Featured in the Media – Page 2 – Asia School of Business

（吉隆坡14日讯）国家银行行长拿督斯里阿都拉昔认为，政策制定者在金融创新方面，必须看透本质，重视功能而非形式。

阿都拉昔在今日为亚洲商业学院（Asian School of Business）敦伊斯迈阿里卓越中心（TIACOE）进行开幕致辞时表示，官方机构在考虑金融创新时，要专注于重视功用而非形式，以打造真正全新的营运环境。

“为了更好地了解金融创新，我们还需要继续观察各种加速在金融领域出现的创新，如代币化（Tokenised）平台和非银行金融中介机构。”

他补充，在金融创新的同时，各方也需留意那是否会与本身运作原则产生冲突，确保经济与金融市场的稳定。

此外，阿都拉昔承诺，国行将继续推动在各个金融新课题的交流与研究，包括地缘政治碎片化、气候变化、人工智能（AI）与回教金融。

洁蒂：保持稳定应付乱局

另外，亚洲商业学院联席主席，同时是国行前行长丹斯里洁蒂在致辞中指出，世界正面对各种冲击性发展，如气候改变、战争与疫情，皆对经济带来严重影响，因此我国金融界和货币政策单位，需继续加强本地人才与创新能力。

“在这种前景不明朗的时刻中，尽可能维持本国货币政策及金融系统稳定，变得前所未有地重要。”

除了阿都拉昔与洁蒂，主办方也邀来1997年诺贝尔经济学奖联合得主，同时也是麻省理工斯隆管理学院（MIT Sloan）金融学教授的罗伯特C.莫顿博士，分享他所设计的金融创新工具。

Originally published by Nanyang Siang Pau.

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank pusat di seluruh dunia kini berdepan cabaran transformasi besar dalam sistem monetari dan kewangan, selain perubahan struktur yang belum pernah berlaku sebelum ini.

Gabenor Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, berkata transformasi tersebut meliputi pemecahan geo-ekonomi, perubahan iklim dan pendigitalan pantas sektor kewangan.

“Perkembangan ini semakin membentuk landskap ekonomi dengan kesan meluas terhadap sistem monetari dan kewangan antarabangsa.

“Jika tidak bersedia, bank pusat berisiko terperangkap dengan ancaman baharu yang mampu mencabar sistem sedia ada dan mewujudkan rangka kerja baharu,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis pelancaran Pusat Kecemerlangan Tun Ismail Ali di Asia School of Business, hari ini.

Abdul Rasheed turut memetik kata-kata Allahyarham Tun Ismail Ali yang menyifatkan bank pusat beroperasi dalam dunia yang tidak sempurna, dengan instrumen yang pengaruhnya tidak difahami sepenuhnya, demi mencapai objektif yang juga dinyatakan secara umum.

Katanya, profesion bank pusat tidak pernah bebas daripada ketidakpastian dan kebimbangan.

“Justeru, untuk berjaya, ia memerlukan ketenangan untuk menerima perkara yang tidak boleh diubah, keberanian untuk mengubah perkara yang tidak boleh diterima serta kebijaksanaan membezakan antara kedua-duanya,” katanya.

Abdul Rasheed menegaskan, ciri-ciri itu kekal relevan kerana mengemudi landskap ekonomi semasa menuntut pertimbangan yang baik, daya tahan dan kebolehan beradaptasi.

“Bagi bank pusat, sangat penting untuk memberi tumpuan kepada fungsi dan bukannya bentuk dalam inovasi kewangan.

“Ini terutama di tengah-tengah perkembangan yang sedang mengubah landskap operasi kita,” katanya.

Sebagai contoh, beliau berkata, kepesatan inovasi dalam sektor kewangan termasuk kemunculan platform bertoken dan perantara kewangan bukan bank.

Menurutnya, memberi tumpuan kepada fungsi dapat mengekalkan fokus dalam menilai risiko utama termasuk potensi kesan terhadap monetari serta kestabilan

Originally published by TV3.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia perlu terus membina daya tahan dan mengekalkan kestabilan monetari serta kewangan untuk mencapai kemakmuran bersama.

Bekas Gabenor Bank Negara, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, berkata perubahan dasar besar di ekonomi maju, selain kemajuan pesat teknologi, pendigitalan dan kecerdasan buatan (AI) telah membawa cabaran besar yang perlu ditangani.

