Anas Zubedy is the founder and managing director of zubedy (m) sdn. bhd., a for-profit training provider which combines business goals with a social cause. Zubedy’s vision is to unite people; its mission is to add value to everyone it interacts with.

Anas sits on the Industry Advisory Board of Sunway University’s School of Business. He is an honorary member of Yayasan 1Malaysia, a foundation which works towards nurturing national unity based on the tenets of our federal constitution; as well as Secretary-General of the International Movement for a Just World (JUST), a non-governmental organization with the vision of a just and compassionate civilization guided by universal, spiritual and moral values.

Anas is an entrepreneur and a writer. He has authored three books – Have A Meaningful Malaysia, The Quran and I, and Can we use Allah in the Bible? A Quranic Perspective.

Q&A with Anas Zubedy

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

Unity in diversity.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

I feel proudest in the moments when I know my team and I are adding value to Malaysia in some way… simple things like organizing a talk, launching our books, or completing a good ad that communicates about Unity with people; things like when we bring the diverse people of Malaysia together during our Hari Malaysia celebrations and share the core values of our religions, or when I see one of my own team members sharing their beliefs with someone from a different faith… We need to learn to feel proud only when we as Malaysians have contributed to our nation in some way.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

Mamak stalls, roti canai and teh tarik, and the Malaysian sounds, sights, smells, touch and tastes that go with it.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

Unity in diversity has always been my life endeavor and goal. The 1Malaysia Roundtable has given me another opportunity to do what I like to do most. Thank you.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

I hope we can focus on things we can do that add value to situations. We want ideas of real action from the ground level. I hope they will be non-partisan and have the genuine intention to make Malaysia better. Don’t just talk about what others can do or are not doing (no pointing fingers) but ask what we ourselves can do to support 1Malaysia. In other words, when we write down their proposals, we should be willing to start doing it ourselves.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

By making unity in diversity a lifestyle.

I am proudly Sarawakian, born in Kuching itself on the 1st of June 1982. Coming from mixed parentage, my father is Scottish and my mother is Malay with a spattering of Indian and Chinese blood. I guess you can say I have the best of all races!

Growing up in a small town being Kuching, I have to say I led a pretty sheltered life. There wasn’t much to do, hence I turned to sport as a productive outlet.

From sport, I learnt to break free from the herd mentality, of just being a follower but to instead question “Questions” and there I learnt to form my own individual opinions. The quest to understand was far more important than to just “do”.

I picked up sports, and fell in love with sports in general from a young age. Many youths do, just a handful choose to make that a career path. I found that I was able to channel my drive and goal oriented behaviour into sports, in fact all sports!

However, at the age of 8, I fell in love with squash. I broke free from the traditional career path that many Malaysian parents set their kids down, and chose to pour all my heart, motivation and dedication into squash. I think the main reason why I ended up choosing squash, was very much due to the guidance from the ex GM of Persatuan Squash Malaysia, Lft. Colonel AJ Wong, who is currently now with Institute Negara Malaysia (ISN). I was lucky enough to blessed with having the influence of the right people at the right time, also when interest in squash was simmering, I dedicated my life to squash, and even don’t recall much of my childhood, besides the time I spent on squash. My 2 sisters studied abroad, so squash was my family and most of my time spent preparing in excelling in tournaments.

I always remembered that I needed to do a bit more and to go for a bit longer than anyone else if I wanted to be the best in Malaysia, Asia and one day the best few squash players in the world. SO I DID.

I was spotted when I was 13, and recruited to move to Kuala Lumpur under the Gemilang 1998 project. This project was designed to prepare for the 1998 Commonwealth Games which was to be hosted in Malaysia. I recall that there were 18 outstationed athletes under the squash programme, and today I am the only one left. I guess the saying “Only the strong survive” is true to my situation.

Many years have passed, and I am now 29 years old, having been a professional squash player for 12 years running, ranked Top 10 in the world and Malaysia’s #1. This all culminates from training twice a day, 6 days a week religiously from the age of 10. I’ve achieved this career high through sheer hard work, persistence, dedication, willpower and an unflinching eye on the prize.

I am proud to be Malaysian, and having dedicated my whole life to the country in sports, I am willing to dedicate a LOT more. I recently enrolled as an Askar Wataniah in the Semboyan Regiment. This move was inspired by my uncle, an ex-Military Major General after reading his books about his life in the Army and dedication to the country. I admired the strong sense of patriotism towards the country, the unity in the fight for freedom and independence and more. My uncle’s generation went through war, through thick and thin to fight for our country’s freedom and independence and I wish that my generation and those beyond could relate to that. We can easily learn from them and inject those attributes of love and dedication to the country, in our everyday 1Malaysia life.

I look forward to meeting the panel to discuss about how sports can help form a stronger and united 1Malaysia, and perhaps relay my experiences as a national sportsman and as a proud Malaysian at this roundtable discussion.

Q&A with Azlan Iskandar

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

1Malaysia to me means the unity of all our races, cultures, beliefs etc into making Malaysia a better Malaysia for all. A more United Malaysia, a more Progressive Malaysia, a more Successful Malaysia. This would also mean for Malaysia to be recognized in the international arena, as a competitive player in the world scene in all angles, from the economic level, to sports to culture to health etc. Of course, we draw up our strengths of being a Multi‐racial and Multi‐cultural country to make Malaysia truly special.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

My proudest moment being a Malaysian happens everyday for me. I live it, I breathe it…. I am a proud Malaysian in everything I do, despite having spent most of my life living abroad, and constantly travelling the world in the competitive circuit. I represent Malaysia in all the 15 countries I visit each year, excelling to my best capability in each tournament and striving to do my country proud. I am proud when I win, but I am also proud as I am a product of Malaysia. I hope to see more Malaysian winners, not only coming from sport, but from all fields. I do believe we are capable of producing world class talent, with better policies and structures in place from the ground up.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

As I get older, I miss Malaysia more and more. I miss everything from the weather, my friends, the newspapers, even to the tv shows! But I always put things in perspective, I am being funded by the Malaysian government to train abroad, so I make sure every second away from Malaysia I am being productive and responsible to the task that needs to be done.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

I believe “experts” from all different fields are being called upon to share productive and personal input at the roundtable, drawing upon their own individual past experiences and knowledge in their respective fields. As for myself, that would be sport, and how sports has influenced my life, my progress from youth to now, how they systems has worked or not, and how the overall sports movement can impact Malaysia in general. Sports as we all know and acknowledge, has a far reaching impact on our youth and country in general, and is a big tool in the development of a true 1Malaysia. Our dear PM, is placing a lot of importance on drawing intellectual capital and life experiences from individuals from all fields, and I do believe is “priceless” in the quest of a better Malaysia. I believe I have a voice, and strong opinions that can help Malaysia be shaped into a fuller and rounder 1Malaysia, and I feel it is my responsibility as a proud Malaysian to do so, however much I can help.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

All the current initiatives, like this Roundtable, the ETP, PEMANDU and 10th Malaysia Plan are for the greater good of all Malaysians. I do hope that the public gets educated on what the government is doing to strive to improve our country, and also the output from this Roundtable. I think from properly understanding the purpose, the views and the outcome of the Roundtable, Malaysians will embrace it and also feel the need to do their own part in achieving our 1Malaysia goals. This initiative shows a more transparent government and a more transparent Malaysia, and I do hope that Malaysians embrace the “transformation” that our country is going through to be a commendable player in the international scene. And not only embrace, but start taking action as individuals to be more involved in transforming Malaysia for the better.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

My Granddad is half Malay half Indian, my grandmother is half Chinese half Malay, My father is Scottish and my Mother has inherited all my grandparents genes...need I say more?

