Ms Jean Wong, Ms Ng Yeen Seen and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah greeting the Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid.

Chairman of the Strategic Issues Forum Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam with Tunku Nacquiyuddin and Mr. Timothy Beardson at an SIF Meeting.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

At the ASEAN Leadership Forum in Naypitaw, Myanmar: Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Dato Seri Anifah Aman, Dato Saifuddin Abdullah and Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria.

MITI Minister Dato Seri Mustapa Muhamad receiving a memento from UMFCCI President U Win Aung whilst Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce Gregory So looks on.

Mr. Mac Ngan Boon CEO of Muhibbah Engineering receiving a memento for sponsoring the ASEAN Leadership Forum.

Singapore MP Penny Low stressing a point to Dato Saifuddin Abdullah and Ms Ng Yeen Seen.

Mr. Max Say, U Win Aung, the Myanmar Foreign Minister and Ms Ng Yeen Seen.

Women delegates with Puan Sri Susan Cheah at the Forum.Tunku Abidin Muhriz, Ms Penny Low, Ms Ng Yeen Seen, U Win Aung and Dato Saifuddin Abdullah.

Some delegates at the ASEAN Leadership Forum.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Dept Datuk Paul Low arriving at an ASLI programme.

Speakers at the Seminar on Double Taxation Agreement with Hong Kong.

The Deputy Finance Minister Dato Haji Ahmad Maslan with the ASLI team.

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MALAYSIAN EDUCATION SUMMIT

From Left: Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Datuk Ir Parmjit Singh, Mr. Lee Weng Keng, Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran and Mr Max Say ushering YB Dato’ Seri Idris bin Jusoh (centre) to the event hall.

YB Dato’ Seri Idris bin Jusoh, Minister of Education II delivering the Opening Keynote Address at the 18th Malaysian Education Summit 2014.

Dato’ Sri Dr. VIjay Eswaran receiving the Special Award for Education Entrepreneurship and Leadership from YB Dato’ Seri Idris bin Jusoh. Looking on is Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam.

The recipients of the ASLI Education Awards - (From Left) Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Dato’ Peter Ng winner of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in Private Education, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award for University Leadership, YB Dato’ Seri Idris bin Jusoh, Dato’ Sri Dr. Vijay Eswaran winner of the Special Award for Education Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam.

Distinguished guests at the Summit.From Left: Datuk Dr. Parmjit Singh, Mr. Jan Senkyr, Tan Sri Ir. Othman Merican, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin, Dato’ Sri Dr. Vijay Eswaran, Dato’ Peter Ng, Prof. Stephen Doughty, Mr. Guy Perring and Prof. Dr. Teoh Kok Soo.

The 18th Malaysian Education Summit 2014 was a two-day summit held from 15-16 May 2014. The theme for the summit - “Changing Priorities and Changing Trends: Transforming Education” was chosen to reflect the current dynamic changes in the education eco-system in Malaysia and the world. In our fast changing and well wired world today, it is safe to say change is the only permanent feature in our lives. Every human, country, organisation and even our environment is constantly changing.

The discussions at the summit centred around the latest developments and factors that are changing and transforming the world, Malaysian education today and in the near future. Internal factors such as the new demands placed by our nation’s economic transformation and the rising expectations of parents drive the need for Malaysia to place greater emphasis on an all rounded quality education at all levels (basic or higher education), that is on par with more advanced countries. The higher benchmark for world education standards today and more advanced technological innovation has enabled new teaching and learning methodologies and content, which are the external factors compelling Malaysia to make the necessary changes.

In order to achieve the lofty goal of elevating Malaysian education to be on par with that of advanced countries, many panelists and participants pointed out the urgent need to emphasise on quality teaching with special attention given to the recruitment process. The general conclusion was that only candidates with the right qualification, passion, aptitude, communication skills and have made teaching their first priority be given the opportunity to enter the teaching profession. A critical mass of teachers with the right criteria will help bring back the shine to the teaching profession. There was also a suggestion to turn the teaching profession into a professional job where teachers would be certified similarly to how engineers are certified and required to be a member of the engineering professional body.

In addition to quality teaching, the School-Based Assessment (SBA) which shifted the emphasis from the exam-oriented atmosphere in our schools had also generated interesting insights. Many speakers extolled the benefits of SBA because of the shift to focus on the schoolchildren’s learning and understanding in the classroom. The Finland experience had shown how successfully the SBA had done away with examinations. It primarily relies on teachers’ proficiency and centrally provided tools like ‘quality cards’ as part of the evaluation.

Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin receiving the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award for University Leadership from YB Dato’ Seri Idris bin Jusoh. Looking on is Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam.

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Professor Dato’ Dr. Ho Sinn Chye shares his wide experience on the importance of Life-long Education for everyone.

Senior Professor Dato’ Dr. Khalid Yusoff (left) making a point on how to improve the ranking of Malaysian Universities. Joining him in the lively discussion are (from left) Dr. Khong Kim Hoong, Professor Dr. Rao and Assoc Prof Elajsolan Mohan.

From Left: Prof Datuk Dr Mohanad Ali Hasan, Datuk Dr. Chiam Heng Keng, Dr. Patrick Soh and Professor Dr. Mohd Ismail Noor exchange ideas on how parents can play a greater role in ensuring quality education for their children.

MALAYSIAN EDUCATION SUMMIT

Higher institutions of learning especially public universities are faced with different opportunities and challenges when introducing change. The Vice-Chancellors’ Roundtable raised several pertinent questions on the changing universities landscape and how institutions should adapt to those changes be it from within or outside. A strong and focused leadership within the institutions is needed to engage the various stakeholders for successful transformation to take place. Higher institutions are also faced with the challenges of graduate employability, the relevance of their syllabus to the 21st century workplace and also the generational difference of new students with different values from current students.

Another challenge that higher institutions of learning face is the issue of ranking especially amongst public universities in Malaysia. Although there are mixed views on this matter, many are concerned whenever Malaysian universities ranked lowly or did not make it to the global top universities ranking list each year as a high ranking on the list certainly enhances a university’s reputation.

