Do More - Take Charge of Your Life

Malaysia has so much potential - but what’s holding it back? Ex-Perdana Petroleum MD Shamsul Saad and Khoo Hsu Chuang get real about the Malay mindset, education, and the bigger forces shaping the country’s future. They talk about how culture and government policies play a role in success (or lack of it) and why critical thinking is a game-changer in today’s digital world.

But it isn’t just about education. They get into leadership, economic growth, and why shaking things up is long overdue. Automation is changing jobs, governance feels stuck in mediocrity, and bold leadership is needed to push Malaysia forward. They even compare Malaysia’s struggles with the U.S., showing how deeply rooted interests can hold progress back.

Looking back at Malaysia’s golden era in the 70s, they discuss how colonial history shaped the way people think and why the country needs a stronger sense of purpose. Inequality, talent, creativity—these things matter, and real change won’t happen without the right leadership. At the end of the day, it’s about breaking free from old mindsets and surrounding yourself with the right people to make real progress.

(Many thanks to CITYPlus for their collaboration with The Do More Podcast, in whose studio this conversation was recorded. CITYPlus is Malaysia's first Chinese business radio station, dedicated to delivering in-depth analysis on local and international current affairs, markets, and businesses.)

CONTENTS

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:01 Education and Personal Growth

11:56 The Role of Government and Political Will

18:03 The Importance of Critical Thinking

23:52 Converging Interests in Society

30:06 Restructuring Malaysia's Education and Economy

35:54 The Need for Change in Mindset

47:05 The Journey of Professional Growth

51:05 The Pain of Improvement

56:15 Corporate Power Dynamics

01:01:51 Leadership and Empowerment

01:06:18 The Future of Work and Automation

01:10:25 Lessons from America

01:15:50 The Malaysian Dream and Economic Challenges

01:17:20 The Need for Bold Leadership

01:19:42 Restructuring for a Sustainable Future

01:22:12 Rethinking Education in Malaysia

01:24:52 The Shift Towards Conservatism

01:26:35 The Role of Political Leadership

01:28:08 Reflections on Malaysia's Golden Era

01:29:39 Colonialism's Impact on Mindset

01:31:57 Inequality and Upward Mobility

01:33:22 The American Dream and Opportunity

01:35:25 Creating a Fair System

01:37:50 The Power of Creativity in Malaysia

01:39:43 Comparing Talent: Malaysia vs. Singapore

01:41:41 Common Purpose and National Identity

01:43:31 Leadership and Excellence

01:45:45 The Culture of Mediocrity

01:49:07 Surrounding Yourself with Talent

01:52:51 Lessons from Global Leaders

01:54:33 Final Words of Wisdom

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Follow Shamsul here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamsul-saad-24108816a/

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