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Executive Education

ASB Research Series

The ASB Research Seminar Series (RSS) is a monthly series hosted by ASB that invites academics and professors from various universities worldwide to give talks and share insights about their research and ongoing work. They engage in discussions on various research topics with ASB’s esteemed researchers and faculty members, receiving feedback and comments on their work.

ASB RSS are now in hybrid mode and are usually held at lunchtime.

If you would like to present at and/or attend the ASB RSS please contact the Research Office: [email protected]

Upcoming Talks
Stay tuned for more upcoming talks.
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Dear ASB faculty, staff, alumni, friends, partners and well-wishers,  

As the year draws to a close and we look forward to a bright new beginning, I want to take a moment ‒ personally and sincerely ‒ to thank each and every one of you for the incredible journey we have shared together this year. 

We are still a young business school, yet we have dared to dream big. Together, we continue to build a community that empowers bold, principled leaders to dream, disrupt, and drive a better future for Asia and the developing world. Our growing identity regionally and around the world as a global talent hub is strengthened by our collective commitment to translational research, regional connectivity, and our proud mantra: Global Inquiry, Local Heart 

We have reimagined business education through our MBA, EMBA, andMCB (Master in Central Banking) programs, ensuring real-world impact through unique global immersion, strong industry partnerships, integrative and systems thinking, and our focus on growth mindset and lifelong adaptability. 

And this year, we truly punched above our weight: our faculty shone on the global stage through keynote invitations at the top schools, global recognitions, and research excellence. We convened a groundbreaking AI-Powered Leadership Conference, underscoring our passion for shaping the future, which is further exemplified by our Agile Continuous Education (ACE) Microcredentials and our growing ICLIF Executive Education portfolio. 

But none of this would have been possible without you. Your belief in our mission, your support, your cheerleading, and your unwavering faith in what ASB stands for have lifted us higher than ever before. For this, I am deeply grateful. 

🎥<WATCH ASB HOLIDAY VIDEO>

As we embrace this festive end-of-year season, I and my colleagues at ASB wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and blessed holiday, and a truly Happy New Year. May 2026 bring us continued purpose, progress, and pride together. 

With my warmest regards,
Joe 

Season’s Greetings from ASB’s CEO & Dean

In this edition, we are excited to highlight “How to Make Scenario Planning Stick,” co-authored by our faculty Shardul S. Phadnis, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, published in the MIT Sloan Management Review.  

The article explains how scenario planning can equip organizations to navigate uncertainty by exploring multiple futures, adopting flexible strategies, and embedding foresight into everyday decision-making. 

It also emphasizes that scenario planning is most effective when combined with practices such as dynamic monitoring, organizational agility, and strong leadership — helping companies anticipate change, respond quickly, and make resilient strategic decisions in an unpredictable business environment. 

Read the full article here: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/scenario-planning-how-to-use/

Making Scenario Planning Stick

The Asia School of Business’ ACE Micro-credential courses bring together leaders from various sectors to rethink how they work and make decisions. These stackable micro-credentials help participants build a foundation towards the ASB Master of Business Administration degree, as well as pathways to advanced degrees at MIT and Yale. Here, we highlight some of the key outcomes from our courses: 

  1. AI for Business Leaders: Instant Windshield Claims in Insurance (Professor Ong Shien Jin)
    A group of insurance veterans joined our AI for Business Leaders micro-credential and immediately homed in on a major pain point: small-claims for windshield accidents. The existing process was slow and manual, involving adjuster reviews and workshop coordination, often taking weeks to complete.

    During the hackathon for their final project, they realized the entire workflow could be automated using vision-based AI and large language models. Leveraging simple image-classification tools, they built a prototype capable of detecting damage severity and auto-approving straightforward cases, routing only isolated claims to adjusters.

    As a result, they estimated that with this AI-filtering process, approvals could be reduced from weeks to under five minutes.

    Takeaway: With the right guidance and instructions, anyone can harness AI to transform their organizations, including redesigning legacy, deep-rooted processes. 

  2. Digital Platforms & Marketplaces: International Shopper Platform (Professor Melati Nungsari)
    Have you ever wondered how Temu, Alibaba, Shopee, or even Facebook works? One of our participants joined the Platforms & Marketplaces program to understand the science behind the giant tech platforms that are invaluable to us today. As part of his final project, he recognized a familiar Malaysian behavior: people requesting friends traveling abroad to kirim barang—the local term for bringing home goods unavailable locally.