On the other hand, the shift to the application of big data in higher institutions of learning has provided interesting opportunities to benefit in the areas of education management and also research in the long run. The ability to store, aggregate, and combine data to be used for performing deeper analyses can help educators assess

the effectiveness of certain educational programmes at lower costs in a timely manner. This will enable education leaders to access information across every faculty, department, course, teaching staff and student within a short period.

ASLI also presented four special awards to leaders in the education field. Three Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented for contributions to the growth of different areas in Malaysian education. Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin was awarded the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award for University Leadership in recognition of her excellent leadership and wide experience in growing public universities to world-class standards while Dato’ Peter Ng of UCSI University was awarded the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in Private Education and Tan Sri Ir. Othman Merican, Executive Chairman of Sri Kuala Lumpur was awarded the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in Private Schools. The Special Award for Education Entrepreneurship and Leadership was awarded to the QI Group Executive Chairman Dato’ Sri Dr. Vijay Eswaran for his vision, leadership and foresight as an entrepreneur in the education field.

YB Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh, the Minister of Education II officiated this prestigious event and also delivered the Opening Keynote Address at this two-day summit that was well attended by more than 200 participants.

Role-players of the Vice-Chancellor Roundtable - From Left: Professor Datuk Dr. Noor Azlan Ghazali, Professor Datuk Mohd. Yusof Kasim, Dato’ Professor Dr. Hashim Yaacob, Professor Dr. Sulochana Nair, Professor Helen Bartlett and Professor Stephen Doughty.

From Left: Professor Dato’ Dr. Zakaria B. Kasa, Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Amin bin Jalaludin, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, YM Tengku Nurul Azian Tengku Shahriman and Dato’ Seri Dr. Vijay Eswaran.

Ms Elizabeth Lee (centre) moderating the session on “Excellent Teaching”. The panellists are (from left) Mr. John D. Chacko, Mr Matt Sheldon, Mr. Christopher Bell and Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim.

From Left: Encik Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Mr. Timo Karmakallio, Professor Dr. Malachi Edwin Vethamani, Dr. Zainuriyah binti Abdul Khatab and Mrs Lok Yim Pheng.

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ASLI CO-ORGANISES JCI INAUGURAL CONFERENCE

The Sultan of Perak HRH Tuanku Nazrin Shah addressing the conference.

The Deputy Prime Minister officiating the Opening of the conference and the launch of the Jeffrey Cheah Institute.

Dato Dr. Tan Tat Wai, Prof Perkins, Tan Sri Dr. Lin See Yan and Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai.

The Japanese Ambassador, Dato Robert Teo and The Swiss Ambassador.

On 18th March ASLI supported the organising of the lnaugural Conference of the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia (JCI), part of Sunway Education Group (Sunway Ed). The aim of the Institute is to be a public policy think tank to promote research and teaching on the economies, societies, politics and cultures of Southeast Asia.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Hj Muhyiddin Yassin gave an inaugural speech, with a strong focus that Malaysia must strengthen its quality of scholarships by increasing its capacity to plan, design and implement better public policies. He sees the role

of JCI in bridging the gap to strengthen the nation’s democracy, with an aim to promote a closer ties between the government and society in policy making and implementation to realize its Vision 2020.”

In conjuction with the inauguration, a conference entitled “Overcoming the Middle-Income Trap and Keeping Balance Amid Global Turbulence” was held. It hosted well distinguished academia from Ivy League Universities such as both, Professor Dwight Perkins and Prof Jorge I. Dominguez from Harvard University and Professor Dato Dr Woo Wing Thye, from the University of California, Berkeley.

ASLI CO-HOSTS PREMIER OF CANADIAN PROVINCE

The Premier of British Columbia, Canada The Hon Christy Clark with ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh. Canadian High Commissioner Judith St. George, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Brunei Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Lim Jock Seng and the Premier Christy Clark.

Ms Ng Yeen Seen with the Premier of British Columbia Christy Clark at the Corporate Luncheon during the Premier’s offical trade mission to Malaysia.

The Premier speaking with Tunku Naquiyuddin and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh at the Corporate Luncheon.

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark led a trade mission to Asia in May 2014 and focused on moving towards final investment decisions and solidifying partnerships. The Premier’s mission, which included the Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman and industry delegates met with Malaysian Corporate leaders and government officials at a Corporate Luncheon co-

organised by the Ministry of International Trade of British Columbia, High Commission of Canada and ASLI. The trade mission gave British Columbia the opportunity to reinforce the province’s competitive advantages to new investors and existing partners. The Premier also signed a Letter of Intent with Petronas to work collaboratively to secure long-term investments in British Columbia’s LNG sector.

Asli Director Tan Sri Ramon greeting Sultan Nazrin Shah.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Ms Ng Yeen Seen, Prof Fan Gang and Tan Sri Dr. Lin See Yan.

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HEALTHCARE FORUM 2014

ASLI organised the Healthcare Forum 2014 themed “Addressing the needs of a changing citizenry” on 15th April 2014 at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa in Petaling Jaya. Healthcare professionals, policymakers and industry leaders converged to look into how best to meet the changing healthcare requirements of Malaysia’s population. Approximately 120 people participated in this forum.

Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, Minister of Health of Malaysia delivered the Opening Keynote Address, which outlined his thoughts and the ministry’s aspirations for the healthcare industry moving forward. Noting the good progress we have made since independence in terms of key indicators such as life expectancy and mortality rates, he stressed on the need to build upon our achievements in providing an efficient and equitable healthcare delivery system. He called for better balancing of resources between the public and private sectors, refocusing on patient outcomes in the deployment of advanced technology as well as strengthening of preventive healthcare and primary healthcare to ensure affordability and accessibility.

The first session entitled “The Future of Malaysia’s Healthcare Industry - Key Drivers and New Opportunities” was moderated by YBhg Dato’ Dr NKS Tharmaseelan, President of the Malaysian Medical Association. The first speaker was Mr Bryan Lin, CEO of the Group Healthcare Division of TDM Berhad who emphasised on innovation being the key driver. He stressed that we must take risks to challenge the status quo by doing things differently to achieve better outcomes. Next, Dr Rozita Halina Tun Hussein, Deputy Director of the Unit for NHF under the Planning and Development Division of the Ministry of Health advocated for public-private partnerships to transform the healthcare sector to achieve the overarching goal of delivering cost-effective patient-centric care. YBhg Dato’ Dr Jacob Thomas, Chairman of Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care rounded up the panel by presenting key

challenges and opportunities from major developments such the GST, the Data Protection Act and the National Insurance Policy.

