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OPINION - We’ve got some serious leadership heavyweights in Malaysia.

Here are 3 Malaysian leaders who mastered key leadership laws—and what you can learn from them:

1. Tony Fernandes (AirAsia) – The Law of Buy-In

   1. Lesson: People follow the leader before they follow the vision.

      1. Before AirAsia became Asia’s biggest budget airline, it was drowning in debt.

      2. When Tony Fernandes took over, he had something even more important than capital—buy-in. His team believed in him before they believed in the turnaround.

      3. Built trust first, then sell the vision.

      4. Lead by example, work alongside employees.

      5. Create a culture where employees feel valued.

   2. Takeaway: If your team isn’t excited about your vision, the problem isn’t the vision—it’s your leadership. Win trust first, THEN lead.

2. Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong (Genting) – The Law of Navigation

   1. Lesson: Leaders see the road ahead before others do.

      1. In the 1960s, he dreamed of building a casino resort on a mountain. People laughed, called it impossible, and said no one would go.

      2. But great leaders see the future before anyone else does.

      3. Planned years ahead, not just months.

      4. Took risks based on vision, not short-term thinking.

      5. Built what others couldn’t imagine.

   2. Takeaway: Stop focusing only on today’s revenue or next quarter’s KPIs. Plan for the next 5 years, not just the next 6 months.

3. Datuk Nicol David – The Law of Process

   1. Lesson: Leadership is built daily, not in a day.

      1. Datuk Nicol David didn’t become the longest-reigning squash world champion by luck.

      2. She followed the Law of Process—mastery comes from small, daily improvements.

      3. Trained like a machine, consistently.

      4. Relied on discipline, not talent.

      5. Kept improving, even when she was at the top.

   2. Takeaway: Leadership is a muscle. If you don’t train it daily, you’ll lose it. Small, consistent actions create long-term success.

What Can You Learn from These Leaders?

• Big visions require big trust. Earn it first.

• Plan long-term. Leadership is about navigating the road ahead.

• Consistency beats talent. Growth happens daily, not in one-time efforts.

These leaders weren’t lucky—they followed proven leadership principles. And the best part? So can you.

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