“Dalam persekitaran yang sangat dinamik dan sentiasa berubah, adalah penting supaya pemahaman tempatan dan keupayaan inovasi kita dalam ekonomi monetari dan kewangan terus diperkembangkan dan diaplikasikan,” katanya dalam ucapan pembukaan majlis pelancaran Pusat Kecemerlangan Tun Ismail Ali (TIACOE) di Asia School of Business, hari ini.

Beliau yang juga Pengerusi Pengasas dan Pengerusi Bersama, Lembaga Gabenor, Asia School of Business berkata, TIACOE ditubuhkan untuk terus memelihara legasi Tun Ismail Ali serta memperkukuh pengetahuan akademik dan profesional dalam bidang ekonomi kewangan dan monetari, khususnya di rantau ini.

“Dalam zaman yang penuh ketidaktentuan dan ketidakstabilan ini, kita telah menyaksikan pelbagai gangguan perkembangan. Daripada krisis iklim, tercetusnya peperangan besar, hinggalah kepada penularan pandemik yang semuanya membawa kesan besar kepada ekonomi,” katanya.

Justeru, TIACOE dihasratkan untuk mencapai tiga matlamat sebagai sebahagian daripada mandatnya iaitu memajukan penyelidikan dalam bidang ekonomi monetari dan kewangan.

Ini selain meningkatkan keupayaan institusi pengajian tinggi tempatan dalam bidang ekonomi monetari dan kewangan serta meluaskan jangkauan melalui penglibatan yang lebih erat dengan ahli akademik tempatan, industri swasta, pelajar dan orang awam.

Originally published by TV3.

MALAYSIA must continue strengthening its economic resilience and safeguarding monetary and financial stability to ensure shared prosperity, former Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said today.

Speaking at the launch of the Tun Ismail Ali Centre of Excellence (TIACOE) at the Asia School of Business, Zeti warned that “major policy shifts in advanced economies, as well as rapid advancements in technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, have brought forth significant challenges that must be addressed.”

“In this highly dynamic and ever-evolving environment, it is essential that our local understanding and capacity for innovation in the monetary and financial economy continue to grow and be applied,” she said.

Zeti, who serves as Founding Chair and Co-Chair of the Board of Governors of the Asia School of Business, said the establishment of TIACOE aimed to honour the legacy of Bank Negara’s first governor, Tun Ismail Ali, while advancing academic and professional knowledge in monetary and financial economics, particularly within the region.

“In this era of immense uncertainty and instability, we have witnessed numerous disruptions to progress — from climate crises and the outbreak of major wars to the global pandemic — all of which have significantly impacted the economy,” she noted.

TIACOE, she explained, has three core objectives as part of its mandate: to advance research in monetary and financial economics; to strengthen the capacity of local higher education institutions in these fields; and to expand outreach by deepening engagement with local academics, the private sector, students and the wider public.

Originally published by The Vibes.

KUALA LUMPUR: There is a critical need for nations, institutions and businesses to strengthen resilience in today’s increasingly volatile environment, as the global economy continues to face waves of disruptive forces – from climate change and geopolitical conflicts to sweeping policy shifts in advanced economies.

Former Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said apart from geopolitical shifts, rapid advances in technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries and demanding new approaches to risk and innovation.

“Ensuring monetary and financial stability is no longer optional – it is a strategic imperative. More than ever, local knowledge, innovation and expertise in financial and monetary economics must be sharpened and actively applied to navigate uncertainty and secure long-term, shared prosperity,“ she said at the launch of the Tun Ismail Ali Center of Excellence (TIACOE) today.

To support these goals, Zeti said, efforts are being made to advance research in monetary and financial economics while simultaneously enhancing the capabilities of local institutions of higher learning.

“There is also a strong emphasis on broadening engagement with academics, industry players, students, and the public to foster a deeper understanding of these critical areas.

“Central to this mission is TIACOE, which is envisioned to serve as a bridge, strengthening collaboration, encouraging knowledge sharing and deepening engagement between academia and the broader ecosystem,“ said Zeti, who is also the founding chair and co-chair of the Asia School of Business Board of Governors.

Named in honour of the late Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali – the first governor of Bank Negara Malaysia and a prominent figure in the nation’s financial history – TIACOE is endowed by BNM and housed within the Asia School of Business.

Even ahead of its official launch, the centre has made significant strides in laying a strong foundation.