Mr Suresh Ponnudurai, CEO of Malaysia Healthcare moderated the fourth session on “The Rising Stars of Healthcare - Medical Tourism, Aesthetic Medicine and Aged Care.” Dr Liow Tiong Sin, ED and Consultant Aesthetic Physician of Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre differentiated aesthetic medicine from plastic surgery and dermatology and presented key trends accompanied by facts and figures on its growing demand. Associate Professor Dr MA Kadar Marikar, CEO of the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health explained about the accreditation of healthcare facilities and services in Malaysia to ensure that quality, efficiency and efficacy of the facilities and services provided will bring about better patient outcomes. Dr Philip Poi Jun Hua of the Division of Geriatrics from University Malaya Medical Centre outlined the trend of an aging population in Asia and specifically Malaysia, citing causes and key trends and urged for the preparation of proper infrastructure to meet the healthcare needs of the elderly population. Lastly, Dr Ahmad Razid Salleh, Director of the Medical Practise Division of the Ministry of Health presented on the existing laws covering those areas, namely the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) and the Care Centre Act 1993 (Act 506).

“Healthcare Financing - The Key to Affordable Access for All” was the final session. Mr Andrew Chan Vik Hong, ED and Healthcare Leader for Malaysia from PricewaterhouseCoopers Capital Sdn Bhd moderated the panel comprising Dr Chua Hong Teck, Director of Healthcare and Low Income Households from PEMANDU in the Prime Minister’s Department; Datin Dr Nik Amsharija Mohamed, General Manager of the Medical and Rehabilitation Branch of the Social Security Organisation; and Haji Amiruddin Abdul Satar, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare Bhd. Dr Chua focused on raising funds, reducing financial barriers and allocating funds efficiently and equitably, and also advocated for the lower-cost but high quality healthcare model. Datin Dr Nik spoke about SOCSO’s role in protecting low wage earners as well as its efforts in rehabilitating those injured to resume gainful employment Haji Amiruddin presented the considerations involved in building, equipping and staffing a private hospital as well as in ensuring its optimal operational efficiency.

After the forum, a report was submitted to Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, Minister of Health of Malaysia which included key takeaways and recommendations centred upon providing patient-centric healthcare across the important dimensions of quality, affordability and accessibility, touching on innovation, public-private partnerships, current issues on GST, Data Protection Act and National Insurance Policy, collaboration within the government, the raising and allocation of funds as well as reducing financial barriers, and last but not least profitability and sustainability.

Ms. Jean Wong, Senior Adviser of ASLI (right) and Puan Sri Datin Seri Dr. Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI accompanying YB Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam, Minister of Health Malaysia to the Seminar room.

Puan Sri Datin Seri Dr. Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI presenting a token of appreciation to YB Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam, Minister of Health Malaysia.

Datin Dr. Nik Amsharija Mohamed, General Manager of the Medical and Rehabilitation Branch from SOCSO and Dr. Chua Hong Teck Director of Healthcare and Low Income Household from PEMANDU discussing the topic of “Healthcare Financing - The Key to Affordable Access for All”

Mr. Suresh Ponnudurai, CEO of Malaysia Healthcare moderating “The Rising Stars of Healthcare - Medical Tourism, Aesthetic Medicine and Aged Care” with Dr. Liow Tiong Sin, Executive Director and Consultant Aesthetic Physician of Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre, and Professor Dr. Philip Poi Jun Hua from the Division of Geriatrics from University Malaya Medical Centre.

ASLI ACHIEVES GLOBAL RECOGNITION-RANKED AMONG TOP THINK TANKS (Cont. from page 7)

It is humbling and gratifying to have both ASLI and CPPS with their high global rankings clearly establishing them as the top Think Tank in Malaysia.

To be in the same top listing with the world’s top think tanks like the Brookings Institution, Chatham House, CSIS Washington DC, Carnegie Endowment

for International Peace and Peterson Institute for International Economics is indeed satisfying.

In many of the listing, ASLI is the only Think Tank from ASEAN and Malaysia. This Global Ranking will motivate us to even strive harder to contribute more.

Mr. Bryan Lin, CEO Group Healthcare Division of TDM Bhd; Dato’ Dr. NKS Tharmaseelan, President of Malaysian Medical Association; Dr. Rozita Halina Tun Hussein, Deputy Director of the Unit for NHF from the Planning and Development Division of the Ministry of Health; and Dato’ Dr. Jacob Thomas, Chairman of Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care discussing “The Future of Malaysia’s Healthcare Industry - Key Drivers and New Opportunities”

18

POWER & WATER CONFERENCE

ASLI organised the Malaysian Water & Power Summit 2014 on 18 February 2014 with the theme The Future of Water & Power Industry: How Sustainable Are We? This topical conference came at the right time given the state of Selangor has been facing dry spell. Our corporate sponsors were Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Siemens & Alstom.

The event started off with the welcoming remarks by Tan Sri Dr. Ramon Navaratnam Director, Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) & Chairman, Centre of Public Policy Studies (CPPS), introducing Dato’ Seri DiRaja Mahdzir Bin Khalid, Deputy Minister from Ministry of Energy, Green Technology & Water Malaysia or known as KeTTHA.

Session 1 was on “Regulating utilities in Malaysia: Meeting head-on future challenges by assessing current viable opportunities and was moderated by Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and the panellists were Dato’ Syed Danial Syed Ariffin Chief Operating Officer of Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd (PNHB) & Managing Director, Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Datuk Ir. Haji Ahmad Jamalluddin B. Shaaban Director General, National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) and Mr. Mohd Ridhuan Bin Ismail Executive Director - Sewerage Regulatory Department, Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN).