Datuk Marimuthu Nadason is a leading vociferous consumer activist spearheads several consumer bodies in the country, namely as the President of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), the umbrella body of consumer organizations in the country; the President of Education and Research Association for Consumers (ERA Consumer Malaysia), an organization that conducts research, documentation and capacity building activities towards building self reliant, empowered communities.

Datuk Marimuthu has been a consumer advocate for the past 29 years – starting in his youth days working at the grassroots until he became the President of FOMCA in 2004. FOMCA is a national umbrella body of registered consumer associations in Malaysia established since 1973. It links the activities of consumers' associations in the country and works at the national and international levels towards strengthening consumer protection. It uses the purchasing power of consumers as a leverage to promote socio-economic justice and environmental quality of life for all.

Amongst his major contributions to date include the following:

• Providing opinions published by print and online media in the country on issues that affect consumers deemed critical in shaping Malaysia’s policies on consumer protection;
• Representing consumer interest at various policy making committees and regulatory authorities on water, energy, standards, financial services, anti-corruption, road safety, among others;
• Representing consumers as the Chairman of the National Consumer Advisory Council constituted by the Government of Malaysia;
• Initiated various mechanisms to empower consumers such as the setting up of the National Consumer Complaints Centre, a consumer dispute resolution center that currently handles close to 40,000 complaints annually since 2004, and the National NGO Resource Centre that houses resources and information on consumer issues since 2004.
• Initiated the National Consumer Campaign 2008-2012. Through this campaign, 372 grassroots training workshops themed “Mindful Consumption” had been carried out, reaching out the 36,420 consumers.

At the international arena, Datuk Marimuthu is a council member of Consumers International since 2007. He has continuously supported CI’s global work as well as extending support to the regional office for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, based in Malaysia.

He pioneered the establishment of the Malaysian Association of Standards Users in 2004, of which he is currently the President. He is also the Director of the Financial Mediation bureau (FMB). In year 2007, he was appointed as one of the commissioners in National Water Services Commission which responsible for regulating and monitoring Malaysia’s fragmented water and sewerage sectors. He was also appointed as the council member of National Economic Consultative Council under the Prime Minister’s Department and the council member of the National Standard and Accreditation Board under the Department of Standards Malaysia.

Datuk Marimuthu holds a Double Masters Degree in Business Administration (with a Concentration in Human Resource Management). He is also an Accredited Public Relation Practitioner (APR) and a Certified Professional Marketeer (CPM).

He continues until today to struggle for the rights and benefits of consumers, in both the local and national level and as well as in the international arena.

Q&A with Datuk Marimuthu Nadason

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

1Malaysia means Malaysians united by a sense of Malaysian identity, feeling a strong sense of belongingness to the nation and committing and contributing to make Malaysia a greater nation.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

Representing Malaysia as a subject expert in an International Forum.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

Nasi thalcha.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

My struggle and commitment in the area of enhancing consumer protection and consumer welfare.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

Positively. There are many global challenges that consumers/public are facing and continue to face. This is not a time to be angry or frustrated but to understand and face these challenges with a positive mindset.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

Being inclusive in all my programs. Focusing on high quality social advocacy and empowerment to push for the greater good in Malaysian society.

David Lian has worked in the public relations industry for eight years, playing a key role in the development of Text 100’s social media and digital practice.

As the APAC Digital Lead, David leads a team of 13 social media specialists across the Asia Pacific region, ensuring Text 100’s continued leadership in social media and digital communications, and is responsible for product and service development, team skill enhancement and client consulting.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, David consults with blue chip clients across the region on social media strategies and oversees the implementation of key social media programmes.

Earlier in his career, David played a pivotal role in creating Text 100’s award-winning Malaysian social media practice. He helped pioneer social media programmes with clients in the region, notably the Malaysia PR Award winning Nokia Insider blogger outreach and DiGi Broadband launch programmes.

An active social media participant, he blogs at http://davidlian.com and engages on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/davidlian. David strongly believes in social advocacy through social media and was one of three core committee members for the first Kuala Lumpur Twestival 2009 which raised nearly RM 15,000 for charity. He continues to be on the Twestival planning committee.

David is also a regular columnist for The Star, Malaysia’s leading English daily, writing about social media topics and regularly records podcasts as well.

He graduated from Murdoch University with a double-major degree in Mass Communication (PR and Journalism) and Culture and Communication.

Q&A with David Lian

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

Can there really be a Malaysia other than a 1Malaysia? 1Malaysia reminds me of the deals our founding fathers had when founding the nation- that all races could live together equitably and harmoniously. Despite our many differences, we need to see each other as Malaysians first. We’re all on the same team, and we need to work together to make Malaysia succeed as a nation.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

I have fond memories of the Thomas Cup being lifted in 1992.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

The people. I studied in Australia to complete my degree, and if there’s one thing that makes Malaysia, Malaysia, it’s the characters all around us. From the uncle in the coffee shop, to the taxi driver that shares with you his life story whilst sending you to the airport.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

The promise that this would be an open and serious discussion and that feedback would be taken seriously. I think it’s great that the Prime Minister is leveraging the Internet to hear more opinions and ideas from Malaysians all over. What sealed the deal for me was the promise that this isn’t just talk, and that as a result from the contributions to the roundtable, real actions would be taken.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

Well, we’ve now got the Prime Minister’s ear (or eyeballs) on this Roundtable, so I’m hoping for plenty of feedback and constructive comments. We all know how important the Internet is to us, and there have been several issues around the Internet in Malaysia that have been widely discussed on social media. Now is the time to make those comments, so the PM can include this into his planning and programme for the country.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

A good cup of Kopi O Kosong makes my day. On a more serious note, I take everything from the perspective of being a Malaysian first.

Dr. Chandra Muzaffar is both a social activist and an academic. He is President of the International Movement for a Just World (JUST). He is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the 1Malaysia Foundation.

He is the Professor of Global Studies at the Science University of Malaysia in Penang.

He has published more than 20 books on civilizational dialogue, international politics, religion, human rights and Malaysian society. Among Chandra’s publications are A Plea for Empathy (2010), Exploring Religion in Our Time and Muslims Today: Changes Within; Challenges Without (2011).

Q&A with Dr. Chandra Muzaffar

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

1Malaysia is an attempt to enhance empathy among Malaysians of different religious and cultural backgrounds, and to strengthen national unity.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

When a Malaysian of one community reaches out with sincerity to help a Malaysian from another community.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

News about what is happening in the country.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

Since there is a degree of ethnic friction in the country, I feel that it is my duty as a Malaysian to make a contribution, however modest, towards the process of reducing negative inter-ethnic feelings and increasing positive sentiments about “the other.”

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

One hopes that the public will regard the Roundtable as a channel for articulating their views about 1Malaysia and national unity in a candid and constructive manner.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

I have close friends from various communities in the country, and try to understand seemingly controversial ethnic issues in a rational and balanced way, with a deep sense of justice and compassion.