Key initiatives include research seminars featuring distinguished international speakers, such as Professor Helene Rey of the London Business School, as well as the appointment of Professor Refet S. Gürkaynak of Bilkent University as a research fellow, who delivered a public lecture.

There were also research engagements with local universities, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, as well as the introduction of a dedicated grant programme to support scholarly work.

BNM governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said emerging challenges such as geo-economic fragmentation, climate change and the rapid digitalisation of finance are reshaping the global economic landscape, with significant implications for monetary and financial systems worldwide.

Without adequate preparedness, he said, central banks risk being blindsided by evolving risks that could undermine established frameworks and institutional stability.

“As the late Tun Ismail Ali aptly noted, ‘the central bank works in an imperfect world, with instruments whose influence is only imperfectly understood, in seeking to attain objectives imperfectly focused and stated only in broad general terms’.

“His words remain a powerful reminder of the complexity and uncertainty that central banks must continuously navigate,“ Abdul Rasheed said.

In this context, Abdul Rasheed said, central banking remains an imperfectly defined profession, one where decision-making is often marked by uncertainty and complexity.

“To be effective, a central banker must possess the serenity to accept what cannot be changed, the courage to challenge what must not be accepted and, above all, the wisdom and experience to discern between the two.

“These qualities are more relevant than ever today, as navigating an increasingly complex economic landscape calls for sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to adapt with clarity and conviction.”

Abdul Rasheed said for central banks, prioritising the function over the form of financial innovation is crucial, particularly as ongoing developments continue to reshape the operating environment.

“A clear example lies in the rapid pace of innovation across the financial sector, such as the emergence of tokenised platforms and the growing role of non-bank financial intermediaries.

“By focusing on underlying functions, central banks can better assess and address key risks posed by digitalisation and innovation, especially those affecting monetary transmission and broader economic and financial stability,“ he said.

The launch of TIACOE reflects the Asia School of Business’s commitment to being a premier business school and a catalyst for knowledge and innovation, particularly in the field of monetary and financial economics in Malaysia.

Originally published by The Sun.

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) mengingatkan bahawa perubahan struktur besar sedang membentuk semula sistem monetari dan kewangan global, justeru memerlukan penyesuaian pantas bagi mengelak risiko baharu yang boleh menjejaskan kestabilan ekonomi negara.

Gabenor BNM, Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour berkata, peranan tradisional bank pusat kini semakin tertekan berikutan cabaran seperti pemisahan ekonomi global, perubahan iklim serta pendigitalan pesat sektor kewangan.

“Kita berkumpul pada ketika transformasi besar sedang berlaku dalam sistem monetari dan kewangan global.

“Ini di mana batasan mandat bank pusat yang sekian lama terbentuk kini diuji oleh perubahan struktur yang tidak pernah berlaku sebelum ini,” katanya pada pelancaran Tun Ismail Ali Centre of Excellence (TIACOE) di Asia School of Business (ASB) di sini.

Beliau memberi amaran kegagalan membuat persediaan rapi boleh menyebabkan bank pusat “terkedu” apabila berdepan ancaman baharu yang berpotensi mengganggu sistem dan dasar sedia ada.

Mengimbas kata-kata Gabenor pertama bank pusat, Allahyarham Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali, Abdul Rasheed berkata, bank pusat beroperasi ‘dalam dunia yang tidak sempurna’ menggunakan alat yang kesannya tidak difahami sepenuhnya, selain perlu membuat keputusan dalam suasana ketidaktentuan.

“Kata-kata ini kekal relevan hingga kini kerana mengemudi landskap ekonomi baharu menuntut pengamal bank pusat mempunyai pertimbangan yang baik, daya tahan serta kemampuan menyesuaikan diri,” jelasnya.

Abdul Rasheed turut menegaskan komitmen BNM terhadap penggubalan dasar berasaskan bukti serta peranannya dalam perbincangan dasar global melibatkan isu kritikal seperti perubahan iklim, kecerdasan buatan (AI), kewangan Islam dan perubahan dalam sistem monetari antarabangsa.

Sementara itu, bekas Gabenor BNM, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz berkata, era kini dicirikan oleh pelbagai faktor pengganggu termasuk perubahan iklim, ketegangan geopolitik dan kemajuan teknologi pesat yang memberi kesan mendalam kepada ekonomi.

“Justeru, membina ketahanan dan mengekalkan kestabilan monetari serta kewangan menjadi lebih penting berbanding sebelum ini untuk memastikan kemakmuran bersama,” katanya.