Session 2 looked at Restructuring the Electricity Supply Industry & Security - Availability, Affordability, Accessibility and Acceptability where the 4 key areas which promises availability of energy resources & infrastructure, the cost risk factor to the economy, the current barriers and constraints as well as the sensitivity to our environmental & social objectives. These 4 key Areas have been addressed through the National Energy Policy 1979 in the Malaysian context. It was moderated by Datuk Ir. Ahmad Fauzi Bin Hasan Chief Executive Officer, Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission) And on the panel we were pleased to have Mr. Saji Raghavan Country President, ALSTOM, Datuk Abdul

Razak Abdul Majid Chief Executive Officer, MyPower Corp and Datin Roslina Zainal Vice President - Planning, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

We were honoured to receive Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim Chief Minister of Selangor for the Luncheon Keynote. He spoke about Selangor’s Water Instructuring.

Right after lunch, we had session 3 which focused on open discussion on Power & Water Investment. We had Mr Ir. Thong Koon Choon ,General Manager - IWC, George Kent, Mr. Charlie Grover Partner, Allen & Overy Singapore, Mr. Adrian Chair Yong Huang Partner, Kadir Andri & Partners and Mr. Michiel Prompers Director, CIMB Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Hong Kong. This session captivated how investment will help the strengthen our natural resources economy. Our final session was on Water War: The price of quality versus quantity - Tangibility VS Ringgit. This session was moderated by Datuk Ir. Haji Ahmad Husaini bin Sulaiman Director General, Department of Irrigation & Drainage Malaysia and the panel included Mr. Mohamad Asari Daud Honorary Secretary-General, Malaysian Water Association, Mr. Foon Weng Lian Deputy Secretary General, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), Mr Ir. V. Subramaniam Executive Director of Technical Development, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SYABAS) and Mr. Koen Kinsbergen Director for Asset Management Solutions of Pure Technologies Ltd & Managing Director, Asia Pure Technologies Ltd.

The Power & Water forum 2014 was a success given it received huge media coverage and all the presenters & delegates were the movers and shakers of our natural resources industry. ASLI will be running this event again in 2015 to recapture the scenario of 2014 and moving forward, how we could further improve what we have established.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam presenting memento of appreciation to Y.B. Dato’ Seri DiRaja Mahdzir Khalid.

Left to right: Mr. Saji Raghavan, Country President ALSTOM; Ng Yeen Seen; Dato’ Roslan Abdul Rahman, CCO, TNB; Tan Sri Ramon, Director of ASLI and Chairman of CPPS; Y.B. Seri Mahdzir Khalid; Dato Zohari Akob, KeTTHA; Dato’ Ir. Ahmad Fauzi bin Hassan, CEO, Energy Commission; Somasundram Ramasamy, Senior Undersectary, Energy, KeTTHA.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam presenting memento of appreciation to Chief Minister of Selangor Y.B. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Mr. Saji Raghavan, Country President ALSTOM, Dato’ Ir. Ahmad Fauzi Hassan, CEO, Suruhanjaya Tenaga. Datuk Abdul Razak Majid, CEO My Power.

Left to right: Ms Zalina, Y.B. Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, Chief Minister of Selangor, Ms Kamala, Ms Jessica.

Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim with by ASLI Director Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and Senior Adviser Ms Jean Wong.

Deputy Minister Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Bin Khalid, Mr. Saji Raghavan, Country President ALSTOM, Tan Sri Ramon.

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MALAYSIA-TURKEY BUSINESS FORUM

The EU Ambassador H. E. Luc Vandebon and ASLI Senior VP Ms Ng Yeen Seen with the debators. Participants voting for the motion.

The EU - ASEAN Debate with the debaters for and against the motion. The Irish Ambassador H.E. Decian Kelly receiving a memento from Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.

During the official visit to Malaysia by the Prime Minister of Turkey, a Malaysia-Turkey Business Forum was held. The Minister of Economy of Turkey and MITI Minister Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed both delivered Keynote Addresses at the Forum.

ASLI is also the Secretariat of the Malaysia-Turkey Business Council with ASLI President Mr. Mirzan Mahathir as the Chairman.

EU-ASEAN DEBATE

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 May 2014: A Doha-style debate organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia and the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) discussed the motion “This house believes that deeper integration similar to the EU’s experiences, is the best way for ASEAN to safeguard its political and economic future.” The panel of debaters for the motion were H.E. Declan Kelly (Ambassador of Ireland), Dr Andreas List (EU Senior Coordinator for ASEAN) and Dr Lili Yulyadi Arnakim (Department of Southeast Asian Studies, University of Malaya). On the other side, the panel of debaters against the motion were Tan Sri Fong Chan Onn (former Minister of Human Resources), Mr Bunn Nagara (Senior Fellow, ISIS Malaysia) and Professor Ruhanas Harun (Department of Strategic Studies, National Defence University of Malaysia).

In his opening remarks, the Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Malaysia, H.E Luc Vandebon, said: “While being geographically far apart and facing different priorities and needs, the EU and ASEAN are longstanding partners. We do not simplistically copy each other but rather more subtlety. We can and will learn from each other as we tackle the same types of challenges that emerge from creating single markets and political entities from separate national ones.”

Advocates for the motion testified that the EU’s integration was an extraordinary experience. It had inspired the smaller nations in the grouping to benchmark and improve their governance based on the bigger and more prosperous Member States. They added that deeper regional integration put order into the complex and chaotic modern world, as alliances and

blocs provide a sense of belonging which invoke a common identity shared amongst a group of nations. Similarly, ASEAN too has embraced globalisation in recent times, developing a solid catalyst to overcome stark differences between Member States.

Meanwhile, the panel against the motion cited the different historical backgrounds and formation motives of both regions as the reason for ASEAN to pursue its own path of integration. The ASEAN way promotes non-interference so that countries do not impose their values on one another due to their respective individualities. The economic structure of ASEAN also lacks a champion to lead the way as in the mould of Germany for the EU. They highlighted that ASEAN began as an association of sovereign nations with the hope of becoming a community, personified by the joint communique issued at every ASEAN summit. Furthermore ASEAN is built upon respect for sovereignty without subjecting countries to centralised and formal bureaucracies. Membership of ASEAN has also portrayed universal acceptance as seen by their diverse political leaderships.

