This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on July 23, 2018 - July 29, 2018
Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) deputy chief executive officer (CEO) Fad’l Mohamed is excited to return to the Rat Race this year. He feels the race supports a very meaningful cause.
“The Edge Education Foundation’s ongoing mission to support programmes related to education, training and skills development is very important in today’s rapidly changing environment. It is a great way to have fun while playing our part in supporting the community at large,” he says.
On the idea of getting CEOs to run for charity, Fad’l says it sends a strong message that the corporate world plays a pivotal role in the development of the community, and that CEOs must lead the charge.
“Personally, I feel it is a good reminder to corporates that we can only be as good as the community we serve,” he says.
According to Fad’l, a good corporate responsibility (CR) initiative must have clear objectives and deliver measurable outcomes.
“The initiative should ideally be aligned with the business and its mission, vision and values. This can reinforce the organisation’s business purpose and its core competencies. Good CR should have a clear strategy to change the community.
“It should be sustainable instead of one-off events, as efforts that are executed consistently can transform communities in the long term,” he says.
Fad’l adds that the Maybank Group has actively supported many community and environmental programmes that are designed to uplift some of Asia’s most needy communities and address some of their more pressing needs.
Some of the major activities include the Reach Independent & Sustainable Entrepreneurship (RISE) programme, the Maybank Women Eco Weavers programme, and the
Kata-Katha programme, as well as its various employee volunteerism programmes and its Global CR Day.
“I look forward to the race and, of course, there is a little pressure. I believe having some pressure is good as it drives me to do my best. At the same time, I feel extremely proud to be representing Maybank in the race this year,” he says.
Fad’l is also looking forward to seeing the comradeship of Corporate Malaysia on full display. “It is always exhilarating to see everyone coming together to do their part for society. I am also excited to experience the energy at the race, and watch the teamwork and passion of all the participants,” he says.