Dr. Maketab Mohamed is the Director of Occupational Safety and Health in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He was formerly the Deputy Director of the Institute of Environmental and Water Research Management (IPASA. He is still an active Senior Fellow in IPASA, and also active in the Environmental Technology Focus Group, which is instrumental in getting research funding, both from local and international agencies. Dr. Maketab is also involved in various consultancy projects, and he was instrumental in getting the Sg. Tebrau and Sg. Segget river rehabilitation project from the Department of Environment worth RM 2.07 million. He was the deputy head of the project as well as the sectoral head of water quality and water quality modeling. Another large consultancy project he was involved in is the Detailed EIA Study for the Proposed Development of Ulu Jelai Mixed Pump Storage Hydroelectric Dam, Cameron Highlands. . He played a major role in the Study of the Status of Eutrophication of Lakes and Reservoirs in Malaysia (with NAHRIM). The most recent major consultancy job he is involved in is the Detailed EIA Study of Ranca-Ranca, Labuan, Reclamation and Port Development.

He was one of the three experts involved in coordinating the revision of water quality stations for whole country for the Department of Environment (DOE). The revised series of water quality stations is now being used for water quality monitoring starting in May 2004. He is also assisted the DOE in the form of water quality modeling courses for officers involved in planning and watershed management. Dr. Maketab is also one of the few experts from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia chosen by the Department of Environment to be in the experts panel to comment on the detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) reports written and presented by developers and consultants as required by the Environmental Quality Act, 1974.

Faizal Parish is an internationally recognized expert in natural resource management, biodiversity and climate change with focus on mangrove, peatland, and river basin assessment and management, with over 25 years international working experience in nearly 20 countries primarily in the Asia Pacific Region. He was born in England in 1961, visited Malaysia in 1981 and adopted it as his home since 1983. He was married to actress Sharifah Muhammad in 1987 and has two children Shafiq and Shafira. He lives with his family in an environmentally- friendly house near to the forest in Sg Buloh, Selangor. He has had a passion for nature and the environment since an early age and after graduating from Durham University with a B.SC in Ecology in 1982 he came to Malaysia to work with University Malaya and the Wildlife and National Parks Department. In 1987 he established the Asian Wetland Bureau and in partnership with University Malaya ran the IPT- Asian Wetland Bureau from 1990-1997 and helped to create Wetlands International in 1996. In 1998 he co-founded the Global Environment Centre – a Malaysian NGO which has been recognized globally for its work to safeguard the environment especially in the area of river basin and peatland management as well as climate change.

He played a key role in promoting wetland conservation in Malaysia and undertook surveys of almost the entire coastline of Malaysia between 1983-1985 by plane, boat and helicopter to identify key sites for migratory waterbirds. He compiled the first Malaysian Wetland Directory in 1985 and assisted the Malaysian government in the implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and developing a Wetland Policy. After the massive fires and transboundary smoke haze in 1997-8 affected the health of millions of people in the region– he worked actively with the ASEAN secretariat and ASEAN Member States to determine that the majority of the smoke was coming from the degradation and burning of peatlands ( a key wetland type). Between 2002-2007 – he pioneered the community-based rehabilitation of degraded peatlands in Indonesia to reduce fires and Carbon emissions. Subsequently he assisted the governments to develop the ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (2006-2020) adopted by the 10 ASEAN Member States in 2006. He has since assisted Malaysia with the development of the National Action Plan on Peatlands adopted by the Cabinet in early 2011. He is currently a Senior Technical Adviser to the ASEAN Secretariat for the implementation of the ASEAN Peatlands Forest Project (2009-2013). In 2011 he has been assisting the Sabah Government to develop a RM400 Million strategy and action plan to promote sustainable forest and oil palm management and protect the water resources of rivers in eastern Sabah.

At the global level he has been active in the development of international conventions on the environment – having attended more than 40 negotiating sessions of the intergovernmental Climate Change, Biodiversity and Wetland Conventions over the past 25 years. He was commissioned by the Ramsar Convention to develop guidelines on integrating wetland and river basin management adopted by 130 countries in 1990. He was a lead author for the Wetland Chapter of the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories – as was recognised for contributing of the award of the Nobel Peace prize to IPCC in 2007. He was the Coordinator and Lead Author of global Assessment on Peatlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change recognised formally by the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2008. In 2009 he was elected as the Central Focal point of the GEF NGO Network – which facilitates the input of civil society into the operation of the Global Environment Facility which has supported more than US$40 billion worth of environment programmes around the world.

Q&A with Faizal Parish

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

1Malaysia symbolizes a movement to bring everyone in the country together to work for a common vision in harmony with one another irrespective of their ethnic origins, religious beliefs or political views. In addition 1 Malaysia emphasizes that we have only one Malaysia and we need to bring all the people together to safeguard our environment and natural resources and find a way forward to a harmonious future.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Resident of Malaysia?

When the prime minister showed the leadership at the COP 15 in Copenhagen by pledging to reduce Malaysia’ GHG emission intensity by 40%.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

The food, the people and the natural environment.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

I wanted to contribute to the debate to identify new solutions to key environmental problems to ensure a clean and safe environment for this and coming generations.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

I hope that the public embraces the Roundtable and openly contributes their ideas to address current challenges.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

Most of my life has been devoted to bringing different stakeholders together – government, Private sector, public, local communities to recognize and address key environmental problems and develop innovative solutions. In my work and home life I try to embrace the vitality that Malaysia has with its cultural and ethnic diversity and range of skills and visions.

Ho Ro Bin is a former world wushu champion. Born in Penang, he is the only Malaysian exponent who has won gold medals in all major championships — the World and Asian championships, Asian Games and SEA Games. After being involved in competitions for 10 years, he retired in 2006.

Q&A with Ho Ro Bin

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

As we all know, the 1Malaysia concept has been introduced by our Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak about a year ago. It is an on-going programme calling for the cabinet, government agencies, and civil servants to more strongly emphasize ethnic harmony, national unity and efficient governance. In a broad sense, 1Malaysia seeks to improve the relations of all Malaysians, regardless of racial, religious or cultural backgrounds. As a former national wushu sportsman, I would therefore like to explain what it really means to me from the context of Malaysian sports. The 1Malaysia concept means seeing Malaysians of different races playing and practicing all types of sports and not confining themselves only to those that are dominated or mainly played by certain racial groups. Sports like sepak takraw, wushu and kabadi, for example, should be excelled by all races instead of being confined mainly to Malays, Chinese and Indians respectively. This is where the Ministry of Education’s “One Student, One Sport” policy comes in to encourage students to take up at least one sport and this will not only help improve their fitness but will also build team spirit and character among the students. As a sportsman, I believe that sports is practiced with no regard for whether a person is Chinese, Malay, Indian, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu... No race has pre-given benefits or any form of superiority over another. In fact, our diversity could be the very factor that allows for our success. Everyone in any given team fights towards a common goal and fights as one nation, as ONE Malaysia. Everyone fights as Malaysians, and not as a representative of their racial or religious group. To me, 1Malaysia means being an athlete and a Malaysian first, regardless of race, religion or social class.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

Being able to represent the country and winning gold medals at the SEA Games (1999, 2001 & 2003), the Asian Championships (2004) and the World Championships (1999 & 2005) have always been proud moments in my life. However, I would consider winning the gold medal for Malaysia in the Busan Asian Games in 2002 as my proudest moment. This is not because winning in other championships is of lesser importance. The Asian Games, being a multi-sports event which is held once every four years, commands a very much wider Malaysian audience and attention. And winning honours in these Games always becomes the euphoria and talk of every Malaysian. Therefore, my winning in Busan, the waving of the Jalur Gemilang at the stadium and then being personally congratulated by the Minister of Sport are really my proudest moment as a Malaysian. Regardless of age, gender, race, religion, it felt like everyone was single-mindedly celebrating alongside me and feeling genuine joy at the achievement of the country. It felt like it wasn’t just my success, as one person alone, but something greater than that; the success of a nation. Being able to carry the nation’s hopes and fulfill them, and representing Malaysia in the international arena is something you never forget.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

