CEO Insights Magazine

The role of a leader in steering a business to success is paramount as they serve as a guiding force, navigating through challenges, harnessing opportunities, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth. Dr. Mohd Afiq Farhan bin Md Hanif, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FOMEMA, epitomizes this role with his rich professional journey marked by a relentless pursuit of transformative change and strategic excellence. Dr. Mohd Afiq’s career trajectory commenced in 2010 with Sime Darby Plantation, where he served as a commercial risk management analyst. Transitioning to roles of increasing responsibility, Dr. Mohd Afiq further honed his expertise in operational risk management and crisis preparedness during his tenure at Bank Negara Malaysia's Operational Risk Management Division. His pivotal role in transforming a loss-making public-listed investment holding company showcased his adeptness in executing strategic action plans, ultimately revitalizing the company's financial standing within a remarkably short span of 18 months.

Embracing new challenges and opportunities, Dr. Mohd Afiq ventured into diverse roles such as Managing Director of a digital start-up before assuming his current position as CEO of FOMEMA. His commitment to contributing to the national agenda and driving meaningful change underscores his dedication to not only personal growth but also societal impact.

Dr. Mohd Afiq’s leadership style is characterized by his proactive approach, beginning each day with meticulous review and strategic planning for FOMEMA, setting the tone for focused and purposeful action which trickles down within the company. His ability to channel his strategic acumen into tangible results reflects his unwavering commitment to driving positive change and achieving impactful outcomes. Let’s hear more from him.

Could you tell us about the unique experiences the Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia offers and what did you learn from the campus beyond academics?

My time at Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia (UiTM) provided me with a truly diverse range of experiences. While the core subjects of my course provided a solid foundation, it was the additional opportunities and experiences that truly shaped my growth.

Academically, UiTM provided a comprehensive curriculum that went beyond the core subjects of my course of study. Alongside fundamental modules in management, organizational behaviour, law, and entrepreneurship, I gained a well-rounded understanding of various disciplines that have proved invaluable in my professional journey

One of the unique aspects of UiTM was the Kesatria programme, a uniform cadet program that exposed students to military-style training exercises and leadership courses. Through this programme, I learned the importance of leadership, effective communication and adaptability, skills that have been instrumental for me in navigating the challenges of the corporate world. This experience, not only enhanced my personal growth but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among peers.

How would you define FOMEMA as an organization and its current position in the market?

FOMEMA, with 27 years' of industry experience, holds a unique market position as the sole entity mandated by the Malaysian Government -  specifically, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs - for overseeing the comprehensive medical screening program for foreign workers in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan. Our commitment to upholding the highest standards and strict service-level agreements distinguishes us. Embracing digitalization, we continually enhance processes through innovative methods. This dedication has earned trust and confidence from stakeholders, positioning us as a dependable partner. We prioritize the health and safety of foreign workers, contributing significantly to safeguarding the nation against disease risks.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

My leadership approach is deeply rooted in strategic thinking and effective communication. From the early stages of my career, I've been exposed to strategic leadership methodologies that have shaped my approach to leading teams and organizations. 

I firmly believe that as a leader, it's essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the company's critical requirements and challenges. This understanding forms the basis for identifying the problem statement and setting a clear vision for the organization. This vision becomes a shared goal that is communicated transparently throughout the company.

Once the shared vision is established, I work with my team to develop rolling plans and strategies to achieve our objectives. I value the importance of open communication and transparency which I believe fosters a sense of inclusion and boosts morale, not only that, this also ensures that all team members are aligned and understand the direction of transformational efforts. By keeping everyone informed and engaged, I aim to motivate and ultimately garner increased support for our transformation initiatives.

How do you stay abreast of industry trends to guide your organization's future direction?

To ensure our organization remains at the forefront of industry innovation, the priority is staying informed about ongoing industry trends. Internally, I actively participate in major conferences and exhibitions, both locally and overseas and will bring my team with me for them to gain insights into emerging technologies, market dynamics, and best practices. Additionally, I believe in maintaining continuous engagements with our service providers to understand their evolving requirements and initiatives for improvement. This collaborative approach allows us to align our strategies with industry standards and anticipate future needs. I am also a firm believer in engagement with government officials at ministries and agencies levels, as well as industry players. These interactions provide opportunities to exchange ideas, gain regulatory insights, and foster partnerships that drive our organization forward.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

Honestly, I'm uncertain about the future, but I feel a strong pull towards entrepreneurship and venture capital. The dynamic nature of these fields, along with the chance to drive innovation and create value, aligns deeply with my aspirations. Consulting also is an area that intrigues me, as it allows me to apply my corporate strategy expertise in diverse contexts. The corporate strategist in me thrives on adrenaline-inducing activities like mergers and acquisitions, investments, divestments, and corporate restructuring. Though the exact destination remains unclear, I'm fueled by curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful impact wherever my journey leads. My vision entails continuous learning, exploration, and tackling new challenges in line with my passion for strategic leadership and innovation.

Dr. Mohd Afiq Farhan bin Md Hanif, Chief Executive Officer, FOMEMA 

Dr. Mohd Afiq Farhan bin Md Hanif, Chief Executive Officer of FOMEMA, brings over a decade of experience in strategic leadership from diverse industries. With a background in risk management and corporate transformation, he spearheads FOMEMA's mission, leveraging strategic acumen to ensure compliance and excellence in medical health screening for foreign workers in Malaysia.