Malaysia has so much potential – but what’s holding it back? Ex-Perdana Petroleum MD Shamsul Saad and Khoo Hsu Chuang get real about the Malay mindset, education, and the bigger forces shaping the country’s future. They talk about how culture and government policies play a role in success (or lack of it) and why critical thinking is a game-changer in today’s digital world.
But it isn’t just about education. They get into leadership, economic growth, and why shaking things up is long overdue. Automation is changing jobs, governance feels stuck in mediocrity, and bold leadership is needed to push Malaysia forward. They even compare Malaysia’s struggles with the U.S., showing how deeply rooted interests can hold progress back.
Looking back at Malaysia’s golden era in the 70s, they discuss how colonial history shaped the way people think and why the country needs a stronger sense of purpose. Inequality, talent, creativity—these things matter, and real change won’t happen without the right leadership. At the end of the day, it’s about breaking free from old mindsets and surrounding yourself with the right people to make real progress.
(Many thanks to CITYPlus for their collaboration with The Do More Podcast, in whose studio this conversation was recorded. CITYPlus is Malaysia’s first Chinese business radio station, dedicated to delivering in-depth analysis on local and international current affairs, markets, and businesses.)
CONTENTS
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:01 Education and Personal Growth
11:56 The Role of Government and Political Will
18:03 The Importance of Critical Thinking
23:52 Converging Interests in Society
30:06 Restructuring Malaysia’s Education and Economy
35:54 The Need for Change in Mindset
47:05 The Journey of Professional Growth
51:05 The Pain of Improvement
56:15 Corporate Power Dynamics
01:01:51 Leadership and Empowerment
01:06:18 The Future of Work and Automation
01:10:25 Lessons from America
01:15:50 The Malaysian Dream and Economic Challenges
01:17:20 The Need for Bold Leadership
01:19:42 Restructuring for a Sustainable Future
01:22:12 Rethinking Education in Malaysia
01:24:52 The Shift Towards Conservatism
01:26:35 The Role of Political Leadership
01:28:08 Reflections on Malaysia’s Golden Era
01:29:39 Colonialism’s Impact on Mindset
01:31:57 Inequality and Upward Mobility
01:33:22 The American Dream and Opportunity
01:35:25 Creating a Fair System
01:37:50 The Power of Creativity in Malaysia
01:39:43 Comparing Talent: Malaysia vs. Singapore
01:41:41 Common Purpose and National Identity
01:43:31 Leadership and Excellence
01:45:45 The Culture of Mediocrity
01:49:07 Surrounding Yourself with Talent
01:52:51 Lessons from Global Leaders
01:54:33 Final Words of Wisdom
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