In Malaysia, there is this culture of friendliness that is not often found in other countries. Malaysians are very warm and welcoming, even to complete strangers! I also feel a greater sense of security than in other foreign countries; I feel like I can walk across the street without any reason for fear. We may still be a developing country, but we’re certainly a step up from other developing countries in that respect. I must also admit that when I am overseas, I miss Malaysian food the most! Overseas, they generally offer food from one ethnic group, whereas in Malaysia, there’s food from all our different races; we’re really spoilt for choice here.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

The country has given me so much in terms of investing in my training etc. Most of my expertise comes from the country. Now that I am capable, I want to use this chance to give back to the country by offering my professional views, and the opportunity to hear from the public, build on their ideas and opinions, and make efforts towards giving the rakyat what they want and need.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

I hope they not only respond with openness and acceptance but also active participation and involvement. While the people can learn from the discussions, they must give their opinions for it to be sustainable. Even though we as Subject Matter Experts are professional, we are only a few individuals and can only generate so many ideas. It is essential that different perspectives are considered when it comes to nation building. I hope the people will be able to provide feasible ideas as well as valuable opinions when contributing to the discussions.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

I believe that I have always been applying the concepts of 1Malaysia even back then, during the times when I was an athlete. Training in Bukit Jalil, I frequently had to interact with athletes from different races and religion. We were able to understand each other from the blood, sweat and toil shed. We shared jokes and words of encouragement when necessary and did our best to aid each other in the fight towards the common goal of doing the country proud.

Jazeman Jaafar is an 18 year old racing driver from Kuala Lumpur, currently competing in Europe in two major international junior championships, the British F3 International Series, a recognised foundation for future F1 stars, and a new FIA series which aims to nurture young talent, the FIA Formula 3 International Trophy.

At the age of six, after his first visit to a go-kart track, Jazeman set his sights on being a professional racing driver. He began his career at home in Malaysia, racing competitively in go-karts from the age of seven. His first victory came when only eight years old, despite being years younger than many of his rivals. His precocious talent was exemplified by the granting of a dispensation for him to be issued with an International C license at just 14 years old, two years younger than is standard.

After competing successfully in Asian and European karting series, Jazeman moved up to single-seater race cars in 2006, driving in the Formula Renault Asia championship with the Asia Racing team. He finished third in the championship with four podiums, so he then graduated to the Formula BMW Asia series, racing for Meritus Racing. He celebrated winning the Championship after a dominant performance, accumulating 10 wins, 16 podiums and five fastest laps and his emerging talent was noted by Malaysia’s largest motorsport sponsor, PETRONAS Oil. The company started supporting Jazeman’s career in 2008 when he moved onto the next rung on the ladder of motor racing, the Formula BMW Europe series, a prestigious championship supporting the FIA Formula 1 World Championship at its European events, and the company has continued this support as he has progressed.

As a sponsor of Mercedes GP F1 team, PETRONAS has afforded Jazeman the opportunity to experience the inner workings of a top Formula One outfit and given him a unique insight into the race series he aims to be part of later in his career.

The Formula BMW Europe series in 2008 brought further success to Jazeman, as he raced with AM-Hozer Rennsport to score four top 10 finishes. The following season he joined Eifelland Racing, a championship winning team, which boasts reigning Formula 1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, as one of its former drivers. Jazeman scored two podiums, two fastest laps, nine top 10 finishes in the championship as well as finishing 5th in the Formula BMW World Final in that year with Eiffelland Racing.

Jazeman had a strong rookie season in the British F3 International Series in 2010, racing with the championship winning team, Carlin, scoring two podium finishes, including a second place finish in only his tenth F3 race. With 16 top ten finishes from 30 starts, Jaafar proved his potential for victory and as he entered his second year of racing in this top F3 series, the Malaysian teenager has been keen to build on his success.

This season the British F3 calendar takes in five countries and includes four tracks currently raced in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Racing in this recognised ‘feeder’ series to F1, as he progresses up the ladder of racing championships in preparation for his ultimate goal of being a Formula 1 driver, Jazeman has established himself as a front-running driver.

At the halfway point of the 2011 season of British F3, Jazeman lies third in the championship, having scored three podiums and 12 top six finishes from 15 races. Jazeman lies eighth in the five round FIA Formula 3 International Trophy which he is also contesting this season. /span>

Q&A with Jazeman Jaafar

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

Unity. People of all races, beliefs getting together with a common objective, staying united.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

Back in 2007, I was the youngest ever driver to receive an exemption from the FIA to race in Formula BMW at 14 years old. At the same time, I was also the youngest race winner and the youngest champion. To sum all of that up in a year, I felt really proud of hearing the “Negaraku” on the top step of the podium and I was really proud to be a Malaysian to achieve all of that. To top this, it was achieved in a foreign land.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

The weather.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

Am proud to be given such an opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas for what’s best for my country.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

Positively. Looking forward to hear their personal views and ideas for what’s best for now and the future of Malaysia.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

In my interactions with all Malaysians, I would be more understanding and tolerant.

Johan Mahmood Merican was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) on 1 January 2011. He has 16 years working experience in the Government and private sectors.

Johan most recently served as Principal Private Secretary to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. His roles in the Government involved policy work at the Economic Planning Unit and Ministry of Finance. He was instrumental in the development of human capital related initiatives such as the GLC Blue Book on Performance-linked Compensation policy, PINTAR (GLC school adoption programme) and Trust Schools (public private partnership model for schools).

Prior to serving the Government, Johan worked in corporate finance and accounting roles at various companies such as MRCB, UDA Holdings Berhad, Sime Darby and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Johan holds a first class honours degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge and is a Chartered Accountant (Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW).

Q&A with Johan Mahmood Merican

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

It’s about accepting and celebrating our differences, yet at the same time, being united in advancing what’s good for the country.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

I continue to be impressed by the passion of many Malaysian individuals to contribute to education. For instance, I had participated in PINTAR, a school adoption program driven mainly by GLCs. Instead of just giving out financial aid as a public relations exercise, many employees volunteered their personal time to engage with the young children. It was heartening to see Malaysians, including the younger Gen Y staff and senior management, giving back to the society and motivate schoolchildren about their future.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

My family. And in true Malaysian context, it’s not just limited to my immediate family. I also miss the warm familiarity and interaction with my ‘extended’ family such as friends and even the nasi lemak makcik or the mamak shop owner when I’m away from home. I think that’s one of the wonderful qualities of Malaysia, how strangers easily connect over the shared little things in life.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

I must confess to being embarrassed to be deemed a Subject Matter Expert. In truth, my colleagues and I have much to learn. The scope for TalentCorp is a new challenge for the country. I would like to use this opportunity to listen to the views of my fellow Malaysians on how we can best tackle this new challenge together.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

The country’s talent agenda is a collective responsibility of every Malaysian. Human capital is a key enabler of our economy. As such, I hope they will engage in the Roundtable, sharing their views and listening to the views of others so that we can have a sincere and constructive discussion on how we can collectively address the talent needs of the nation.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

We at TalentCorp are committed to build collaborative partnerships with both relevant public agencies and private sector to advance the national talent agenda. This includes championing partnerships between companies competing in the same sector. These companies may compete for business and for individual talent but we believe that there is much to be gained by key players working together, for example such as raising the awareness of career paths in their sector or in terms of refining curriculum. It is very much a case of enlightened self-interest in being able to work through our differences for the common good.