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must continue to strengthen and apply its local expertise and innovative capacity in financial and monetary economics, particularly in an environment that is highly dynamic and constantly evolving.

Former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said the world is facing numerous disruptive developments, including the climate crisis, major wars, and pandemics, all of which have had significant economic repercussions.

She noted that major policy shifts in advanced economies, along with transformative advances in technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, have also introduced significant challenges that must be managed.

“It has therefore become more important than ever for us to build our resilience and maintain our monetary and financial stability if we are to achieve shared prosperity,” she said.

Bank Negara governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour echoed the views.

He said forces such as geoeconomic fragmentation, climate change and rapid digitisation of finance are increasingly shaping the global economic landscape with far-reaching implications for the international financial and monetary system.

“If unprepared, central banks risk being caught off guard by emerging risks which could challenge incumbent systems and established frameworks,” Abdul Rasheed said in his welcoming remarks.

Both leaders were speaking at the launch of the Tun Ismail Ali Centre of Excellence (TIACOE) by Asia School of Business here today.

Tiacoe is a research hub dedicated to promoting scholarship and thought leadership in monetary and financial economics.

Zeti, who is the founding chair and co-chair of the Asia School of Business’ board of governors, said Tiacoe is envisioned to advance research in the field and strengthen the capacity of local higher learning institutions.

It also aims to expand outreach through engagement with academics, the private sector, students and the public.

Named after the late Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali, Malaysia’s first central bank governor and a prominent figure in the nation’s financial history, Tiacoe is endowed by Bank Negara and housed at Asia School of Business.

Even before its official launch, the centre had begun building its foundation through various initiatives, including research seminars featuring distinguished international speakers.

Originally published by NST.

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Ismail Ali Centre of Excellence (TIACOE) dilancarkan secara rasmi hari ini boleh menjadi suara peneraju dalam bidang ekonomi monetari dan kewangan di rantau ini dan global, demikian harapan Gabenor Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour

Beliau berkata, ia terutamanya dalam pelbagai bidang yang telah lama dipelopori dan diperjuangkan.

Katanya, bagi tujuan itu, BNM komited untuk memajukan wacana dasar global dalam bidang yang sesuai untuk diterokai seperti pemecahan geoekonomi, perubahan iklim, kecerdasan buatan dan kewangan Islam.

Menurutnya, pusat kecemerlangan itu ditubuhkan atas komitmen berterusan BNM terhadap penyelidikan berkaitan dasar dan pembangunan institusi.

“Sebelumnya dikenali sebagai Kursi Tun Ismail Ali yang ditempatkan di Universiti Malaya, TIACOE kini telah bergabung dengan Asia School of Business (ASB) Central Banking Research Centre dan akan terus beroperasi di bawah ASB.

“Hal ini mencerminkan evolusi daripada aspek cita-cita dan skop, memperluas warisan untuk meningkatkan kecemerlangan akademik dalam bidang monetari dan ekonomi kewangan,” katanya pada pelancaran rasmi TIACOE sempena ulang tahun ke-10 ASB, di sini, hari ini.

Hadir sama, Pengerusi Pengasas dan Pengerusi Bersama Lembaga Pengelola ASB dan Bekas Gabenor BNM, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

TIACOE adalah pusat penyelidikan khusus yang bertujuan untuk memajukan kesarjanaan dan kepimpinan pemikiran dalam ekonomi monetari dan kewangan.

Mengulas lanjut, Abdul Rasheed berkata, sejak penstrukturan semula pada hujung tahun lalu, TIACOE menghimpunkan sarjana dan pengamal terkemuka untuk membincangkan dan menangani isu dasar yang mendesak seperti perubahan dinamik sistem monetari antarabangsa, kaitan antara makroekonomi dengan kewangan serta cabaran dasar monetari.

Beliau berkata, kesemua usaha itu menunjukkan peranan TIACOE dalam menghubungkan penyelidikan dengan isu dunia nyata yang dihadapi oleh pembuat dasar, terutamanya ahli bank pusat.

“Seperti yang sewajarnya, TIACOE diinspirasikan oleh seorang tokoh yang intelek, kebijaksanaan, integriti, etika kerja, dan dedikasi beliau terhadap pembangunan negara menjadi amalan dan masih kekal sebagai tanda aras kecemerlangan dalam perkhidmatan awam.