    After discussions on supply liquidity and matching efficiency, he realized this was not merely a cultural quirk, but an untapped platform opportunity. That day, the concept of KirimBarang was created: a marketplace connecting buyers of exclusive foreign goods with travelers who have spare luggage capacity.

    Using ideas and concepts from the course—escrow, ratings, route-based matching, and decentralized fulfillment—he mapped out a viable ecosystem where casual travelers become micro-entrepreneurs and global mobility becomes a service layer.

    Takeaway: Platform and marketplace thinking reveals value not only in obvious assets, but in everyday behaviors and pain points waiting to be solved.

  3. Portfolio Management: Making Better Capital Allocation Decisions (Professor Joe Cherian)
    A professional from a marketing background initially joined the Portfolio Management course to strengthen her investment skills and to be able to converse more effectively with finance-oriented stakeholders. What she learned reshaped how she approaches capital decisions and deepened her understanding of the science behind fund management.

    Professor Joe introduced a mindset shift: thinking like an institutional manager who balances risk and return. This framework clarified why portfolio management matters. By mapping her financial model in the same way Professor Joe mapped assets across risk, volatility, and strategic payoff, she realized that large organizations do not only manage projects, but entire portfolios.

    The course’s emphasis on diversification, factor discipline, and mathematical correlations helped her build a stronger all-round portfolio, where uncorrelated investments help smooth each other out in times of uncertainty and risk through proven asset allocation strategies.

    Takeaway: Portfolio thinking is not just for financial markets and bankers; it is a powerful tool for organizations allocating resources in uncertain conditions

ACE Microcredentials: Transforming Learning Across Industries

From the left: Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Aziz, De Kai, YB Gobind Singh Deo, Brian A. Wong, Joseph Cherian

On 2 December 2025, the Asia School of Business hosted the inaugural AI-Powered Leadership Conference, an event organized by our ICLIF Executive Education Center and supported by our Strategic Partner, TRX City. We were proud to welcome leaders, innovators, and industry practitioners from across Malaysia and the region for a day of cutting-edge dialogue on the intersection of artificial intelligence, leadership, and the future of work. 

The conference featured an exceptional lineup of global thought leaders, including Professor De Kai (a pioneer in AI translation technologies), Professor Sanjay Sarma (MIT Professor and Eminent Visiting Professor at the Asia School of Business renowned for his contributions to technology and innovation), Brian Wong (former Alibaba senior executive), and Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro (widely known as the “Father of Humanoids”). They were joined by the Asia School of Business faculty experts Professor Ong Shien Jin and Professor David Asirvatham. The event opened with remarks from YB Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital. 

We extend our appreciation to our demo and exhibition partners, including DJI, Taylor’s University, LedgerBrains, ThakralOne, iFLYTEK, Biline, Beyond Insights, Symprio, Galactic Network, Vetece Holdings, and our supporting partner PIKOM, whose contributions enriched the experience for all participants. Their presence enabled attendees to engage directly with emerging technologies and real-world applications of AI. 

Together, the conference highlighted a powerful message: while AI continues to transform industries at unprecedented speed, it is human leadership, ethical foresight, and purposeful innovation that will ultimately shape how we navigate the future of work. 

AI-Powered Leadership Conference

From the left: Dr Nungsari, Dr Zeti Aziz, Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz and Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar
P&G Center for Sustainable Small-owners Launches Two Insightful Publications on Research and Oil Palm Smallholder Sustainability and Inclusion

2 November 2025, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaThe P&G Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) at the Asia School of Business (ASB) has launched two new books under its Road to Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) series, marking another milestone in evidence-based research and inclusive sustainability for Malaysia’s independent palm oil smallholders.

The books were unveiled during the Smallholder Dinner and Certificate Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in conjunction with the RSPO Annual Roundtable 2025 (RT25).

The two titles — The Road to Certified Sustainable Palm Oil: A Guide to Understanding and Managing Peat Farms for Smallholders and The Road to Certified Sustainable Palm Oil: Learning from the Farms – Research for Impact — reflect CSS’s dual commitment to science-based knowledge and practical empowerment for smallholders through the P&G Smallholder Program.

Established in 2019 with support from Procter & Gamble (P&G) and hosted by ASB, CSS bridges research and practice to empower over 900 independent smallholders in Batu Pahat and Pontian, Johor, with sustainable, inclusive, and data-driven farming solutions, bringing them to achieve RSPO Smallholder certification and receive Premium for their oil palm produce. Rooted in field research and farmer collaboration, CSS represents an impactful effort to ensure that no farmer is left behind in the transition to certified sustainable palm oil.