Judy Cheng-Hopkins was appointed as the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support on 17 August 2009. She is the first Malaysian to be listed in Forbes magazine's illustrious list of “The 10 Most Powerful Women at the UN”.

Before joining the Peacebuilding Support Office in New York, Ms. Cheng-Hopkins was the UN’s Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees from 15 February 2006, a position in which she oversaw all UNHCR operations around the world. 

Prior to this job, Ms. Cheng-Hopkins was the Director of the World Food Programme Office in New York. From 1997 to 2000 she was Director of WFP’s Asia and Eastern Europe region where she oversaw large and complex emergency operations in North Korea and the Balkans. Prior to that, she served UNDP in Africa for 10 years, first in Zambia (1982-1988), then in Kenya (1988-1992) and as Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa (2002-2003).

Ms. Cheng-Hopkins received a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University (1978), USA. She has also received diplomas from Université d’Haute Bretagne in Rennes, France and Harvard University, USA.

Q&A with Judy Cheng-Hopkins

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

1Malaysia is a concept, according to the Prime Minister, to preserve and enhance unity in diversity, Malaysia's strength and the hope for its future. He has also said that it is a concept intended to help all Malaysians feel that they belong to "one nation, one people, with one vision." I am aware that there is criticism of the 1Malaysia concept - including that it is a political gimmick and is vague ie. means all things to all people. I will suspend any skepticism at this point and wait for clarity to emerge, for macro and mega policies of this sort need time and broad consultations to "gel."

From this perspective, I view 1Malaysia as an opportunity for genuine dialogue across the country and across all segments of society to discuss what "one nation, one people, one vision" means for Malaysia. Such discussions may even be heated and disagreements are a certainty - because that is inherent to dialogue processes over the complex issues that are most important to a society. I know that all too well from my international experience esp. in post-conflict, peacebuilding contexts. I firmly believe that whatever "one nation, one people, one vision" will come to mean, it is the very grappling with the topic, however cacaphonous or chaotic it may seem at times, that will help define Malaysia - as well as the principle that we do it with vigour and with deep respect for each other.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

In my job, I travel to many developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Arab world. In almost every country I land in, people's eyes light up when I say I'm from Malaysia. Many want to know the "secret" of our success. Many have travelled to Malaysia for conferences, study tours etc. Many want to know how we deal with our multi-ethnic issues. I point out that more than multi-ethnic, we are multi-racial and multi-religious! For many people in these developing countries, Malaysia is a shining beacon - a symbol of what they can strive for, in economic , social and political terms. This is not a status you achieve and then sit back in self-satisfaction; we must actively work to live up to this positive image the world has of Malaysia.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

I am from Penang, the food capital of the world! (in my humble opinion, anyway). I miss Nonya food and Penang hawker food which you don't find outside Malaysia.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

I was invited to participate and I am pleased to do it because I hope that sharing my international perspective might help Malaysians look at their problems from a more objective, stand-back-and-reflect view.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

I hope that people are not too jaded by now with discussions on 1Malaysia and will re-engage to work together towards a brighter future for all Malaysians. At the same time, I hope the politicians can set aside their political agendas and join in this dialogue in earnest. As we look around the world today, can we afford not to?

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

As I noted earlier, I have seen the underlying themes and questions of 1Malaysia play out in many countries - whether developed or developing, stable or fragile, peaceful or at war. The issue of national unity is essential in each country. And, in grappling with that fundamental issue, each country has its own struggles, its own demons, its own past but also its capacity to call on the 'better angels of their nature' (if I may quote Abraham Lincoln). I apply my understanding of 1Malaysia from that perspective.

Dato’ Dr. Mahani is the Chief Executive of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (“ISIS”), Malaysia from January 2010. Previously, she was the Director General from May 2007 – December 2009.

Dato’ Dr Mahani obtained a Ph.D (development economics) from the University of London in 1992 and was Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya until 2007. Her research interests are industrialisation and economic transformation, international trade and regional integration. In 1998, Dato’ Dr. Mahani was appointed a member of the Working Group for the National Economic Action Council, a body established by the Malaysian Government to formulate measures to initiate recovery from the economic and financial crisis. In 2001, she was appointed as the Head, Special Consultancy Team on Globalisation of the National Economic Action Council, and from 2005 to 2007 she worked as the Deputy Director-General, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.  

Dato’ Dr Mahani was a Board Member of the Employees Provident Fund from 1998 to 2000, Deputy Chairman of the National Accreditation Board from 2003 to 2007 and was a Council Member of the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC) from 2009 to 2011, Trustee of Yayasan 1Malaysia, Advisory Council of Land Transport Commission, the Deputy President of the Malaysian Economic Association and Member of International Steering Committee for the Pacific Trade & Development (PAFTAD).

Q&A with Dato’ Dr Mahani binti Zainal Abidin

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

We live harmoniously together and embrace and celebrate the diversity that we have.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

When we overcome the 1998 financial crisis, where there was severe economic hardship, without racial tension.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

The warmth and friendliness of all Malaysians and of course the delicious food.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

To share and learn from my fellow Malaysians their concerns, hope and aspirations.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

I hope that the public will give ideas that are unusual but also practical, on how to make Malaysia better. (I have just read the book “The wisdom of crowds” by James Surowiecki.)

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

My family has very good friends, colleagues at work and neighbours from all ethnic groups. They have enriched our lives.

The lifelong dream of Malaysia’s 6th Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Hj Abd Razak, is a united, peaceful and prosperous Malaysia, with abundant opportunities for all citizens.

As the son of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abd Razak, Najib was born into Malaysian politics. Najib grew up watching his father and knew the demands of mainstream politics, and he always knew that at some point in his life he wanted to serve his community and country. But the untimely passing of his father on January 14th, 1976, at the age of 54, suddenly thrust Najib into the spotlight. Five weeks after his father’s passing, Najib, at the age of 22, was elected to fill the Pekan vacancy, becoming the youngest Member of Parliament in Malaysia’s history. In 2004 he ascended to the second-highest office in the nation, Deputy Prime Minister, 47 years after his father’s appointment to the same post. 

Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib was born on July 23rd 1953 in Kuala Lipis, Pahang. He was educated at St. John’s Institution in Kuala Lumpur and Malvern Boy’s College in Worcestershire, England before earning a degree in Industrial Economics from Nottingham University. Returning to Malaysia in 1974, he entered the corporate world, serving briefly in Bank Negara (Central Bank) and later with PETRONAS (the national petroleum corporation) as a Public Affairs Manager. But the untimely death of Tun Abd Razak dramatically altered the course of his life.

