As industries worldwide shift toward ethical governance, sustainability, and social responsibility, future talents must be equipped with the right mindset and skill sets to meet increasingly complex expectations.
According to the World Economic Forum, the skills gap continues to be the most significant barrier to business transformation today, with nearly 40% of skills required on the job set to change and 63% of employers already citing it as the key barrier they face.
To address this challenge, YBhg. Mohd Azad Jasmi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Permodalan Kedah Berhad (PKB), emphasised the critical competencies required of today’s graduates, including adaptability, strategic communication, resilience, and the ability to translate academic knowledge into real-world impact.
He encouraged students to push their boundaries and intentionally build strong personal brands as they prepare to enter an increasingly competitive global landscape.
“Leadership is a journey shaped by discipline, courage, and the willingness to learn,” he remarked, urging students to take proactive steps in developing industry-relevant skills.
YBhg. Mohd Azad delivered his insights as the keynote figure for the Inspiration Talk Series organised by UniKL Business School, held on 10 December 2025.
The session brought together more than 300 students for a dynamic and engaging conversation on leadership, resilience, and the evolving demands of the modern workplace.
This is particularly as global trends accelerate toward the green transition and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities.
With over 20 years of executive experience in education, entrepreneurship, global automotive ventures, aviation development, and large-scale state projects, he also shared practical lessons on navigating organisational challenges, driving innovation, and leading transformative initiatives.