“Sustainability in palm oil cannot be achieved by exclusion. It must include every farmer, different soil types, and every local reality,” said Professor Joe Cherian, CEO, President, Dean, and Distinguished Professor at ASB. “These books show how science, fieldwork, and partnership can transform challenges into pathways for inclusion, productivity, and environmental responsibility.”

P&G Chemical’s Sustainability Director, Francis Wiederkehr, echoed this commitment:

“In today’s global supply chains, including smallholder farmers is not just a philanthropic add-on — it is fundamental to our ESG strategy. When we support independent growers with knowledge, access, and systemic inclusion, we strengthen supply chain resilience, elevate livelihoods, and advance our ambition to source responsibly. Sustainable sourcing only becomes truly sustainable when every farmer, big or small, is a partner in the journey.”

Dr. Asad Ata, Director of CSS and Professor of Practice in Operations and Supply Chain Management at ASB, added:

“This publication shines a light on tropical peatlands, that are not to be further developed given their importance as carbon sinks and are often seen as difficult for cultivation. With Malaysia and Indonesia home to over 23 million hectares of peatland, 10% of which is cultivated with oil palm, it is important to reframe them as opportunities for responsible and inclusive sustainability to avoid exclusion of the smallholders and further deterioration of the soil. This guide provides a timely, science-based reference for smallholders with existing peatland plantations on how to balance productivity with preservation.”

Independent smallholders continue to face barriers such as limited access to knowledge, financing, and markets, as well as the complexities of managing peat soils and meeting certification requirements. The two books highlight practical, inclusive, and research-driven solutions to overcome these challenges and strengthen smallholder participation in sustainable supply chains.

Book 1: Understanding and Managing Peat Farms for Smallholders

This publication shines a light on tropical peatlands, often seen as difficult for cultivation, by reframing them as opportunities for responsible and inclusive sustainability. With Malaysia and Indonesia home to over 23 million hectares of peatland, 10% of which is cultivated with oil palm, the guide provides a timely, science-based reference on how to balance productivity with preservation.

Four Key Highlights:

  • Bridging Science and Practice – Translates global research on peat and climate into locally relevant, farmer-friendly insights.
  • Inclusivity in Sustainability – Promotes responsible management for legacy peat farms, ensuring no farmer is left behind, and they continue to benefit from the land, while preserving it for the future.
  • Evidence-Based Interventions – Field data show farms applying good agricultural practices (GAP) achieved up to 35% yield improvement within three to four years.
  • Shared Responsibility Framework – Connects peat management to Malaysia’s NDPE commitments and the UN SDGs, reinforcing smallholder roles in climate action.

Book 2: Learning from the Farms – Research for Impact

A compilation of applied studies, this volume showcases how real-world data from the program’s smallholder farms in Johor inform CSS’s program design, impact assessment, and policy engagement. It includes 11 studies across four themes; supply chain and traceability, RSPO smallholder certification, training and GAP awareness, and environment and agronomy.

Four Key Highlights:

  • Field-Based Evidence – Data from learning and control farms guide targeted, measurable interventions.
  • Digital Traceability Models – A Johor pilot demonstrates how digital tools modernize collection centers and enhance transparency.
  • Practical Impact – Shows how awareness and capability building foster sustainable practices and stronger livelihoods.
  • Scalable Solutions – Offers replicable models for policymakers, donors, and industry to expand responsible sourcing and inclusion.

Advancing Evidence-Based Sustainability through Collaboration

Both publications reinforce CSS’s role as a research and implementation hub at ASB. By combining academic rigor with practical fieldwork, CSS supports Malaysia’s broader sustainability and climate goals—advancing ethical sourcing, carbon stewardship, and smallholder prosperity.

CSS has collaborations with many industry stakeholders, including the plantation groups, district farmer associations and cooperations, such as Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan, fertilizer chains and research and academic institutions such as UiTM, and Kellogg Northwestern, USA.

As the journey toward CSPO continues, CSS calls on academia, corporations, NGOs, and policymakers to collaborate in scaling inclusive, data-driven solutions that empower smallholders as equal partners in a sustainable future.