Najib quickly adapted to public life as a Member of Parliament, and soon found that the art of politics came naturally to him. Within a short time, the young Najib showed that he was a credible and capable politician and a leader in his own right. In his first year as an MP he was appointed Deputy Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Posts, and later served as Deputy Minister of Education and Deputy Minister of Finance. In 1982 the nation’s new Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, placed Dato’s Sri Mohd Najib to contest the State Assembly seat of Pekan. Following Najib’s election victory, the 29-year-old Najib became the Menteri Besar of Pahang, the biggest state in Peninsular Malaysia. Pahang was at the time on the verge of a political crisis due to serious differences between the previous MB and the Sultan of Pahang. But Najib was not only a rising political star, he was one of the Four Noblemen of the Pahang Royal Court (by virtue of his inherited title as the Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar) and he was warmly welcomed by the palace. The crisis quickly abated, ensuring the unity of Pahang UMNO whilst Najib embarked upon measures to strengthen education in the state. In 1982 Najib played a key role in establishing Yayasan Pahang, a foundation dedicated to promoting education and sports among the youth of Pahang through scholarships and funding. Najib strengthened state enterprises to maximize earnings from Pahang’s abundant natural resources. In cooperation with FELDA, the Federal Land Development Authority, he paved the way for the establishment of new land settlement schemes, 2 providing new income opportunities for those who were landless and in the lower income group.

Dato’s Sri Mohd Najib became the deputy chief of UMNO Youth in 1982, and assumed the top job in the organization in 1987. In 1988, after a struggle for control of the party, a newly reconstituted UMNO came into being and Najib was appointed as Youth Chief, a post he held until 1993.

In the 1986 general elections Najib was returned as the Member of Parliament for Pekan, and was appointed as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. He immediately focused on improving Malaysian sports and introduced the National Sports Policy in 1988. In 1989 Malaysia achieved its best-ever performance at the South East Asia (SEA) Games, which were held that year in Kuala Lumpur.

In 1991, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib was appointed Minister of Defence. Najib revitalized a Ministry that was seen as lethargic and listless, and modernized the Malaysian Armed Forces through strategic capability enhancement, procurements and exercises. In 1995, Dato’ Sri Najib had a change in cabinet portfolio and was appointed Minister of Education. His challenge was to respond to Malaysia’s newly proclaimed aspiration to become a fully developed nation by the year 2020. During his five-year tenure, Najib put into place the mechanisms that would enable a generation of Malaysians to meet the challenges of the future. He restructured the Ministry, corporatized the public universities, and encouraged collaboration with foreign universities and institutions. This provided more educational opportunities for Malaysians and positioned Malaysia as a regional learning hub. Dato’ Sri Najib also upgraded teaching certificates to the status of diplomas, so that teachers in that category would receive a higher monthly starting salary.

In 1999, following the political turmoil of the year before, Najib won re-election to his Pekan Parliamentary seat. He was then appointed as Minister of Defence for the second time and resumed his efforts to improve and modernize the Malaysian Armed Forces. Upon his appointment in 2004 as Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Najib was given a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including oversight of FELDA, the Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM), and the Election Commission. He also chairs more than 28 Cabinet Committees which preside over a wide range of issues. Dato’ Sri Najib is married to YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, and is the proud father of five children.

On April 3rd 2009, before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak was appointed Prime Minister of Malaysia in a smooth handover from YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi.

Aznil bin Haji Nawawi or better known as Aznil Nawawi and Aznil Haji Nawawi or just Aznil or Paknil (among Era.FM’s listeners) is a TV host in Malaysia. He is said to be the man who revolutionized hosting on Malaysian TV; turning it from rigid and monotonous to witty, fun and lively.

He made Malaysia proud by winning the Best Talk Show Award at the Asian Television Awards 2005 in Singapore. It marks the first award won by a Malaysian abroad and has been the only Malaysian to win this prestigious award till date.

He also has been picked as Juror’s Choice for Asia’s number one TV host 2008.

2010 marks his 20 years involvement in the local entertainment and broadcasting industry.

With such achievements he has been conferred with JOHAN MAHKOTA WILAYAH by the Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin during the 2009 Federal Territory Day celebrations.

Dewan Bahasa Pustaka has also highly regarded his contribution by naming him as the recipient for Anugerah Galakan Ketrampilan Bahasa (Televisyen) 2007 to acknowledge his proper use of Bahasa Melayu on TV. With this acknowledgement he has also been conferred the Ambassadorship for Malay Language used on TV.

Yayasan Budi Penyayang founded by the late first Lady Tun Endon Mahmud also has appointed Aznil Hj Nawawi as its ‘Duta Perpaduan’ alongside with Datuk Siti Nurhaliza for its Warna-warna Malaysiaku campaign in 2007.

Mines Event Management Sdn Bhd has also endorsed Aznil Hj Nawawi as their Ambassador for Mega Bookfair READ Malaysia 2010 to encourage reading as a habit among Malaysians.

Endorsed by Ministry of Education, in his effort to encourage the young to speak their mind, Aznil also lend his hand in organizing a-day-workshop to teach the primary school children on public speaking. He also plays a vital role with Utusan’s Kempen Kami Prihatin for abandoned babies due to the rise in teenage illegitimate pregnancies.

Recently, Aznil Hj Nawawi is helping out Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia on its anti-dengue campaign, Jom Ganyang Aedes launched by its Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Aznil Hj Nawawi has been listed in the Top 10 Most Influential Celebrities in Malaysia by The Star and named as one of the famous personalities in the country, the one Malaysians trust most in the 2009’s Readers Digest’s Inaugural Malaysian’s Most Trusted People and Professions survey.

Aznil also act as the patron and sponsor to Festival Tari Kanak-kanak organized by Kolej Kinabalu Universiti Malaya; his initiative to cultivate Malay traditional dance among the young ones.

To topped other TV personalities, Aznil was appointed as the children ambassador for ASTRO.

Background:

Aznil graduated from University of Malaya with a Bachelor of Economics degree. He started his career in 1990 as a broadcaster and a media reporter with TV3, where he first started doing news in the broadcasting industry.

He then moved to hosting in 1992. Pop Kuiz was the first programme he hosted in 1994 and other programmes such as Melodi and TiGa.

He then made the move to Astro’s television channels, which also marked his entry as Group Creative Director for the station. One of his more popular projects is his involvement with the reality programme - Akademi Fantasia, the first reality talent show in the country.

He is not the most popular male TV host for nothing, having won the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian eight times in a row(2003 – 2010).

The four other programmes that he hosted, Macam Macam Aznil, Tom Tom Bak, Jangan Lupa Lirik and Kring Kring have all recorded an impressive viewership.

Q&A with Aznil Nawawi

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

1Malaysia adalah satu warna. Budaya kita adalah campuran yang menjadikan ia tersendiri dan berbeza. Jangan bandingkan kita dengan bangsa lain sebab tiada bangsa di dunia yang menyamai keunikan kita.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

Saat yang paling membanggakan adalah apabila kita muncul dengan formula tersendiri untuk bangun dari kemelesetan ekonomi. Formula yang kemudian digunapakai oleh negara lain.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

Untuk bertutur bahasa melayu.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

Ingin lihat anak bangsa tidak rasa rendah diri berbanding bangsa maju dunia.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

Berfikir luar dari kotak.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

Berbudi bahasa dan bersopan santun.

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Lim Kok Wing, 62, is widely acknowledged as a foremost communications strategist in Asia and an innovative, globally focused educationist. He is a driving force of the Malaysian creative industry that covers advertising, design, brand development, multimedia, publishing, media, international relations, government relations, strategic corporate communications and tertiary education. He is one of Asia’s leading entrepreneurs who has triumphed in many fields, a pioneering creative communications consultant to government and industry and the trailblazing founder and president of the university that bears his name.