“Setelah sekian lama, amalan beliau terus mengilhamkan kita untuk meneroka sempadan baharu dalam usaha mencapai kemajuan untuk rakyat dan negara,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Zeti dalam ucapannya berkata, banyak perkembangan yang menjejaskan seperti krisis iklim, peperangan besar dan pandemik dilihat memberi kesan ekonomi yang besar.

Katanya, pada masa sama, berlaku perubahan dasar utama dalam ekonomi maju, serta kemajuan transformatif dalam teknologi, pendigitalan dan kecerdasan buatan (AI), yang turut membawa cabaran penting yang perlu diuruskan.

Justeru, tegasnya, menjadi lebih penting daripada sebelumnya untuk membina daya tahan dan mengekalkan kestabilan monetari dan kewangan jika ingin mencapai kemakmuran bersama.

“Ia juga penting bahawa dalam persekitaran yang sangat dinamik dan sentiasa berubah, pemahaman dan keupayaan inovasi dalam monetari dan kewangan terus menjadi maju dan diaplikasikan,” katanya.

Originally published by Berita Harian and Lumi.

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 14): Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has cautioned that major structural changes are reshaping the global monetary and financial system, urging the need for quick adaptation to avoid being exposed to new and emerging risks.

BNM governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said traditional roles of central banks are under growing pressure from challenges such as global economic fragmentation, climate change, and the rapid digitalisation of finance.

“We gather at a time of great transformation in the global monetary and financial system, where long-standing boundaries of central bank mandates are being tested by unprecedented structural shifts,” Abdul Rasheed said during the launch of the Tun Ismail Ali Centre of Excellence (TIACOE) at the Asia School of Business (ASB) here on Thursday.

He warned that if BNM is not prepared, it could be “caught off guard” by new threats that may disrupt current systems and policies.

Former BNM governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said this era is marked by disruptive forces all with deep economic effects and it has therefore become more important than ever for us to build our resilience and maintain our monetary and financial stability if we are to achieve shared prosperity. (Photo by Shahrill Basri/The Edge)

Quoting Malaysia’s first central bank governor, the late Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali, he said central banks operate “in an imperfect world” using tools whose outcomes are not fully understood, and where decisions often have to be made amid uncertainty.

“This quote remains deeply relevant today, where navigating the new economic landscape demands central bankers to display good judgment, resilience and above all, adaptability,” he said.

Former BNM governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz also spoke at the event, noting that this era is marked by disruptive forces — including climate change, geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological advancement — all with deep economic effects.

“It has therefore become more important than ever for us to build our resilience and maintain our monetary and financial stability if we are to achieve shared prosperity,” Zeti said.

Abdul Rasheed reaffirmed BNM’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and its role in global policy discussions on critical issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), Islamic finance, and changes in the international monetary system.

Originally published by The Edge and KLSE Screener.

“From a city in Indonesia to the world—bridging cultures, embracing challenges, and finding joy along the way.”

Hometown:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Fun fact about yourself:
I got my MBA scholarship through a story of redemption—and a gado-gado (Indonesian salad) analogy to describe my journey. I love tackling challenges with fresh perspectives and finding creative solutions. People often approach me for tricky, unexpected problems, and I enjoy making sense of the chaos. Behind my smile is perseverance, discipline, grit, and sharp analytical thinking that keeps me pushing forward.

Undergraduate School and Degree:
Taylor’s University, Bachelor of International Hospitality Management

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school?
Teleport AirAsia, Head of Commercial

Where will you be working after graduation?
I hope to keep solving complex challenges in unique ways. Ideally, I’d stay in logistics, supply chain, or FMCG because I love seeing how the world moves and how it impacts people’s lives every day. I thrive in roles that are both strategic and action-packed, and I hope to continue being in the heart of the action—where decisions shape real-world outcomes.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:
I earned an MBA scholarship and currently serve as the President of the Women’s Club. In the past, I was the Multiple Dean’s List Recipient, President of the Indonesian Student Society and the Executive Director of the International Student Council. Leadership has always been a big part of my journey, and I thrive in bringing people together, driving meaningful initiatives, and creating spaces for diverse voices to be heard.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school?
L’evive Labs – Head of Operations & Founding Team Member (Longevity Startup), Kuala Lumpur