The CSS Road to CSPO series can accessed at https://csslibrary.publuu.com

Issued by: Asia School of Business

 

Contact:
Dr. Asad Ata
Centre for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS)
Asia School of Business
11, Jalan Dato Onn,
50480 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Tel: +603 2023 3000
Email: [email protected]

 

ABOUT THE P&G CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE SMALL-OWNERS (CSS)
The P&G Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) was launched in 2019, by funding from Procter & Gamble (P&G), to deliver on its Ambition 2030 goals through the P&G smallholders initiative. Housed at Asia School of Business (ASB), CSS is committed to empowering and improving smallholders’ livelihoods through traceability, compliance and capacity building through training and implementation of sustainable and best in class agricultural practices in accordance with global standards.

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit https://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G. For further information on P&G’s Responsible Palm Sourcing Program please contact: Dr Siân Morris ([email protected]).

ASB was established in 2015 in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management. ASB’s mission is to become a premier school of management in Asia and be recognized for its ability to develop transformative and principled leaders who will contribute to a better future and advance the emerging world. For more information, see https:/research-office/center-sustainable-small-owners/.

Press Release For the Launch of CSS Books at RT25

Local Coverage

  1. X Gobind Singh Deo – HERE
  2. Bernama – HERE
  3. BusinessToday – HERE
  4. The Sun – HERE
  5. Daily Express (Print) – HERE
  6. Nanyang Siang Pau (Print) – HERE
  7. Asia Times (Print) – HERE
  8. The Sun (Print) – HERE
  9. Astro Awani – HERE
  10. Berita Harian – HERE
  11. Bernama (English) – HERE
  12. Malay.news – HERE
  13. Malaysia Tribune – HERE
  14. Media Batu – HERE
  15. MediaSelangor – HERE
  16. eNanyang – HERE
  17. PickaStock – HERE
  18. Malaysia SME+ – HERE
  19. Malay Mail – HERE
  20. The Malaysia Press – HERE
  21. The Sun – HERE
  22. KLSE Screener – HERE
  23. Utusan Borneo Online – HERE
  24. RTM – HERE
  25. Media Perpaduan – HERE
  26. The Sun – HERE
  27. DagangNews – HERE
  28. Sin Chew – HERE
  29. RentKL – HERE
  30. Newswav – HERE
  31. LumiNews – HERE
  32. Malay Mail – HERE
  33. Woah Malaysia – HERE
  34. Focus Malaysia – HERE
  35. Malaysia Global Business Forum – HERE

