Global Transformation Forum 2015: Shifting Dialogue to Effective Action

Prime Minister of Malaysia welcomed all delegates
to Global Transformation Forum 2015

Malaysia is well known for transformation – which, according to Dato’ Sri Idris Jala , is about “setting a task so big that it consumes you”. When Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak becomes the Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2009, transformation becomes not only a philosophy, but also a vital principle that drives Malaysia towards the success.

It is proofed through the launching of Malaysia’s National Transformation Programme in 2010. The objective was to put Malaysia back on track to achieving a high-income and developed nation status by 2020. Since then, Malaysia has marked significant achievements, which has been recognised internationally.

As a mean of commemoration, Big Fast Results (BFR) Institute, a subsidiary of Performance and Delivery Management Unit (PEMANDU), Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia, in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted the Global Transformation Forum (GTF) 2015 from 21 to 22 October 2015 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) was invited by PEMANDU to join GTF. Among around 3,000 delegates, 60 of them are IIUM delegates.

GTF 2015 is the first of its kind in the world, bringing together around 3,000 delegates among key policy makers, global opinion leaders, corporate captains and experts onto one stage. GTF 2015, according to Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib, seeks to find the way transformation is operationalised, the pros and cons of transformation, the outcome of transformation from a person, an organisation or a country, the perspectives and insights leading to such success, and the way such success can be learned and applied elsewhere.

With the theme “Operationalising Transformation”, GTF 2015 comprised of 16 keynote addresses and panel discussions covering economic, social and political transformation. It also comprises of an exhibition of 8 segments covering local and global transformation stories. Tanzania is a true example of transformation, which lead Tanzania towards progressive socioeconomic development. Helen Clark , however, wished that transformation that bring prosperity to the world, as per UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, will take place in all parts of the world and in all fields.

“Big Fast Results” is believed one of reasons of successful transformation. Therefore, Dato’ Sri Idris introduced “Big Fast Results” methodology that drives the ideal of transformation; believing that most governments have great strategies but fail to operationalise into detailed programme for implementation.

To overcome the problem, Dato’ Sri Idris showcased 3 qualities of transformational leadership. First, “Game of the Impossible”. Second, Anchor the True North. Third, Operational Hands On. In short, he explained on the way a leader, without fear, state a detailed and understandable mission in order to achieve a clear and visible vision – even though it is impossible for everyone to achieve – and, then, to execute it by all available means till the success.

Besides that, he showcased the way the Government of Malaysia implemented 8 methods of Big Fast Results methodology: strategic direction, labs, town hall session, publication of roadmap, assignment of Key Performance Index (KPI) to leadership, “DMS” implementation, validation and confirmation of results, and assessment of performance as well as publication of Annual Report.

Motivation is another reason of successful transformation. Carl Lewis used his own motivational way in maintaining momentum until he achieve a success in Olympic Games. Arnold Schwarzenegger , with his 6 Rules of Success , applied it when taking the helm of California. Kiran Bedi , believing that “we are empowered to empower” and everyone has a better future; provides effective correctional activities in the prison in India through her own moral and spiritual approach since 1994.

Integrity is also leads to successful transformation. Although Kiran focuses more on academic and social works, her experience as a high police officer in India thought her how to deal with integrity crises in India, especially corruption.

Although GTF 2015 showcased more on successful transformational stories, it was a fruitful summit for all delegates all over the world. Everyone learned how to transform in all fields, especially in entrepreneurship, education, science, culture and politics. Transformation, of course, would not be a success unless with great passion, thorough planning, rapid deliberation, continuous appraisal and effective improvement.