Initial polls before the debate showed the audience voting 44% for the motion and 56% against. However, the post-debate vote swung the other way to result in 54% for the motion and 46% against the motion.

The event was concluded with a closing speech by Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, who summed up the debate and said: “Both sides believe in open regionalism and enhancing regional integration will benefit all parties. Moving forward I hope that Malaysia and the EU can conclude the FTA next year as well to further strengthen bilateral ties.”

President of ASLI Mr. Mirzan Mahathir greeting the Minister of Economy, Turkey. H.E. Nihat Zeybekci.

The President of ASLI Mr. Mirzan Mahathir and the Turkish Economy Minister and MITI Minister at the opening of the Forum.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Minister in Prime Minister’s Dept Dato’ Seri Shahidan Kassim and Mr. Max Say ASLI Senior President.

Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Mr. Mohd Nazzifuddin Najib. The Turkish Economy Minister with the ASLI team and Puan Sri Susan Cheah.

MITI Minister Dato’ Seri Mustapa Mohamed and ASLI President Mr. Mirzan Mahathir with the Turkish Business delegation.

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GREATER KL CONFERENCE

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam presenting a memento to the Secretary-General of the Federal Territories Ministry representing the Minister.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam chairing a panel discussion of the Conference.

The annual Greater KL & Smart City conference for year 2014 took place on 20 March 2014, with the theme “Towards a Sustainable Future at the Pullman Kuala Lumpur. Our wonderful corporate sponsor for this event was Siemens, IBM & MKH Group.

This year, instead of focusing on cities in Malaysia, we exclusively designed the event to focus on the pride of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Datuk Seri Adnan bin Haji Md Ikhsan Secretary-General of the Ministry of Federal Territories, delivered the opening keynote address on behalf of the Minister.

The first session was a panel discussion An update for Greater KL EPPs: Whats Hot & Whats New and was moderated by Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam, Panellists include Datuk Hj. Mohd Najib bin Hj. Mohd. Deputy Director General (Project Implementation & Maintenance) DBKL, Mr Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah Director of NKEA GKL/KV and NKRA UPT, Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) and Mr Zainal Amanshah Chief Executive Officer, InvestKL. The Panel updated delegates on the various projects that will see the transformation of Greater KL.

The next session looked at the revolution of smart city - Making Kuala Lumpur smart, sustainable & urbanised and once again sitting as moderator was The panel of esteemed speakers included the movers and shakers of the industry such as Mr. Prakash Chandran President & CEO, Siemens Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Datuk Seri Fateh Iskandar bin Mohamed Mansor Group Managing Director / CEO,

Glomac Bhd and Deputy President, REHDA, Dr Thomas S.K. Tang Director, Corporate Sustainability, Asia, AECOM Hong Kong, Mr Andy Khoo Country Manager, Hewlett Packard, Malaysia and Mr Azri Razif Yahaya Chief Technologist & Country Technical Leader, IBM Malaysia.

Aptly named “Building the Growing City: The Property Outlook & Challenges in developing the Greater KL”, this session looked at space management, differential housing engagement and how does the construction & real estate industry will thrive in coming years. The moderator was Mr Thong Mun Wai Head, Real Estate& Construction Ratings, RAM Rating Services Bhd and panellists included Tan Sri Eddy Chen Group MD, MKH Group, Mr Ho Chin Soon Director, Ho Chin Soon Research Sdn Bhd and Dr Daniele Gambero CEO, REI International Holding Sdn Bhd.

Our final session capped the conference on another important segment, transportation. Instead of examining the current system, we focused on what should be implemented to achieve the best mobility. The open discussion was titled Mobility as the connector and speakers included Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Nadzmi Bin Mohd Salleh Executive Chairman, Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd, Datuk Haji Aslah bin Abdullah President, Persatuan Pengusaha Teksi, Kereta Sewa Wilayah Persekutuan dan Selangor (PERPEKLI), Dr Mastura Adam Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya and Dr Daniele Gambero CEO, REI International Holdings Sdn Bhd.

Patron of REHDA and Managing Director MKH Tan Sri Eddy Chen speaking at the Conference.

Tan Sri Nadzmi Salleh Chairman of Express Rail Link. The session on Environment and Heritage.

Mr. Zainal Amanshah CEO Invest KL. Dato Seri Fateh Iskandar, Mr. Prakash Chandran and Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam.

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HUMAN RESOURCES SUMMIT

On 29th April 2014, ASLI organised the 15th National Human Resources Summit with the theme of “Laying a Firm Foundation for Success” at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa in Petaling Jaya. Approximately 150 HR professionals and senior executives from the public and private sectors converged to learn from each other and to form strategic partnerships for furthering the HR agenda and aligning it with their organisation’s strategic business objectives.

Dato’ Saripuddin Kasim, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia delivered the opening remarks on behalf the Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Richard Riot Jaem. The speech stressed that HR is all about people, who are an organisation’s greatest asset and its most important source of competitive advantage. He noted the larger strategic role of HR in this era and the inherent interconnectedness amongst all HR functions, and went on to exhort on the need for people-centric approaches especially in the areas change management, training and development, and engagement and retention. He also took the opportunity to highlight the government’s support for HR across all sectors ofthe economy.

The first session was entitled “Strategic HR: Translating Business Strategies into HR Priorities.” Mr. Darrel Lourdes, HR Director of Shell Malaysia Ltd spoke first, sharing about Shell Chemical’s unconventional performance management strategy which led to a successful turnaround from the brink of divestiture. Mr. Animesh Mukherjee, Country Leader of Aon Hewitt followed, sharing about HR Analytics in relation to the topic. He explained its various uses and benefits especially in terms of evidence-based decision making and predictive analysis.

In the second session on “HR and Change Management: Helping People Embrace Change and Managing Resistance”, Mr. Andreas Dorn, a Certified NLP and Hypnosis Trainer from Asia Mind Dynamics gave invaluable advice on initiating change amongst people while stressing on the need for respect. Ms Tan Mei Ling, Associate Director of SRI Human Capital Development from PEMANDU shared the government’s transformational secrets under the Government Transformation Programme.