International Coverage

  1. Riau Green – HERE
  2. Fox 21 News – HERE
  3. Wahana Riau – HERE
  4. Riau Headline – HERE
  5. Menit – HERE
  6. MonitorRiau – HERE
  7. Pantau Riau – HERE
  8. CakapLagi – HERE
  9. Menitone – HERE
  10. Karimun Today – HERE
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  15. Channel NewsAsia – HERE
  16. MY Sinchew – HERE
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  21. Taiwan News – HERE
  22. Viet Nam News – HERE
  23. Bizz Buzz – HERE
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  25. Morningstar Hong Kong – HERE
  26. Sina Hong Kong – HERE
  27. B2B-Cambodia – HERE
  28. HMTV Live – HERE
  29. Macau Business – HERE
  30. DB Power – HERE
  31. Profit from IOT – HERE
  32. Business News This Week – HERE
  33. Media OutReach Newswire – HERE
  34. PinoyTechSaga – HERE
  35. Alvinology – HERE
  36. HR Asia – HERE
  37. ElectronicsB2B – HERE
  38. Haps Magazine Korea – HERE
  39. OpenSourceForU – HERE
  40. Yodisphere – HERE
  41. News Patrolling – HERE
  42. Cambodia Investment Review – HERE
  43. Thailand Business News – HERE
  44. Times Tech – HERE
  45. Journal Online – HERE
  46. Business Diary – HERE
  47. Quamnet – HERE
  48. Weekender – HERE
  49. Bizwire Express – HERE
  50. SME Magazine Online – HERE
  51. Taiwan Net – HERE
  52. Bizhub – HERE
  53. The Times – HERE
  54. Infocast – HERE
  55. Market Insider – HERE
  56. LiveNews – HERE
  57. Vietnam Insider – HERE
  58. 88IV – HERE
  59. News Hub Asia – HERE
  60. Asian Journeys – HERE
  61. Digital Conqurer – HERE
  62. Iwaishin News – HERE
  63. Vietnam Star – HERE
  64. Thai Elite Beauty – HERE
  65. The Wellness Insider – HERE
  66. PR News Thailand – HERE
  67. OVietnam – HERE
  68. Bao Song Ngu – HERE
  69. Negosentro – HERE
  70. TGH Photography and Travel Portal – HERE
  71. Hashtag – HERE
  72. Siam News – HERE
  73. Hpility SG – HERE
  74. The Sun – HERE
  75. Odisha Samachar – HERE
  76. Manifesto Thailand – HERE
  77. Pitch Engine – HERE
  78. Crypto Insider – HERE
  79. News Pronto – HERE
  80. Asean Gazette – HERE
  81. Malaysia World News – HERE
  82. Business Intelligence – HERE
  83. Forever News – HERE
  84. IT News Online – HERE
  85. MeNews – HERE
  86. News Daily – HERE
  87. Modern Australian – HERE
  88. Global Business Magazine – HERE
  89. The Insiders – HERE
  90. Technophileph – HERE
  91. TGH Technology and Business – HERE
  92. The Express – HERE
  93. Nanyang Post – HERE
  94. Our Daily News Online – HERE
  95. The Chronicle – HERE
  96. The Southern Cross – HERE
  97. It News Online – HERE
  98. P.M. Express – HERE
  99. Watchdog Uganda – HERE
  100. Tech with Muchiri – HERE
  101. Business Day Ghana – HERE
  102. Orion Times – HERE
  103. Biz Watch Nigeria – HERE
  104. EBNews Daily South Africa – HERE
  105. Business Quest – HERE
  106. DC Connect News – HERE
  107. Pan African Visions – HERE
  108. iNews Express – HERE
  109. Cameroon News Agency – HERE
  110. Newslex Point – HERE
  111. ASHE News Daily – HERE
  112. The East African Business Times – HERE
  113. Africa Business – HERE
  114. TechDailyPost – HERE
  115. Capital Post – HERE
  116. The DEFENDER – HERE
  117. Capriri Vision – HERE
  118. eBiz Spotlight – HERE
  119. National Moment – HERE
  120. The Legend News – HERE
  121. Alexa Nigeria – HERE
  122. The Tochlight Africa – HERE
  123. Lagos Post Ng – HERE
  124. Khai Reports Nigeria – HERE
  125. Real Points Report – HERE
  126. Pressnest Africa – HERE
  127. Qatar PR Network – HERE
  128. Dubai PR Network – HERE
  129. Saudi Arabia PR – HERE
  130. Kuwait PR – HERE
  131. The Associated Press – HERE
  132. Branding in Asia – HERE
  133. ContentEngine – HERE

Coverage for AI-Powered Conference

by The Sun

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 December 2025 – The Asia School of Business (ASB) today reaffirmed its position as a leading institution for AI-driven leadership in Asia by hosting the AI-Powered Leadership Conference, which convened global AI pioneers, CEOs, regional innovators, and policymakers to explore the future of leadership in an AI-powered world. The event was supported by the conference’s Strategic Partner, TRX City Sdn Bhd, the organisation driving the growth of Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Malaysia’s International Financial Centre.

In his welcome address, YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, Malaysia, welcomed the gathering of leaders who recognise the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) which will drive the next phase of Malaysia’s and the region’s economic growth.

“Leadership in the new age of intelligence demands trust and transparency to drive growth and return on investment. Beyond managing teams, leaders must understand AI’s ethical implications for jobs and equity, proactively anticipating risks like algorithmic bias and cybersecurity. Corporate leaders must adopt human-centred AI principles, ensuring technology serves people first by augmenting human judgment and enhancing the human touch, rather than dictating or eroding it,” he said, adding that leaders must invest in people as seriously as they invest in technology.

The opening keynote was delivered by Professor De Kai, a globally recognised AI pioneer and author of critically-acclaimed MIT Press book, Raising AI, appearing for the first time in Malaysia. Renowned for building the web’s first language translator and developing the language models that later powered Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google Translate, he is one of only seventeen Founding Fellows of the Association for Computational Linguistics. With appointments at HKUST and Berkeley’s International Computer Science Institute and experience on Google’s AI ethics council, De Kai brings deep expertise at the intersection of AI, ethics, and society.

Professor De Kai shared, “Artificial Intelligence are not gods or slaves. They’re attention seeking children who want your approval. We are not parenting them but they are already influencing us unconsciously, and it will continue to influence us even more if we keep thinking of them as mechanical tools.”

