Ex-Perdana Petroleum MD Shamsul Saad - Malays Can Succeed Without Govt Crutches
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
--- Follow Shamsul here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamsul-saad-24108816a/ .. FOLLOW CITYPLUS HERE: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityplusmy Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CITYPlusFM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityplus_my ..
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