Datuk Fad’l Mohamed, CEO of Bursa Malaysia, outlined his approach to decision-making and leadership during a recent session with students at UCSI University. Speaking on July 6 as part of the university’s Faculty CEO Series, Fad’l shared insights into navigating complex choices that shape the national stock exchange.
Fad’l described his decision-making model as a balance of data, experience, and instinct, allocating roughly 30% each to data and experience and 40% to intuition. He emphasized that while data provides analytical clarity and experience offers contextual perspective, instinct becomes crucial when leaders face uncertain or unprecedented situations.
“Decision-makers do not always have the luxury of consulting everyone,” he said, underscoring the importance of taking decisive action amid incomplete information. He also highlighted personal accountability, stressing that leaders must assume full responsibility for the outcomes of their decisions.
In terms of leadership focus, Fad’l recommended dedicating over half of one’s time to strategic planning. To remain attuned to market dynamics, he described a disciplined routine of monitoring global developments each morning, paying particular attention to overnight events in the United States, policy changes, and international geopolitical shifts. He noted how such factors, including incidents in critical areas like the Strait of Hormuz, can influence pricing of everyday goods and services in Malaysia.
Looking toward the future, Fad’l identified artificial intelligence (AI) as the next transformative technology wave, succeeding the computer and mobile revolutions. He encouraged students to embrace AI and develop relevant skills to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving workforce.
The Faculty CEO Series at UCSI University aims to bridge academic knowledge with practical industry leadership by providing students with opportunities to engage directly with prominent figures shaping key sectors. Previous speakers included Malaysia Aviation Group’s former group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail and Capital A CEO and AirAsia co-founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.