His session set the stage for a series of sessions and interactive discussions around the theme of Leadership and Cybersecurity, that examined how AI is reshaping industries, workforce structures and organisational strategy. Other notable keynote speakers included Brian Wong, former Alibaba executive, entrepreneur, investor, and author known for his work on globalisation strategy and AI-enabled organisational design; and Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro, globally renowned for his groundbreaking research in interactive robotics, avatar science, and human–AI interaction.

The conference also featured ASB faculty experts Professor Ong Shien Jin and Professor David Asirvatham, who provided insights into AI-driven decision-making, leadership dynamics, and organisational transformation. Participants explored next-generation AI models, leadership, cybersecurity, responsible adoption, human-centred leadership and long-term competitiveness.

“As intelligent systems become central to national strategy, corporate competitiveness, and cross-border collaboration, leaders today must pair technical literacy with sound judgement and ethical clarity. This is why ASB is proud to host this conference: to ensure our region’s decision-makers are equipped to navigate AI’s sweeping impact across economies and societies. ASB has invested deeply in these capabilities through our Micro-Credential in AI for Business Leaders, our Certified AI Leader and Certified AI Practitioner executive education programs, and an expanding suite of AI-integrated offerings across our learning pathways. Our goal is straightforward ‒ to help organisations lead AI-driven transformation with confidence, accountability, and long-term competitiveness.” said Joe Cherian, CEO, President, Dean and Distinguished Professor of the Asia School of Business.

TRX City Sdn Bhd, the strategic partner of the conference, highlighted the importance of AI-ready leadership as a critical foundation for a thriving financial ecosystem. Dato’ Sr Azmar Talib, CEO of TRX City said, “AI is reshaping global finance and Malaysia must stay ahead of the curve. At TRX, we see AI-ready leadership as a fundamental driver of competitiveness. Our partnership with ASB reflects our commitment to building an international financial centre that attracts top talent, accelerates innovation and strengthens Malaysia’s position in the region. TRX is proud to support that momentum.”

The conference also included exhibitors, including ThakralOne, iFLYTEK, Biline, Beyond Insights, Symprio, and Galactic Network and Vetece Holdings. PIKOM, the National Tech Association of Malaysia, also participated as a supporting partner as part of broader efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s digital economy and innovation landscape.

Originally published by The Sun.

Asia School of Business Leads the AI Evolution in Southeast Asia with Inaugural AI-Powered Leadership Conference

by Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 Dis (Bernama) — Kerajaan bertanggungjawab untuk mewujudkan ekosistem yang membolehkan pihak industri berinovasi dan berkembang maju dalam era digital, kata Menteri Digital Gobind Singh Deo.

Beliau berkata walaupun kerajaan mengiktiraf kepentingan teknologi, tetapi ia sedar bahawa industri memerlukan blok binaan dan peralatan untuk membolehkan penggunaan dan pembangunan teknologi. 

“Ianya penting kerana kita sentiasa bercakap mengenai membina ekosistem yang akan memberi manfaat dan memperkasakan industri.

“Akhirnya, kita bercakap mengenai cara untuk memperkasakan industri agar mereka boleh memanfaatkan ekosistem ini yang kita bina untuk menyampaikan teknologi yang kita perlukan agar kita dapat melihat penyelesaian kepada masalah masa lepas, yang boleh diselesaikan oleh teknologi hari ini,” katanya ketika berucap pada Persidangan Kepimpinan Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) di sini hari ini. 

Oleh itu, Gobind berkata Kementerian Digital ditubuhkan untuk membangunkan strategi bagi bidang utama seperti infrastruktur, keselamatan, kepercayaan dan bakat dalam segmen digital. 

Beliau berkata walaupun kerajaan akan menyokong pertumbuhan industri, ia masih memerlukan garis panduan dan cadangan daripada industri untuk membina ekosistem tersebut. 

“Saya hampir pasti jika kita semua bekerjasama, kita akan memastikan bahawa kita bukan sahaja membina ekosistem yang akan membantu setiap orang daripada kita, tetapi akhirnya kita juga memastikan tiada siapa yang akan ketinggalan dalam dunia baharu transformasi digital baharu yang kita semua sering bincangkan dengan penuh keterujaan,” katanya. 

Persidangan anjuran Asia School of Business itu menghimpunkan perintis AI global, pemain industri, inovator serantau, dan penggubal dasar untuk meneroka masa depan kepimpinan dalam dunia yang dikuasakan AI. 

