By Habib Samir Al-Sagoff
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: The soft spoken and humble Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob is the paragon of leadership in Malaysia. A case of transformative leadership, which is about inspiring people to achieve remarkable outcomes while nurturing their potential as future leaders.
This approach combines the power of role modeling with the charisma of a clear, compelling vision that sparks motivation. Transformative leaders challenge conventional thinking by encouraging creativity and innovation, prompting their followers to think differently.
They also offer personalized support, understanding that each individual has unique needs and strengths that can be developed. Often seen as the pioneers in their fields, these leaders are adaptable, embracing change and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. It's this blend of visionary thinking and empowerment that makes transformative leadership so effective in driving meaningful change and innovation.
Tan Sri Dr. Sulaiman is also the "Father of Think Tanks" in Malaysia. He played a significant role in developing the concept of organized policy research entities . Dr Sulaiman is closely associated with the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) and the Institute of Security & International Studies (ISIS). He played a critical role in the early years of The Malaysian Institute Of Integrity (IIM) and is affiliated with Institut Masa Depan Malaysia. Notwithstanding, the development of think tanks involves contributions from many individuals and institutions globally.
Dr Sulaiman wore an inclusive hat, facilitated the hosting of MIER Youth Summit 2023. For the record, the National Youth Summit at MIER organised an essay writing competition and debating session amongst others. He also tolerated dissenting views, for example MIER hosted a webinar on the Harmonised Sales and Service Tax System (HSST)
Sulaiman’s Leadership Style
Transformative leaders thrive by employing strategies that propel their teams toward success. They are visionaries, setting clear, long-term goals that inspire everyone around them. By empowering others, they cultivate decision-making and foster a sense of accountability, enabling people to take charge of their roles. These leaders build trust through a culture of openness and collaboration, where ideas flow freely and innovation is welcomed. Adaptability is their hallmark, embracing change and new ideas to stay ahead in dynamic environments. This leadership style is particularly effective in situations that demand significant transformation and creative breakthroughs.
Involvement in the Corporate World
In the corporate world, leaders often navigate complex landscapes involving government-linked companies and state-owned enterprises. Take Telekom Malaysia and the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) for example. These organizations operate at the intersection of public and private interests, requiring a deft touch to balance stakeholder expectations and drive growth. Leadership here is about leveraging strategic partnerships and innovation to remain competitive while fulfilling national objectives. It involves understanding the nuances of government regulations and harnessing them to unlock opportunities. This delicate dance of collaboration and competition is what shapes the future of such enterprises in today's interconnected global economy.
Life of Public Service
In a life dedicated to public service, Dr Sulaiman played critical roles that embody selflessness and commitment. During the COVID-19 era Prime Ministers’ administration, his involvement in the National Recovery Council (NRC) was pivotal. He demonstrated unwavering dedication and an unbending resolve to guide the nation through challenging times. His work was essential in crafting strategies that balanced immediate needs with long-term recovery, showcasing a profound commitment to the country's well-being. Such leadership exemplifies how steadfastness and collaboration can steer a nation toward stability and growth.
Involvement with religious institutions
Dr Sulaiman’s involvement with religious institutions such as the Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAWIP) and University College MAIWP International (UCMI), showcases a commitment to guiding and steering these organizations. As a subject matter expert, his focus was on fostering growth and innovation within these institutions. This role involves navigating complex cultural and educational landscapes to ensure that they align with broader community goals and values. Through expertise and leadership, these efforts contribute significantly to the development and success of the institutions they support.
Teaching positions
Dr Sulaiman is an adjunct professor at INPUMA Universiti Malaya, his scholarship is also acknowledged by several other universities such as UNIRAZAK, UUM, UKM, and USM, where he consistently contributes ideas and intellectual insights through postgraduate courses.
Through postgraduate courses, particularly the Master of Public Policy (MPP) offered by INPUMA, his role extends to mentoring government officers and scholars, imparting knowledge that bridges academia and practical governance. Through these cross-disciplinary teaching roles, the aim is to cultivate critical thinking and innovation among students while providing seasoned guidance to emerging leaders in the public sector. This dual focus on education and mentorship helps shape the next generation of experts and policymakers.
Conclusion
In today's volatile and uncertain world, where change is the only constant, one figure stands as a paragon of excellence and an icon of leadership—a beacon of hope. With a steadfast commitment to corporate governance and integrity, they navigate complex and challenging environments with unparalleled skill. Their ability to inspire and guide others through uncertainty sets a standard for leadership that drives positive transformation and innovation.
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