“If your actions inspire others to dream, learn, do and become more, you are a leader”
CEO of SOCSO Malaysia Inspires Participants at a Leadership Lecture in CUCMS
The CUCMS’ 2nd Distinguished Lecture Series which took place on 6th June 2017 featured Dato’ Dr Mohammed Azman, Chief Executive Officer of Social Security Organization (SOCSO) Malaysia. Approximately 100 individuals including CUCMS’ staff and students participated in this session.
Dr Azman began his lecture by sharing his experiences first as a medical practitioner and then his appointment as the CEO of SOCSO Malaysia. As the CEO of SOCSO, Dr Mohammed Azman has taken up a whole new responsibility relating to care for the security of Malaysian workers. In this role, he has faced several challenges in introducing changes and resistance both internally and externally. Despite these difficulties, Dr Mohammed Azman has constantly taken serious efforts in making SOCSO a reliable body for Malaysian workers.
In his plans of transforming an organization solely based on worker claims and compensation to a body that has a newer approach, Dr Azman developed a three-step approach which includes placing an emphasis on prevention before rehabilitation, rehabilitation before compensation and finally compensation. This approach wasn’t meant to only provide compensation in the form of cash but also to promote proper care and build positive relationships among Malaysian workers and SOCSO.
Besides that, Dr Azman also mentioned that excessive claims from SOCSO has resulted in a decrease in its funds and thus several strategic investment plans were developed to regenerate revenue in order to sustain future claims and maintain its credibility. In regard to this, he emphasized on leadership as a preceding factor in influencing subordinates to incorporate change and alter routine practices to create a new mindset. “Good leaders come up with creative ideas to make a difference”, he added.
Addressing leadership, Dr Azman also stated that participative leadership style boosts employees’ moral as they contribute towards the decision-making process in an organization. This served as an encouragement for employees to know that their opinions matter they are part of the organization.
Finally, he reminded audiences that every one of them are leaders and leadership occurs within the context of core values such as respect, integrity, courage and humanity. He urged audiences to always stand firm and be fair when dealing with work.
Dr Azman concluded the lecture with a thought provoking quote to motivate audiences. He said, “If your actions inspire others to dream, learn, do and become more, you are a leader”. The entire lecture session was very beneficial for those present.