Sementara itu, Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Asia School of Business Professor Joseph Cherian dalam satu kenyataan hari ini berkata persidangan itu bertujuan memastikan pembuat keputusan di rantau ini berkemampuan untuk melayari kesan AI yang meluas merentasi ekonomi dan masyarakat. 

Originally published by Bernama.

Kerajaan Bakal Bina Ekosistem Bantu Industri Berinovasi Dalam Era Digital – Gobind

by Business Today

The Asia School of Business (ASB) hosted the AI-Powered Leadership Conference in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together global AI experts, CEOs, regional innovators and policymakers to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on leadership and organisational strategy.

The conference, held with strategic support from TRX City Sdn Bhd, highlighted the growing importance of AI-ready leadership for economic growth in Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region.

In his welcome address, Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo, said, “Leadership in the new age of intelligence demands trust and transparency to drive growth and return on investment. Beyond managing teams, leaders must understand AI’s ethical implications for jobs and equity, proactively anticipating risks like algorithmic bias and cybersecurity. Corporate leaders must adopt human-centred AI principles, ensuring technology serves people first by augmenting human judgment and enhancing the human touch.”

Keynote speakers included Professor De Kai, a pioneer in AI language models and member of Google’s AI ethics council, who noted, “Artificial Intelligence are not gods or slaves. They’re attention seeking children who want your approval. We are not parenting them but they are already influencing us unconsciously and it will continue to influence us even more if we keep thinking of them as mechanical tools.”

Other speakers included former Alibaba executive Brian Wong and Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro, known for his research in interactive robotics and human–AI interaction. ASB faculty, including Professor Ong Shien Jin and Professor David Asirvatham, provided insights into AI-driven decision-making, leadership dynamics and organisational transformation.

Joe Cherian, CEO and Dean of ASB, said the conference aims to equip leaders with the knowledge and ethical framework to navigate AI’s growing influence across industries and societies. ASB has invested in programmes such as the Micro-Credential in AI for Business Leaders and Certified AI Leader courses to support AI-driven organisational transformation.

TRX City Sdn Bhd also emphasised the role of AI-ready leadership in strengthening Malaysia’s financial ecosystem. Dato’ Sr Azmar Talib, CEO of TRX City, said, “AI is reshaping global finance and Malaysia must stay ahead of the curve. Our partnership with ASB reflects our commitment to building an international financial centre that attracts top talent, accelerates innovation and strengthens Malaysia’s position in the region.”

The conference featured technology exhibitors including ThakralOne, iFLYTEK, Biline, Beyond Insights, Symprio, Galactic Network and Vetece Holdings, alongside support from PIKOM, Malaysia’s National Tech Association, as part of efforts to boost the nation’s digital economy and innovation landscape.

Originally published by Business Today.

Kuala Lumpur Hosts First AI-Powered Leadership Summit

by Malaysian Updates

The Asia School of Business (ASB) is set to host its inaugural AI-Powered Leadership Conference, a landmark one-day event aimed at exploring the future of leadership in an increasingly AI-driven world. Bringing together a distinguished lineup of global AI pioneers, CEOs, innovators, and policymakers, the conference promises to offer deep insights into how organisations can lead responsibly and competitively amid rapid technological transformation. Supported by strategic partner TRX City Sdn Bhd, the master developer of the International Financial Centre Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), the event will examine the impact of AI on industries, talent management, and strategic decision-making. The conference will be graced by YB Gobind Singh, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, and will feature keynote sessions from internationally acclaimed experts, including Professor Sanjay Sarma, MIT Professor and Eminent Visiting Professor at ASB known for his pioneering work in technology; Professor De Kai, a leader in AI and language technologies; Brian A. Wong, former Alibaba executive and author of The Tao of Alibaba; and Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to interactive robotics and human-robot collaboration. ASB faculty members Professor Ong Shien Jin and Professor David Asirvatham will also present on organisational readiness and decision-making in the AI era. Attendees can look forward to interactive discussions, leadership-focused dialogues, and curated showcases highlighting emerging AI applications. The conference will revolve around three core themes: AI-driven leadershipcybersecurity in the age of AI, and responsible, human-centered adoption of AI. More information on registration and the agenda can be found at ASB’s official website.

Originally published by Malaysian Updates

Asia School of Business to Launch First-Ever AI-Driven Leadership Conference, Welcoming Top Global AI Experts to Malaysia