Chairman's Speech at the FSTEP Batch 24 Graduation Ceremony - Press Releases & Speeches

Press Releases & Speeches

Chairman's Speech at the FSTEP Batch 24 Graduation Ceremony

Speech

03 July 2023

Overview

SPEAKER

Tan Sri Azman Hashim

VENUE

Azman Hashim Auditorium, Bangunan AICB, KL

DATE

03 July 2023

Source

Asian Banking School

Assalamualaikum and a very good morning. It gives me great pleasure to be here with all of you to
celebrate the graduation of FSTEP Batch 24 - the first one for this year.

In today's rapidly evolving world, where knowledge and skills become outdated at an unprecedented pace, the pursuit of lifelong learning is not merely a luxury but a necessity.

Lifelong learning encompasses the idea that education should not be confined to a specific period of our lives but should extend throughout our entire journey. It emphasises the notion that learning is a continuous process that enhances our personal and professional growth, fosters adaptability, and equips us with the tools to thrive in an ever-changing and competitive landscape.

One of the most significant advantages of lifelong learning lies in its ability to empower individuals. By investing in ourselves and expanding our knowledge base, we become more confident, capable, and resilient. We add value to ourselves, family and mother Country. A knowledge based economy. Lifelong learning encourages us to challenge our assumptions, question established norms, and seek innovative solutions to complex problems. It enables us to embrace change rather than fear it, as we recognise that learning new skills and acquiring fresh perspectives are the cornerstones of progress.

Moreover, lifelong learning is not limited to a particular field or discipline. It extends across diverse domains, catering to the varied interests and aspirations of individuals. Whether you seek to deepen your expertise in your chosen profession or explore new areas altogether, the world of lifelong learning offers a multitude of opportunities. From technology and entrepreneurship to arts and humanities, there are courses, workshops, and programmes available to suit every passion and inclination.

Not the end of learning
Henry Ford’s 20 or 80 years old
You are old if you stop learning whether 20 or 80
Keep learning and stay young
Things changes fast – I/T, digital world – not by the years but by the days
My own education – much not relevant
Keep up to date with knowledge – competitive environment in Malaysia, overseas
Additional knowledge, skills –- added value to self, family, organization, country – knowledge based economy.

ABS: Our training Consultants are excellent examples of life long learning. Congratulations to Dr Vijay (Distinction), Dr Lim Guan Chye (Merit) and Mr Lew Taw Fong (Merit) qualified as CBMBAs!

Good example of great life long learning is our own Tun Mahathir.

By the way, I am 84 years old. I am still learning, reading, attending talks on Digital Banking, and Cyber Security, AI, cryptocurrency, Bitcoins, Cloud computing, Takaful, Fintech, Shariah laws, Robotics, Chat GPT etc. – Otherwise, I will be out of date, irrelevant!

For those of you graduating today, completing the FSTEP programme has now given you new skill sets that take you beyond the degree that you already hold. It is a transformative experience that hones critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and enhances intellectual curiosity. FSTEP equips individuals with advanced knowledge and specialised skills; positioning you with a head start as you enter your chosen careers in the financial sector.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

During their intensive 3 months here, the FSTEP participants have learnt from a comprehensive curriculum that covered topics including ESG, Conduct Risk, Regulatory Compliance, Design Thinking, Cybersecurity Awareness and New Trends in Banking. This is in addition to the new topics introduced like Trade Finance, Understanding Foreign Exchange Policy, Business Strategy and Models, and the Roles and Functions of Bank Negara Malaysia. There is also a new programme on FinTech, which is in collaboration with the FinTech Association of Malaysia.

The topics covered during the programme were all carefully considered in an effort towards making FSTEP graduates industry ready and be of benefit to your sponsoring institutions once you go through these doors. I am sure that your employers will value the skills and expertise that you have acquired and hope that you will continue to show a deep commitment to learning and professional development throughout your career journey and beyond.

It was Albert Einstein who said, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”

As the leading training consultancy and provider for the industry, the Asian Banking School is committed to fostering a lifelong learning culture. It strives to offer programmes that are aligned with industry demands, ensuring that all those that go through its doors possess the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen paths. Through its commitment to quality and innovative learning, ABS aims to empower individuals to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact at work and on society at large.

As Chairman of the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers as well as ABS, I would also like to take this opportunity to ask that you consider professional qualifications as part of your pathway in learning and become Chartered Bankers. For those who would like to take that a step even further, there is also the Chartered Banker MBA programme to consider.

To the 69 graduates of Batch 24, congratulations on your achievement! To have successfully completed FSTEP over an intensive 3 months is commendable and I hope you will look back fondly to your time here and maintain your ties with us as part of the ever-growing FSTEP and ABS alumni network.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the nine sponsoring financial institutions for their support and for paving the way for the participants to join FSTEP.

My deepest thanks to Bank Negara Malaysia for their continued belief in the programme and my heartiest congratulations to the learning partners, faculty and the FSTEP team at ABS led by Dr. Vijay for another successful group of FSTEP graduates.

Thank you.