In support of the country’s human capital aspiration of the Multimedia Super Corridor and Vision 2020, he has founded two prominent institutes of higher learning. The Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, is one of the world’s largest and most globally connected creative institution, with more than 50 of the best known universities and colleges jointly awarding diplomas/degrees. The Limkokwing Executive Leadership College on the other hand, focuses on information technology, computing science and E-commerce, with emphasis on leadership skills training.

In the corporate arena, he is the Chairman of the Limkokwing Integrated Group, a multi-disciplinary consultancy group which includes a number of subsidiary companies involved in film/video production, design, multimedia, education and publishing.

A staunch advocator for peace, he mooted the Malaysian World Peace Foundation in 2003 and was among the brains behind the co-sponsorship of the Perdana Global Peace Forum in 2005. He produced Take the First Step for the World Red Cross Peace Conference, which was screened worldwide to promote world peace.

He is also noted for his philanthropy activities notably his role in initiating the Global Humanitarian Appeal for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the highly successful Run for Humanity, the biggest charity run ever to date, to promote the Red Cross Movement. He has also set up the Limkokwing Foundation For Creative Excellence awarding scholarships to outstanding Malaysians who need financial assistance.

Q&A with Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Lim Kok Wing

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

It is the essence of what it means to be a Malaysian. It’s about shared experiences of childhood where differences do not matter. There is a special kind of bonding that we realize mostly when we are overseas among strangers and it is such joy to meet another Malaysian. We have a peculiar sense of humour that is not easily understood by others because it is a blend of cultures.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

It happened at an important function where the Prime Minister was officiating. The audience must be over 1,000 and it was the typical start of a Malaysian function. For one embarrassing moment when the National Anthem was being played, a glitch in the sound system stopped the music. But what was truly wonderful was that this glitch revealed that the Malaysians in the hall actually were singing the Negara Ku and that moment brought us together in a way we never imagined. What a revelation!

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

People you know and are comfortable with. You can be overseas for awhile but there is a longing to return to familiar faces and familiar environment where there is a sense of togetherness despite the cultural differences.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

I am keen to share my views and also hear what others have to say about topics that are important to our progress as a people and a nation. The process of innovation requires responses from everyone. Hopefully through the Roundtable we are to achieve this.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

Sincerely, openly and with responsibility. There will be the fair share of pranksters but I hope we will be able to sift through the responses to find some gems. I hope the public sees this as an opportunity to express their opinions to specific matters which otherwise they may not have the chance to do so.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

I live my life as a Malaysian. I work with Malaysians. I love this country. I love the peculiarities. I love the humour. I love the celebrations. I love everything Malay, Chinese, Indian and lain-lain about it. This is my identity. I don’t see myself as a Chinese. I am Malay, Chinese, Indian all rolled into one mind.

Mr. K.S. Pua is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Phison Electronics Corp., the company which designed and produced the world’s first single chip USB flash controller. Under his lead, the company has become a worldwide leader in controller technologies related to USB flash drive as well as flash memory cards and due to exceptional engineering strength the company is able to deliver competitive solutions of USB flash drive, SD/MMC cards, PATA/SATA SSD, security and embedded solutions.

Mr. Pua has received several awards from the Government as acknowledgments for his contribution and dedication to the flash controller and system industry.

Q&A with Pua Khein-Seng

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

Due to the fact that there are three different major ethnic groups living together in Malaysia, it offers a unique cultural as well as linguistic diversity. Furthermore, Malaysia is a country not only rich in natural resources but also untroubled by any natural catastrophes, offering a perfect and suitable living environment. However, in the past, internal conflicts have hampered and slowed down development and growth resulting in Malaysia’s competitiveness lagging behind its neighboring countries. Now the aim is to focus on joining forces and unite human resources to collectively enhance and strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness in order to meet the expectations of Malaysia’s population.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

Not many people have the chance to grow up in such an environment as Malaysia offers. This environment fostered my personality which I regard as the important fundamental role in the way I have developed myself to the person I am now. As a Malaysian I am proud to be part of a multicultural and multilingual country in which people live peacefully together on a prosperous land. I believe Malaysian is a nationality full of potential and capabilities to compete with other developing countries.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

Of course the Malaysian food!! Such a great variety of different food can hardly be found anywhere else. Malaysia’s cuisine exactly reflects the multi-cultural make-up of its population and is a unique experience not only for local people but also for visitors. Every time I enjoy the opportunity to taste food from one culture being cooked using styles from another culture but still retaining the unmistakably unique Malaysian flavor. It was this longing desire for Malaysian cuisine which drove me and some partners to invest in a restaurant, called Malaka Kopitiam and located close to Phison’s premises in Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan, which has celebrated its opening in April this year. This restaurant is meant to help our Malaysian friends here in Taiwan to overcome their homesickness, a place making them feel like home when enjoying familiar beloved dishes, well as to introduce the delicious Malaysian cuisine to our Taiwanese friends and business partners from all over the world.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

As a Malaysian, I am proud of being a Malaysian. Since I have left Malaysia for such a long time, I have always sought for opportunities to engage myself in the contribution to my home country. Having the chance to act as a Subject Matter Expert allows me to share my experience of becoming an entrepreneur, setting up an own business, remaining competitive in this industry and many other valuable things. Those are experiences I’d eagerly love to bring back to Malaysia, to bring back to my home country in order to elaborate if it is of use for the development of Malaysia’s industry and its competitiveness.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

I regard this 1Malaysia Roundtable as a unique and valuable opportunity and platform not only for myself but also for the whole Malaysian population to express thoughts, ideas, comments as well as suggestions. This can be seen a collective nationwide brainstorming on how to improve and strengthen Malaysia’s environment in cultivating its supply chain of competitive human resources. Hence, I am looking forward to a vivid discussion with as much public participation as possible. I do prompt everyone to seize this chance to express their thoughts and ideas since I believe that our Malaysian government officials will be open for such suggestions and will do their best to efficiently implement these suggestions. I can’t wait to see the effects and impacts which are meant to be brought about through this online discussion forum.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

To answer this question I would simply say to contribute myself. As being a Malaysian I have always tried my best to contribute to the development of promising Malaysian talents. At Phison Electronics Corp. for example, about 40 engineers from Malaysia are employed and trained in various technical fields. Once they return back to Malaysia they will be able to train further engineers and share these practical experience acquired in Taiwan. Therewith, I hope to spread the seeds for our future Malaysian IT talents.

Datuk K. Rajagobal is a Malaysian football manager and former professional player. He is currently the Head Coach of Malaysia and also a football pundit for Malaysian satellite television network Astro, including the twice-weekly FourFourTwo TV Show.

Rajagobal played for PKNS FC in the Malaysian semi-professional league from 1978 until 1989. He is a former national striker, with 20 international caps between 1980 and 1983. His coaching career began in 1990 with PKNS FC and had stints as club coach with Selangor FA and Kelantan FA. 

In 2004 until 2006, he was made the national coach for the young Malaysian U-20 team and the Malaysian U-19 (known as Harimau Muda A) in 2007 to 2009. Under his guidance, Harimau Muda A became the Premier League champion in 2009. Since July 2009, he is the head coach for both the Malaysian national and the Malaysian U-23 squad.

Rajagobal is best-known for guiding Malaysia's Under-23 side to its first gold medal in 20 years at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Laos where the team defeated Vietnam 1-0 in the final on December 17 after earlier knocking out 8-time defending champions, Thailand, in the group stage. The victory earned him the nickname "King Raja". In 2010, he led Malaysia national football team to successfully win the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Q&A with Datuk K. Rajagobal

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

Unity and Mutual respect.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

When the whole Nation came as one to support the National Football Team in the AFF Suzuki Cup and against Singapore in the world Cup qualifier.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

The people, the environment and the food.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

Because of my involvement in sports which brings unity among the various community.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

Hope they understand the matters and the government aspiration.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

To set the right example and to be a role model to the Nation.

