In today’s volatile environment, resilience is more than desirable: it is essential. Economic turbulence, rapid digital change and shifting geopolitics are now constants. For organisations across Asia, resilience has become a strategic imperative.
During the Asia School of Business’s 10th anniversary forum – supported by PayNet, FIDE Forum, and Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) – leaders from the finance, manufacturing, and technology sectors discussed how to embed resilience across leadership and operations. The core insight: truly resilient organisations not only endure shocks but convert them into strategic opportunities.
Leadership Resilience – Learning from Setbacks
Professor Michael Frese argued that institutions that treat errors as learning moments embed adaptability within their culture. Resilient leaders reflect, recalibrate and emerge stronger. Farhan Ahmad, Group CEO of PayNet, added that effective resilience is rooted in data-informed boldness, not blind daring. Azita Shariff of DSI-Precision Method Biobanking emphasised that diversity of perspective allows reframing hardships into strategy.
Supply Chain Resilience – Strategic Agility
Organisational resilience must extend to operations. Global supply chains strained by tariffs, disruptions and pandemics must now prioritise agility. Daiwa Steel Tube Industries’ Shinichiro Nakamura credited Japan’s resilience to long-term investment in workforce expertise, while Karan Chopra from BASF stressed the significance of strong partnerships and real-time data. Esquel Group’s reinvention exemplifies adaptability driving competitiveness. In healthcare logistics, Anita Sharif reminded us that resilience is not theoretical; it saves lives when oversight systems fail.
Beyond Efficiency – Equity and Sustainability
Resilience must also serve equity. Suzanne Mooney of The Lost Food Project illustrated how smarter systems can reduce waste, feed more people and enhance community resilience.
The Leadership Imperative
Resilience today must be central to strategic leadership. For C-suites, this means embedding flexibility, psychological safety, diversity of thought and technological readiness throughout the organisation. As the Asia School of Business celebrates a decade of impact, we recommit to developing leaders who anticipate change – and shape it for the greater good.