Growing up in a family with a history of diabetes and heart disease, health and wellness have always been personal to me. I’ve seen firsthand how lifestyle and preventive care can change lives, and I want to be part of that generational shift. That’s why building L’evive Labs, Southeast Asia first online longevity clinic— blending health, innovation and technology— while pursuing my MBA has been so meaningful. Working closely with the founder, we bootstrapped our way to $10K in revenue without any marketing—just a belief in what we were building and the drive to make it work. My knowledge of the region and trade regulations in Southeast Asia helped lay the foundation for the company’s future. Being named a finalist at the INNOCOS Wellness & Longevity Awards was a proud moment, not just as validation of our work, but as a step toward making proactive health accessible to more people.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career?
One of the moments I’m most proud of is turning around Pandago at Foodpanda, taking it from a struggling product to the top performer in APAC. It wasn’t an easy ride—there was a lot of resistance, and not everyone believed in it. But I focused on the execution, got the right people on board, and proved that with the right approach, something seen as a failure could actually thrive.

Another defining experience was at Teleport AirAsia, where I had to make the tough call to recommend shutting down an unviable product. It wasn’t a decision people wanted to hear, but it was the right one for the business. That experience taught me that leadership isn’t just about building things—it’s also about knowing when to step back and make the hard choices.

But beyond these achievements, what I’m really proud of is how far I’ve come—starting from a completely different background and finding my way through industries I never imagined myself in. I’ve had to learn, adapt, and prove myself over and over again. Through all of it, I’ve realized that what truly drives me isn’t just solving problems but finding new perspectives and challenging what’s possible.

Why did you choose this business school?
In my search for the best business school in Southeast Asia, Asia School of Business stood out with its action-centric approach—something that sets it apart from the rest. While many schools focus on case studies, ASB pushes you to learn by doing, which resonates deeply with how I approach challenges.

Its close connection to MIT Sloan brings the same mens et manus (mind and hand) philosophy to this region, bridging world-class academic rigor with real-world application. More importantly, ASB values diversity—not just in background but in perspective. As someone with an unconventional career path, I felt seen, appreciated, and challenged in all the right ways. From the start, it felt like the right synergy, and it continues to be a place where I grow, push boundaries, and redefine what’s possible.

Who was your favorite MBA professor?
Learning from Professor Michael Frese has been one of the most eye-opening experiences at ASB. His approach to leadership and organizations—rooted in behavioral science—has made me rethink how businesses actually work. I’ve always been fascinated by how people shape organizations, and his insights reinforce the idea that a company’s strength comes from the minds of its people, not just its strategies.

Beyond the engaging classes and exercises, he’s someone I genuinely respect and look up to. He brings deep industry experience but also a down-to-earth way of teaching that makes complex ideas feel practical and real. His lessons have challenged me to not just think about execution, but to understand what truly drives people, teams, and long-term impact.

What was your favorite course as an MBA?
Beyond Organizational Behavior with Prof. Michael Frese, I found myself really drawn to Marketing Management with Prof. Juanjuan Zhang, a visiting professor from MIT. Her course combined marketing analytics with human psychology in a way that just made sense—it felt less like theory and more like understanding how people actually think and make decisions.

One of the things that stuck with me was how consumer behavior is shaped by social influence and observational learning—how we subconsciously take cues from others when making choices. It made me look at everyday decisions differently, from the way products go viral to why certain brands build such loyal followings.

What I loved most was that it wasn’t just theory; it was hands-on and discussion-driven, with immediate real-world applications. We didn’t just talk about market segmentation and targeting; we worked through challenges that made us think critically about how businesses actually apply these concepts.

Prof. Zhang’s teaching style was both engaging and thought-provoking—she made complex ideas feel intuitive. More than anything, her class deepened my curiosity about how marketing, data, and psychology all intersect, and it’s something I know I’ll keep exploring long after my MBA.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school?
I’ve really enjoyed the weekly Career Development Office (CDO) core sessions every Friday. They’re not just about career advice—they’ve been a space to explore personal growth, career challenges, and the kind of real-world lessons that we don’t always get in formal education.

What makes them stand out is how interactive and honest they are. We don’t just sit through lectures; we role-play real situations, have open discussions, and challenge how we think about our careers. There’s a mix of curiosity and vulnerability in the room that makes it feel real—like we’re figuring things out together rather than just following a playbook.