“Workplace Learning: Going Beyond Delivery to Application” was the third topic. YBhg Professor Datin Dr. Quek Ai Hwa, Professorial Chair of Career Development, Department of Psychology from HELP University highlighted the need to strategically plan learning in order to translate it into practise while Mr. Sanjeev Vaid, Head of Human Resources for Global Consumer Bank and Functions from Citibank shared about the bank’s development framework that focused on providing learning opportunities over a span of time to ensure unity of culture and standards transcending product and regional lines.

Next was a panel session entitled “The ER of HR: Effectively Managing ‘Engagement’ and ‘Retention’.” Datuk Haji Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director of Malaysian Employers Federation moderated the panellists comprising Ms Alice Phang, Group Director of Human Resources from Sunway Resort Hotel arid Spa; Ms Anisha Sasheendran, Chief Talent Officer of Groupon Malaysia; and Mr. Chin Tuck Piew, Head of Human Resources and Personnel Development from Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur. Ms Alice shared on SRHS’s erpployee engagement measure and expressed her view that retention would not be an issue if engagement is done right. Then Ms Anisha spoke about giving people strategy equal weight to business strategy, and focusing on recognising and rewarding people. Finally, Mr Chin exhorted for outcome-based engagement and touched on the potential of ‘people power’ especially inter-staff appreciation and building bridges to connect people from all areas and levels.

The summit concluded with the session on “Work-Life Balance vs Work-Life Integration: Meeting the Needs of Different Employees” moderated by Ms Lily Cheah, Editor of myStarjob.com from Leaderonomics. Ms Ripa Rashid, Director of Faculty and Curriculum from ICLIF Leadership and Governance Centre debunked the myth of linking productivity to the number of hours clocked. Instead, she focused on mobility. Ms Salika Suksuwan, Head of Industry Partnerships at Talent Corporation Malaysia agreed that clocking time is meaningless. She emphasised on end results and noted that flexibility is highly sought after nowadays. Mr. Shazmi Ali, Human Resources Director of Pfizer Malaysia then brought up the issue of trust as a major barrier to flexibility, and exhorted the need for greater understanding and compromise across generations to make things work.

Dato’ Saripuddin Kasim, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia was greeted upon arrival by Ms Elaine Kok, the conference producer for the 18th National Human Resources Summit with Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Michael Yeoh, CEO and Director of ASLI and Dean Sri Datin Seri Dr. Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI.

Dato’ Saripuddin Kasim, Secretary - General of the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia sharing a light hearted moment with Puan Sri Datin Seri Dr. Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI and Mr. Max Say, Senior Vice President of ASLI.

Prof Datin Dr. Quek Ai Hwa, Chair of Career Development, Department of Psythology from HELP University and Mr. Sanjeer Vard, Head of HR Global Consumer Bank & Functions cum Head of Compensation & Benefits of Citibank Bhd during the Q&A session on “ Workplace Learning Group Beyond Delivery to Application”.

Datuk Haji Shamuddin Bardan, Executive Director of Malaysian Employees Federation moderated the panel comprissing Ms Alice Phang, Group Director of Human Resources from Sunway Resort and Spa; Ms Anisha Sasheendean, Chief Talent Officer of Groupon Malaysia; and Mr. Chim Took Piew, Head of Human Resources Personnel Development from Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur at Session 4 - The ER of HR : Effectively Managing “Engagement” and “Retention”.

The final session on “Work-Life Balance vs Work-Life Integration meeting the Needs of Different Employees” was moderated by Ms Ling Cheah, Editor of mystarydb.com form Leaderonomus (2nd from left).The panel comprised Ms Ripa Rashid, Director of Faculty & Currisum form MMF Leadership & Governmence Centre (leftmost), Ms Salika Suksuwan, Head of Industry Partnerships at Zakat Corporation Malaysia Bhd (3rd from left) and Mr. Shazmi Ali, Human Resource Director of Pfizer Malaysia.

Session 2 - HR and Change Management: Helping People Embrace Change and Managing Resistance had Ms Tan Mei Ling, AssociateDirector of Human Capital Development from PEMANDU and Mr. Andreas Dam certified MP and Mypnosis human from Asia Mind Programme keeping the audience attentive.

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Tan Sri Michael Yeoh presenting a memento to DAP MP Liew Chin Tong.CPPS SenIor Director Ng Yeen Seen with PAS MP Dato Dr. Majahid, MCA’s Dato Ti Lian Ker and UMNO Youth’s Dr. Fathul Bari.

CPPS RankingCPPS was ranked 7th best think tank in Asia in the 2013 Global Go To Think Tank Report released in New York conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. The report was issued by Think Tanks and Civil Societies Programme at the University of Pennsylvania. It was based on a survey of 6,826 think tanks in the world. CPPS was also ranked 38th in the world among top education think tanks and 27th n the world among top transparency and good governance think tanks, where it was the only Malaysian think tank listed.

The Emerging Perspectives on Hudud in Malaysia CPPS organised an open forum entitled the Emerging Perspectives on Hudud in Malaysia. It was held on 27th May, 2014 at the Bankers’ Club. The aim of the forum was to facilitate an effective and inclusive dialogue between members of publics and political parties on the political implications of the recent Hudud controversy. The key panellist featured YB Dr Mujahid Rawa (Pan Malaysian Islamic Party-PAS), YB Hanipa Maidin (PAS), YB Liew Chin Tong (Democratic Action Party-

DAP), Dr Fathul Bari (United Malays Organisation-UMNO), Datuk Ti Lian Ker (Malaysian Chinese Association-MCA) and Mr Gan Ping Sieu (Centre for a Better Tomorrow). The CEO of ASLI, Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh moderated the forum. Approximately, 50 participants attended the event, represented by the diplomatic community, corporate leaders, civil society, politicians and members of public.

The US Pivot to Asia and Its Implications for the Region In conjunction with the visit of the US President, Mr Barack Obama to Malaysia on April 26th the Centre for Public Policy Studies and The Jeffery Cheah Institute (JCI) organized a forum on the topic “US Pivot to Asia Policy and Its Implications for the Region”. It was held on 24th April 2014 at the Sunway University. The key speakers were Prof Dato Woo Wing Thye, from the President of Jeffery Cheah Institute (JCI); Dr Tang Siew Mun, Director of Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS); and Ambassador (R) Dato Redzuan Kushari, Deputy Chairman, Foreign Policy Study Group. It was moderated by Prof James Chin from the Monash University.