Shebby started his football career as a central defender for Kuala Lumpur FA. He was part of the team which won the Malaysia Cup three years in a row from 1987 to 1989. He played nine years of international football for Malaysia, including playing in three Asian Games in 1982, 1986 and 1990, and was a South East Asian Games gold medallist in 1989.

His career in domestic football lasted eighteen years from 1978-96. He won every domestic honour, including the Malaysia Cup, Malaysian FA Cup and League Championship. Shebby now appears as a football analyst on ESPN STAR.

Q&A with Serbegeth 'Shebby' Singh

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

Peace and Harmony

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

Having the honour of representing my country as a footballer. Getting goosebumps everytime I hear Negara Ku.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

The warmth of the people and multi cuisine!

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

It is an honour to play a role in nation building and I have a passion for sports and wellbeing.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

I believe we have a very mature and intelligent population and I would like to be hit by thought provoking ideas that can help our country grow and for personal knowledge as well.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

Maybe I am a little unique in that I lead a very public life and I make time for everyone with a smile and a chinwag. I am 1Malaysia!

Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Malaysian, aged 47, was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of the company in December 2001. He is also a member of the Employee Share Option Committee of the Board.

He was Financial Controller at Virgin Communications London (1987 – 1989), and moved on to be Senior Financial Analyst at Warner Music International London (1989 – 1992), Managing Director at Warner Music Malaysia (1992 – 1996), Regional Managing Director, ASEAN (1996 – 1999) and Vice President, ASEAN at Warner Music South East Asia (1999 – 2001). 

He was admitted as an Associate Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in 1991, and became a Fellow Member in 1996.

In 1999, DYMM Sultan Selangor Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah bestowed on him the title ‘Setia Mahkota Selangor’ for his contributions to the Malaysian music industry. He was the recipient of the ‘Recording Industry Person of the Year 1997’ award from the Recording Industry Association of Malaysia.

With AirAsia, he received accolades from international press and industry observers such as ‘Airline Business Strategy Award 2005 and Low Cost Leadership’ from Airline Business and ‘Asia Pacific Aviation Executive’ from the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) for the years 2004 and 2005.

In July 2005, he was conferred the Darjah Datuk Paduka Tuanku Ja’afar (DPTJ), which carries the title Dato’, by Negeri Sembilan’s Yang DiPertuan Besar Tuanku Ja’afar Tuanku Abdul for his services rendered for the betterment of the nation and community. In 2006 and 2007, he bagged ‘The Brand Laureate’ Brand Personality award for his exemplary performance, dedication and contribution towards the aviation industry in Malaysia.

In 2007, he was bestowed the Darjah Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (DSAP), which carries the title Dato’, by Pahang’s KDYMM Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar Riayatuddin Al- Muadzam Shah for his services rendered for the betterment of the nation and community. In 2008, he was again honoured by the Sultan with the Darjah Kebesaran Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang Yang Amat Di Mulia, which carries the title Dato’ Sri.

The ‘CAPA Legend Award 2009 (Aviation Hall of Fame)’ recognized his influential actions in directly shaping the way the aviation industry has evolved, and the ‘Airline CEO of the Year Award for 2009’ from Jane’s Transport Finance was for his success in leading and growing AirAsia into the world’s best low-cost airline and Asia’s largest.

He received an Honorary Doctorate of Business Innovation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in March 2010 for his role in changing the face of aviation and for benefitting travellers and economies locally and in the region.

He was honoured with the title of ‘Officer of the Legion d’ Honneur’ by the government of France in April 2010 for outstanding contributions to the French aviation industry.It is the highest rank of honour that the government of France can award to a non-French citizen.

In May 2010, Fernandes was awarded the prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize in Tokyo for his contributions to the growth of Asia. The prize, given by leading Japanese newspaper publisher Nikkei Inc., recognizes Tony’s role in democratizing travel in Asia.  He was also the proud recipient of the Masterclass Global CEO of the Year award at the 2nd Malaysia Business Leadership Award (MBLA) 2010 ceremony for his immense contributions to the country’s economy.

Fernandes also received the prestigious Forbes Asia Businessman of the Year 2010 award.  He is the first Malaysian and Southeast Asian to receive the award.

In March 2011, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) honour by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  The award was conferred on him for services in promoting commercial and educational links between the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

In May 2011, Fernandes was named as one of the world’s most creative people in business for 2011 by New York-based business magazine Fast Company.  He is the only Malaysian and Southeast Asian on the list.

In June 2011, he was conferred the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM), which carries the title Tan Sri, by Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. The Panglima Setia Mahkota is one of Malaysia’s highest honours and is only conferred by the Yang Di Pertuan Agong. The award is given to distinguished citizens who have given meritorious service to the country.

Q&A with Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes

1. What does 1Malaysia mean to you?

That our branches are many, our roots, one.

2. What is your proudest moment as a Malaysian?

To see us scale new heights that draws the admiration of the world.

3. When you are overseas what do you miss most about Malaysia?

The people.

4. What drew you to contribute as a Subject Matter Expert for the 1Malaysia Roundtable?

Wanted to listen to what my fellow Malaysians say and to learn from them.

5. How do you hope the public responds to the Roundtable?

Suggest ideas that can help make Malaysia an even greater country.

6. How do you apply 1Malaysia in your own life?

In all my companies, we function beyond the boundaries of race, age, and gender. We practice meritocracy to ensure staff are given equal opportunity to achieve their goals.

Low Ngai Yuen is a workaholic with multiple award winning works namely Best Infotainment Program for '3R' at the Asian Television Awards 2002 where she served as the program's host, and subsequently writer and director. In the year after, bagging the Best Short Film as well as the Audience Choice Award at the 2003 Singapore's International Short Film Festival for 'Your World My World', which explores sexuality and teens angst; launched her career as a movie director. '1413', a short horror film got acclaimed reviews at the Tokyo's International Film Festival and won the bronze at the Malaysian Video Awards 2004. Her stage directorial debut earned her a few Cameronian Arts Awards including Audience Choice Award 2005 for 'The Girl From Ipoh'. She is named Young Woman Achiever Of The Year 2007 by ‘Her World’ magazine and Top 40 Under 40 High Achiever by ‘Prestige’ magazine in the same year. Since, she's been working on producing, directing and writing numerous high rating programs such as 'Geng Bas Sekolah', a children's investigative fiction series; and 'Kapten Boleh', a super hero series fully laden with effects for Astro Ceria; '5Jingga', a musical drama for 8tv as well as 'Kasut Tumit Tinggi', a tragic dramedy for Astro Prima. Her long form work includes 'Adik', which is shot guerilla style in Jakarta and screened over ntv7's belt for the Festival slot. Today, she heads the Marketing and Communications for Carrefour Malaysia and Singapore, sitting on its management and executive committee as the youngest executive director. On the side, she is actively involved as a theatre activist, heading Kakiseni, a decade old performing arts platform that brings together the industry targeting growth, creativity and innovation. The last program driving at audience development is Women:100 a month long project featuring 100 hours of performing arts, outreach and community theatre development in conjunction with the centennial celebration of International Women's Day 2011.