I also didn’t expect to appreciate the career coaching support as much as I do. Having that space to talk things through, reflect, and get guidance has been incredibly helpful. It’s been one of those small but meaningful parts of my MBA experience that I know will stick with me long after I graduate.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe that everything happens at the right place and the right time. The challenges, the unexpected turns, and even the moments of doubt have all been part of the learning process. If anything, this journey has taught me to trust the process, embrace uncertainty, and make the most of every opportunity as it comes.

What is the biggest myth about your school?
A lot of people think ASB is too expensive and not much different from other local MBAs—but that’s far from the truth.

What makes ASB stand out isn’t just the academics, but how much learning happens through action. The projects, industry exposure, and hands-on challenges push us to apply what we learn in ways I didn’t expect. It’s not just theory—it’s figuring things out in real-world settings, which has been the most valuable part of the experience.

What also surprised me was how personalized the support is. The faculty and staff are incredibly attentive, genuinely invested in our growth, and always willing to help. I never expected that level of care from a business school, but it’s made a huge difference in my journey here.

What did you love most about your business school’s town?
I’ve lived in Kuala Lumpur for the past 10 years. In that time, I’ve experienced the vibrancy of this emerging nation firsthand. It’s a city that blends cultures, industries, and opportunities in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere.

What makes KL special is that it’s not just a hub for Malaysia—it’s a gateway to the APAC region, offering access to diverse markets and people from all over the world. At the same time, the city isn’t overwhelmingly large, which makes professional networking feel more personal and engaging. It’s easy to connect with like-minded people, build meaningful relationships, and find opportunities to grow.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming?
What insights did you gain from using AI? At ASB, AI isn’t something to be avoided—it’s something to be understood and challenged. Our Dean, Prof. Sanjay Sharma, is a big advocate for AI. Instead of banning its use in assignments, we’re encouraged to critique it, question its outputs, and think deeper about its role in decision-making. I appreciate this approach because, in reality, AI isn’t going anywhere—so learning how to use it wisely is more important than ignoring it.

The school has also introduced an AI for Business Leaders program, opening discussions beyond the classroom to corporate participants. And when we go to MIT for our global programs, nearly all of our coursework will focus on AI, which really shows how much the school believes in preparing us for what’s ahead.

For me, the biggest takeaway has been that AI doesn’t replace critical thinking—it forces us to think even more critically. Log OutIt’s easy to take AI’s answers at face value, but the real challenge is knowing when to trust it, when to question it, and how to use it to make better decisions.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire?
Parvinjeet Kaur—she’s a mom, a business owner, and one of the most genuine, down-to-earth people I’ve met. What I love about her is how passionate and real she is. When she speaks about something she cares about, you can feel it—it’s not just words, it’s who she is. She somehow juggles everything—family, business, and school—without ever losing her warmth. She’s proof that you can do it all in your own way, and I really look up to her, not just as a classmate, but as a person.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
First, coming from a hospitality background first and foremost, I want to create a space where people can truly experience my culture—not in a flashy or commercial way, but through simple, everyday moments. I’ve always loved the kind of hospitality that makes people feel at home, where good food and nature bring people together. I dream of building a small retreat centered around farm-to-table living, a place where people can slow down, enjoy fresh food, and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. To me, culture isn’t something to put on display—it’s something you feel, taste, and live. More than anything, I just want to create a place that feels honest, where tradition, wellness, and sustainability naturally come together.

Second, I hope to lead a company one day—not just in title but in the way that truly matters. I want to be in a role where I can shape things, make decisions that matter, and create an environment where people feel excited to work and grow. It’s not about chasing a position; it’s about building something that lasts and actually makes a difference.

What made Risa such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?
“Risa Ichwandiani is the kind of leader who not only excels in her own endeavors, but also brings out the best in those around her. In the face of one of the most stressful moments in our MBA program—the first class exam—Risa remained a calming force, reassuring her classmates that they would make it through together. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and instil a sense of calmness in others reflects the strength of her leadership. Beyond this, Risa has consistently demonstrated her organizational and leadership skills, especially in launching the first Women’s Association Club event, which saw an impressive turnout thanks to her dedication and ability to balance multiple responsibilities, including her studies and family.

Her cheerfulness and positivity are infectious, making her a source of light in any room she enters. Whether in the classroom or in personal interactions, Risa’s genuine appreciation for others—especially for the staff at ASB—is well-known. She consistently expresses her gratitude, making her an influential and respected member of the community.”

Jim Lee
Assistant Director, Student Services at ASB

Originally published by Poets & Quants.

Category: Featured in the Media

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