Ms Ng Yeen Seen, YB Liew Chin Tong, YB Hanipa Maidin, YB Dato Dr. Majahid Yusof Rawa, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Dr. Fathul Bari, Mr. Gan Ping Sieu and Datuk Ti Lian Ker.

MCA’s Gan Ping Sieu and UMNO Youth’s Dr. Fathul Bari.

US PRESIDENT OBAMA’S VISIT & YSEALI

(Cont. to page 23)

CPPS REPORT

Youth from ASEAN and Malaysia very eager to be chosen by the US President to raise a question at the Town Hall meeting.

President Obama with the YSEALI deligates at the Town Hall meeting.

Ms Ng Yeen Seen Senior VP of ASLI with the US under secretary of state for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Richard Stengel and US Ambassador Joseph Yun at The YSEALI Welcome Dinner.

ASLI Senior Vice President and Senior Director of CPPS Ms Ng Yeen Seen was chosen to be among the 100 ASEAN youth to be part of the inaugural Young South East Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) workshop in conjunction with the US President Barack Obama’s visit to Malaysia. YSEALI is a new initiative launched by the US government, which among others seeks to augment leadership development and networking in ASEAN, deepen engagement with young leaders across critical sectors and strengthen people-to-people ties between US and young leaders across the region.

Yeen Seen was also among the 500 youth to be invited to meet with the US President Barack Obama at the Town Hall Meeting on the 27th April 2014. Recognizing that over 65% of the ASEAN population today are under the age of 35, the US President prioritizes engagement with ASEAN youth as part of the US’s strategic rebalance to Asia Pacific region. President Barack Obama told the young leaders throughout ASEAN that it is going to depend on their generation to build the future, advising them to ‘be on the side of politics that brings people together rather than drives them apart.’

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HONG KONG CHIEF SECRETARY’S PROGRAMME

Honorary President Hong Kong Chinese Genaral Chamber of Commerse Dr. Jonathan Choi presenting a memento to Dato Seri Mustapa Mohamad Whilst ACCCIM Deputy President Dato Ter Leong Yap and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh look on.

The Hong Kong Chief Secretary Mrs Carrie Lam and MITI Minister Dato Seri Mustapa Mohamad arriving at the programme.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh speaking at the panel session moderated by Dato Low Kian Chuan Secretary General ACCCIM.

Ms Ng Yeen Seen, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Mrs Carrie Lam, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Mr. Max Say.

The Hong Kong-ASEAN Regional Cooperation Forum, co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (HKETO), Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong) (CGCC), the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), and ASLI was held on 5 June, 2014 at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. The aim of the forum was to explore new opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between Hong Kong and ASEAN, in addition to the proposed Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Distinguished speakers at the Opening Ceremony of the forum included Dr. Jonathan Choi, Permanent Honorary President, CGCC, Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, CEO, ASLI and Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Deputy President, ACCCIM. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia (MITI), delivered the keynote address in which he outlined the comparative advantages of both Malaysia and Hong Kong, and shed light on the role of his Ministry in forging a close trading relationship between the two parties.

The two governments of Malaysia and Hong Kong later signed a new set of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on deepening collaboration and fostering investment among the two parties.

Speakers at the panel discussion were Mr Simon Galpin, Director-General of Investment Promotion, Invest Hong Kong, Dr Jonathan Choi, Permanent Honorary President, CGCC, and Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh, CEO, ASLI. Topics discussed during the session centred on Hong Kong

as a platform for ASEAN to cooperate with the East Asian region. The evolving Hong Kong-ASEAN relationship was also being highlighted.

Delivering a keynote luncheon address Mrs Carrie Lum, Chief Secretary for Administration, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, outlined the position of the government of Hong Kong on the upcoming negotiations for a Hong Kong-ASEAN FTA. Various new infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity between Hong Kong and China were introduced as means to encourage trade and growth between the two geographies. Mrs Carrie Lum had also reiterated her government’s commitment to the principle of free trade and reassured that Hong Kong will remain as a “One Country, Two Systems” capitalist society.

NATIONAL YOUTHDELEGATION TO CHINA Ms Ng Yeen Seen joined the 100-member youth delegation from Malaysia on a diplomatic trip to the People’s Republic of China in May 2014. YB Khairy Jarnaluddin Minister of Youth and Sports led the delegation with the commemoration of 40 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. The youth delegation was part of a biennial youth exchange programme hosted by the All China Youth Federation as a means of establishing closer relationship between the youth in Malaysia and China within the spheres of Economic, Social and Politics.

CPPS REPORT (Cont. from page 22)

The forum aimed to discuss and to review the implications of the Pivot policy for the region and beyond, in the broader context of US rebalancing power in Asia, with a particular focus on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement. Approximately 60 participants, representing the academia, think-tank, diplomatic community and public citizens attended the event.

Corruption in Malaysia Closed Door Rountable: The Making of an Unequal SocietyA closed door roundtable was held on 7th April, 2014, at the Royal Lake Club to discuss and to identify pragmatic options to reinforce the implementation of anti-corruption measures in Malaysia. The key panellists featured were Tan Sri Haji Abu Kassim, the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC); Datuk Dr Mohammad Tap Salleh, the President of the Malaysia Institute of Integrity; Prof. Datuk Hj. Muhammad Ali Hassan (Transparency International Malaysia); Ms Shila Dorai Raj, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC); Mr Ravindran Devagunan. Director of Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU); and Prof Sulochan Nair, Binary University Executive Chairman.

It was one of the gatherings of high level representatives from the public and corporate sectors, national planning authorities, regulators, academicians, politicians, advocates and the diplomatic communities focused exclusively on issues specific to monopoly, high level corruption, unexplained wealth and illicit financial outflow. 50 delegates participated at the roundtable. This closed door roundtable contributed to the evolving debate about the framework of the Anti-Corruption National Key Result Area (NKRA). It discussed issues specific to monopoly, high level corruption, unexplained wealth and illicit financial outflow. It enabled exchange of knowledge and insights amongst public and private sectors, scholars and civil society.

