The ICDM Pulse: The Power of Ethical Leadership

Leading with Integrity: The Cornerstones of Ethical Decision-Making.

In today’s fast-changing and unpredictable world, the true mark of leadership is not just the ability to adapt — but the commitment to lead with integrity. In this issue of the ICDM Pulse, I invite you to reflect with me on why ethical decision-making and ethical leadership are more vital than ever for every director and business leader.

Ethical decision-making is not simply about following policies or ticking compliance boxes. It is about cultivating an inner moral compass — one that remains steady even when the way forward seems unclear. It demands courage, empathy, and a relentless commitment to doing what is right, even when it costs more, takes longer, or when it requires standing alone.

Ethical leadership shapes not just organisations, but legacies. When leaders consistently act with integrity, they inspire trust, build resilient cultures, and light the path for others to follow. They create organisations where people feel safe to speak up, where decisions are made with wisdom and care, and where success is measured not just by profits, but by the positive impact left on people, our society, and the planet.

At ICDM, we believe that strong governance is inseparable from ethical leadership. It is the foundation upon which businesses earn the trust of stakeholders and society. It is how reputations are protected, how value is created, and how leadership is redefined for the future.

If you share this vision, discover how we, as the national Institute of Directors, are committed to empowering you and your boards with the insights, tools, and support needed to strengthen governance, uphold integrity, and lead your organisations boldly into the future.

I firmly believe that together, we can be the standard-bearers of a better, more ethical corporate world — one decision, one action, one boardroom at a time.

The ICDM Pulse | Performance Driven Leadership

Igniting Peak Performance from the Top Down

This month, we focus on a critical driver of organisational success: employee performance. It’s easy to get lost in balance sheets and market trends, but let’s not forget that at the heart of every thriving company are its people. As the saying goes, “Take care of your employees, and they will take care of your business.” This isn’t just a feel-good sentiment; it’s a strategic imperative.

The truth is, boards hold immense power to shape the environment where employees flourish where subtle yet strategic actions at the board level can ripple outwards, profoundly influencing workplace culture, productivity, and overall engagement.

Think about the untapped potential within your organisation. What if every employee felt truly valued, motivated, and aligned with the company’s vision? Imagine the surge in innovation, the boost in customer satisfaction, and the overall competitive edge you’d gain. This isn’t a pipe dream. It’s an achievable reality with the right board-level focus.

ICDM is committed to equipping you with the tools and knowledge to make this a reality. Our Bespoke Programmes and Board & Directors Effectiveness Evaluation (BDEE) are designed to provide your board with actionable insights and strategies to foster a high-performance culture.

Furthermore, our partnership with O-Psych on the Well-being@Work initiative underscores our holistic approach to leadership development, recognising employee and workplace well-being as critical factors for corporate success. During the launch of the 2025 Malaysia Well-being@Work© Index Report, we unveil key findings packed with actionable, data-driven insights.

These insights will empower leaders, HR professionals, and changemakers to enhance employee productivity, engagement, and psychological safety while addressing key psychosocial risks. Discover how these insights can help benchmark your workplace efforts and drive meaningful change.

Don’t leave your company’s greatest asset to chance. Take action today. Reach out to us to discover how ICDM can support your board in unlocking the full potential of your employees. Let’s work together to build a future where your people and your organisation thrive.

The ICDM Pulse: Sustainable Boards

As we step into another dynamic chapter of ICDM’s journey, I would like to share an important update on leadership transition. After seven rewarding years—from our founding to our current achievements—I will be stepping down as President & CEO to pursue other interests. This transition has been part of a long-term succession plan, carefully enacted with the Board of Directors, ensuring stability and continuity in ICDM’s leadership.

Serving as President & CEO of this esteemed organisation has been a profound privilege. I am incredibly proud of the milestones we have achieved together with the ICDM team, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and trust from our members throughout my tenure. Today, ICDM stands stronger than ever, poised for continued success in shaping the corporate governance landscape of Malaysia.

I am delighted to announce that Jackie Mah, our current Executive Vice President, will be succeeding me as President & CEO, effective 5 August 2025. Jackie is a highly respected leader with deep expertise in board and director effectiveness, spanning governance advisory services, strategic insights, and tailored training. Her leadership will be instrumental in addressing emerging trends such as ESG, digital transformation, and board resilience. I have every confidence that under Jackie’s guidance, ICDM will continue to thrive and play a pivotal role in advancing ethical leadership and governance excellence in Malaysia. I urge all members to extend to Jackie the same support and encouragement you have so generously provided me.

