MINDA places emphasis on effectiveness of boards

In keeping with a rapidly globalising economy, Malaysia's national commitment to push government-linked companies (GLCs) to become internationally competitive goes as deep as the mindsets of its business leaders. An offshoot of the GLC Transformation Programme, the Malaysian Directors Academy, or MINDA, is keeping pace with these companies, while eyeing to become Asia's renowned institution for high-performing directors and effective boards.

"We see organisations growing or failing because of the success or lack of success of the board," says Aziz Bakar, CEO of MINDA. "As the saying goes in Malaysia, the fish will rot from the head. If you have an organisation where the board does not work from the top or the board is not overseeing its company well in the long-term view, then the organisation has a big risk moving forward. Our focus is on board effectiveness - how to keep directors on-board with their boards."

The academy is also committed to research and studies, having published seven case studies from various organisations. One of its most successful case studies involves the Axiata Group. The Axiata case study has served as an important resource in helping develop potential talents and CEOs of Malaysian companies and is viewed as an important guide for talent development in Malaysia.

"We have trained close to 500 directors in the GLCs, publicly listed and private companies, and we have been engaged by the Malaysian government to train more women directors to achieve the 30 per cent target for women in key decision-making positions. About 700 of them are trained to become potential directors who could be at the forefront," Aziz says.

"We have championed the best talents globally to prime Malaysia's best. As we expand in the region, we are confident that Asian companies will find a lot of synergy with our programmes."