CALD Climate Strategic Planning WorkshopThe Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats organised a Climate Change Strategic Planning Workshop in Malacca on 14th March through 17th March, 2014. CPPS team participated at the workshop. The Senior Director of CPPS, Ms NgYeen Seen facilitated the workshop.

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CORPORATE ROUNDTABLEWITH AMBASSADOR OF US

The World Halal Conference 2014 was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia on 9 of April 2014 through 10 of April, 2014. This event was co-organised by the Halal Development Corporation (HCD) and ASLI, hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). The conference was attended by about 800 participants from 53 countries.

Over the coming decades, the convergence between Islamic finance and the Halal industry will create a new landscape for economic purposes. The former is looking for compliant opportunities and the latter is looking for compliant financing and presenting itself as an investment opportunity. With regard to Islamic finance, the Halal industry faces issues with a lack of SME funding, thus greater focus should be given to support the SMEs. The convergence of the Islamic finance and the Halal sector, under the Syariah compliance calls for the focus on the following pillars of the Islamic economy such as Islamic finance (sukuk), SME development, the development of the Islamic economy infrastructure and the promotion of Halal as a way of living.

Six-point resolutions were issued at the end of the two days conference. The resolutions are: Resolution 1: There is a need to affirm the implementation of Halal

certification and Halal standards to promote a holistic way of life.

Resolution 2: Enhance the awareness and relationship between Halal and global food security.

Resolution 3: Recognise the integral role of Halal practises in food waste reduction and safety of product consumption for sustainable development of the global food security system.

Resolution 4: Exchange experience and innovation among different countries.

Resolution 5: The roles of Multi-National Companies (MNC) and Islamic banking in creating assets class, such as investing in Islamic banks with Halal agenda.

Resolution 6: The power of marketing and branding should be people-centric, to be more acceptable among the non-Muslims.

ASLI held a Corporate Roundtable with the new United States Ambassador HE Joseph Yun who spoke on the Malaysia US Relations Post Obama visit. The Ambassador shared the success of the Presidential visit, the first in almost 40 years and said both President Obama and Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib had a good relationship.

Ambassador Yun also spoke on the three pillars of US - Malaysia relations-the political and security pillar, the economic and trade pillar and the people to pillar pillar. Ambassador Yun said the two leaders have decided to upgrade the bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership encompassing. these three piliars.He also shared that sister

city relationships are being explored the first between Portland, Oregon and Kota Kinabalu. The Ambassador further stressed the importance of strenghthening educational ties and people to people ties.

Economically the USA is the biggest investor in Malaysia and US companies employ over 150000 Malaysian workers. Amb Yun emphasised that the US economy is recovering from the financial crisis and the macroeconomic picture looks good.

The Ambassador also spoke about the US role in the region and the US rebalance to Asia.

WORLD HALAL FORUM

PKR Vice President Nurul Izzah Anwar and Melewar Group Deputy Chairman Mr. James Beltran greeting US Ambassador Joseph Yun.

ASLI Director Tan Sri Razman Hashim presenting a memento to the US Ambassador.

From right: Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Senior Pastor Daniel Ho, Tan Sri Razman Hashim, Prof. James Chin, Tan Sri Peter Chin, Ms Jean Wong, Dato Nik Gee, Dato Abdul Majid Khan.

Tan Sri Radzi Mansor posing a question to the US Ambassador. From left Dato Syed Sultan, Tan Sri Kishu, Tan Sri Nadzmi and Tan Sri Munir.

Asli once again organised the annual CFO summit recently which saw the participation of Chief Financial Officers and senior finance professionals to discuss the critical role in managing the Finance function and the multiple role of the CFOs as custodians of corporate andpublicfunds, as corporate strategists and as guardians of business ethics and integrity.

Deputy Finance Minister Dato Haji Ahmad Maslan officiated the conference with the Secretary General of the Finance Ministry Tan Sri Dr Irwan Serigar delivering the Keynote Address.

CFO SUMMIT

ASLI Programme Director Mr. Prabhu Menon greeting the Deputy Finance Minister Dato Ahmad Maslan.

Secretary General of the Treasury Tan Sri Dr. Irwan Serigar greeting speakers at the conference.

Ms Ng Yeen Seen moderating the panel with the Public Accounts Committee Chairman of Parliament Dato Nur Jazlan and Mr. Bob Chua CEO of Pulse Group.

“Khazanah ASLI” 1718, Jalan Ledang, Off Jalan Duta, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.Tel: (603) 2093 5393 Fax: (603) 2093 3078

http://www.asli.com.my Email: dmyeoh@asli.com.my

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Datuk Paul Low, Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang, Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria and Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid.

Tun Hanif Omar, Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat, Dato Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Datuk Paul Low.

ASLI CHINESE NEW YEAR OPEN HOUSE

Team ASLI with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Dept Dato Seri Abdul Wahid Omar.

Australian High Commissioner Rod Smith and his wife, Japanese Ambassador for Environment Masahiro Horie and his wife and Mr. Max Say.

Federal Court Judge Justice Tan Sri Zaleha Zahari, UN Representative Michelle McDonough, Ms Jean Wong, Mr. Low Tuck Seng and DAP MP YB Teresa Kok.

Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, Mr. Max Say, YB Theresa Kok, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Datuk David Chua.

Mr. Max Say, Dato Bong Hon Liang President Malaysia China Chamber of Commerce, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Datuk Yong Ah Pwi.

The ASLI team.

Datuk David Chua speaking with Datuk Paul Low. Seated: Tan Sri Chan Choong Tak, Tan Sri Michael Chen, Datuk David Chua, Tan Koon Swan. Standing: Singapore High Commmissioner Ong Keng Yong, Tan Sri Wng Foon Meng, Ms Ng Yeen Seen.

New Zealand High Commissioner David Pine, Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, Datuk Paul Low and Mr. Max Say.

Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat, YB Mah Siew Keong, Tun Hanif Omar, Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, Dato Seri Abdul Wahid Omar, Datuk Paul Low, Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.