Pictures Hairul Naim Johari
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 February 2025: The Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB) at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) recently hosted a BizTalk session titled “Forging Effective Leadership” featuring Tan Sri (Dr.) Rafidah Aziz, the Adjunct Professor at OYAGSB.
In her address, Tan Sri Rafidah highlighted the importance of values-driven leadership in today’s complex global business environment. She identified resilience, adaptability, and ethics as key qualities of effective leaders and emphasized the need for lifelong learning to stay relevant amid evolving challenges.
She also highlighted importance of managing diverse teams and fostering unity to achieve organizational goals. By integrating leadership development programs at all levels, organizations can build high-performing teams capable of meeting modern demands.
Addressing the role of business community in driving national economic growth, Tan Sri Rafidah urged leaders in both the public and private sectors to develop strong market knowledge to mitigate disruptions, build resilience, and adopt a global perspective. She emphasized that innovation and sustainability are essential for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving economy.
Furthermore, she emphasized discipline, humility, and the ability to recognize human potential as critical leadership traits. She also highlighted the growing relevance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, stressing their role in shaping sustainable and responsible business practices.
Additionally, she called for greater recognition of employees as the backbone of organizational success, advocating for stronger English proficiency to enhance global communication. She further urged Malaysia to enhance leadership development programs to cultivate global competencies, thereby strengthening the country’s ability to attract foreign investors.
The OYAGSB BizTalk series continues to serve as a vital platform for industry leaders to share insights, equipping postgraduate students and professionals with practical strategies for succeeding in a globalized business environment.
The session, held at OYAGSB Studio, Tower 2, OYAGSB Kuala Lumpur, was attended by Professor Ts. Dr. Norazah Mohd Suki, Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation, and Corporate Relations at OYAGSB, along with faculty members, students, and staff. It also reached a broader audience through Webex and Facebook Live, engaging UUM students, staff, and alumni worldwide. – Saharah Saad