As I reflect on this transition, I also want to highlight another critical area of focus for ICDM: sustainability. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern but a strategic imperative for long-term success. As directors, we must integrate ESG principles into our core decision-making processes to drive resilience, value creation, and responsible business practices.

This month, we focus on equipping boards with the necessary insights and tools to lead the charge in sustainable governance. Inside this issue, you will find:

Key Insights on ESG: Understanding the evolving landscape of ESG regulations and expectations.
Board Competency: Strengthening board capabilities in sustainability oversight.
Strategic Integration: Developing robust frameworks for embedding ESG into strategic planning and risk management.
Performance Measurement: Measuring, reporting, and communicating sustainability performance effectively.

Boards have a unique responsibility in steering organisations towards a sustainable future. Through knowledge-sharing and continuous learning, we can collectively build a responsible and resilient business ecosystem. I encourage you to explore this edition’s content and apply the insights to your boardroom discussions.

The ICDM Pulse: Prioritising Mental Well-being

As we navigate the complexities of today’s business environment, one crucial element stands out as paramount: mental well-being. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s the bedrock of a thriving workforce and effective leadership. A healthy and supported team is a productive and innovative team. Conversely, leaders who prioritise their own mental well-being are better equipped to make sound decisions, inspire their teams, and foster a positive work environment.

At ICDM, we recognise that mental well-being is an integral part of our overall success. We believe in fostering a culture where open conversations about mental health are encouraged, and resources are readily available to support both our leaders and employees. This includes promoting work-life balance, providing access to mental health services, and cultivating a compassionate and understanding workplace.

This makes the upcoming Well-being@Work© Index 2024 Report Launch & Recognition event a key date on our calendar. We are proud to be associated with O-Psych on this important research. This report represents the first unified approach to measuring well-being in the workplace, assessing key areas such as psychosocial risk, psychosocial well-being, and psychological safety of employees. The insights gleaned from this report will be invaluable in shaping our strategies for enhancing mental well-being in the workplace, not just within our own organisations, but across the nation.

The Well-being@Work© Index Report will document key insights, trends, and recommendations to improve well-being in the workplace for generations to come. I encourage all attendees to learn about the findings and best practices shared at the event, with a focus on understanding their implications for workplace well-being.

On this important topic, I also encourage you to catch up on an insightful article by Dato’ Richard Curtis and Tony Chin, who shared their perspectives on mental well-being in leadership and employees. You can find the article here.

The ICDM Pulse: ICDM’s Exciting Year Ahead

As we move further into the new year, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead for ICDM. The past year has laid a strong foundation, and we are now poised to embark on several impactful initiatives that will further strengthen our commitment to excellence in corporate governance.

I am happy to announce the MOU between ICDM and BeLuxCham Malaysia on the 9th of January 2025. This collaboration will foster valuable cross-border knowledge sharing and create new opportunities for our members. Central to the MOU is the exchange of corporate membership and the special discount & privileges extended to members of both parties to attend programmes and events.

To advance thought leadership in corporate governance, we are actively developing several key research reports. The LIP Impact Report, with its insightful analysis, will provide valuable insights into how the Mandatory Accreditation Programme Part II: Leading for Impact (LIP) programme has provided directors with the foundation to address sustainability risks and opportunities effectively and have better oversight over their companies’ material sustainability matters. The upcoming Gold Medal Boards report will showcase best practices in board governance, setting a high standard for excellence. We encourage you to stay tuned for the release of these impactful reports.

Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue forging strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. Collaborations with MSWG and IICM, along with partnerships with O’Psych, the Stewardarship Asia Centre and Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KLSICCI), will enable us to expand our reach and deepen our impact on the corporate landscape.

I am also proud to highlight our commitment to excellence through ICDM’s comprehensive Public Programmes, which are globally benchmarked and designed to help directors lead confidently in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Discover more by clicking here to view our Public Programmes Calendar.

Complementing this, our Board and Directors Effectiveness Evaluation (BDEE) empowers boards to achieve peak performance and governance excellence. Additionally, our Bespoke programmes are flexible, relevant, and pragmatic, tailored to your organisation’s unique needs. These initiatives ensure your directors are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern governance.

As the Chinese New Year approaches, I want to extend my warmest wishes to those celebrating. May the Year of the Snake bring you prosperity, good health, and happiness. For those travelling during this festive season, please travel safely and have a joyous reunion with your loved ones.

I am confident that this new year will be a year of bountiful growth, collaboration, and significant achievements for ICDM. Together, we will continue to champion the highest standards of corporate governance and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible business environment.