Tony Fernandes CEO Blog

Lotus team can definitely make it. Its all about trying. How can we achieve something if we do nothing about it? The beauty is in the attempt. This is a long process and to achieve it is not impossible. People tend to judge too quickly. How can you tell with just two races? This is just the beginning. We (Malaysians) are all behind you Dato' and the lotus team. Lets do this!

I personally am loving the work you and Team Lotus are doing. I've always been a fan of Mike G and I think that you guys will take no time at all in getting to the level where you're mixing it up in the middle of the field and winning regular points. From there can come the odd podium perhaps! As someone from Norfolk I find it brilliant to see the great Lotus marque back in action! I still wear my old Norwich City shirt with the Lotus shirt sponsor with pride! (Maybe it's time to put Lotus on a new 1 eh Tony? :P) As for your nation putting your efforts down, as I'm sure you've found we're no different in the U.K. It just seems like we're never happy unless we're knocking someone. Don't let them get the better of you as you said you've shown before that you can prove them wrong so go go go do it again! Andy www.andywhyte.com

HI Tony F, Firstly , its great to see you being involved in F1 and especially going head to head with Branson. Your car looks brilliant, love the colors. Your drivers are great, Heki is such a cool and relaxed guy and performs well under pressure. So far your team has done very well, compared to the new comers, expectations from the new team are high and your team has delivered. Which i think is great accomplishment. I wish you good luck for the season ahead and i will be at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Know your a busy man , your probably do not get time to read comments. cheers osman

I believe the crux of the matter of your blog post boils down to ‘mental colonization”. These armchair critics are dudes who are in their comfort zone, afraid of change and tend to glorify anyone and anything except Malaysians who are trying to make a difference. These are the same dudes that will smile, laugh for no apparent reason and agree to a decision in lightning speed when dealing with foreigners, but will criticize melancholically, will pass cynical remarks questioning your ability and delay a decision or worst don’t respond to you when you are a Malaysia. These are the same dudes that will say “Its 5 dollars” and not “5 Ringgit” when the Malaysian official currency is Ringgit. I know it’s wrong to generalize, but I just can’t help it in this case….So what am I lamenting about mental colonization? Mental Colonization is a barrier most Malaysians need to overcome, as you precisely pointed, it’s time for us to stop idolizing the Manchester United’s, Ferrari’s, Steve Jobs, the Pussycat Dolls (I added this) of this world. When will we Malaysians get up and realize for a nation of 20 odd million population, we’ve got a world champion in badminton and squash and pocket dynamite Azizul Hasni Awang in cycling (only second to Chris Hoy in the cycling event recently), we’ve got world recognizable brands such as Petronas & AirAsia, World class designers such Zang Toi, Jimmy Choo and Bernard Chandran, in academics we’ve got Malaysians coming out top in their class in the ivy leagues schools almost every year. This list goes on….but unfortunately most Malaysians will still laugh sheepishly at this list and will famously say “really?” This is mental colonization – the fact that no matter what Malaysians try to do, there will be stifling criticism, the appreciation factor that the Malaysian has ambition, innovation and has the guts to take on the world is lugubriously ignored but will constantly praise anyone except a Malaysian. These are the same critics that will throw the kitchen sink in their effort to migrate to a neighbouring country without realizing that the neighbouring country has the highest migration in the world. Granted we Malaysians are not perfect, but who is? Questions we need to ask ourselves - Will we ever learn before making mistakes? Will we ever innovate if we succumb to the notion of being a trend follower rather than being a trend setter? Will these armchair critics migrate away from this infectious mental colonization mentality? As the twig is bent, the tree's inclined is the famous saying….

Very well said...for waaayyy too long we (Asian in general, Malaysian in particular) have looked up to the Europeans & Americans, and I don't entirely blame them. What we should not miss is the progress that we have made over the past 15 years or so, and we have to start believing in our own ability and stop short-changing our own potentials. AirAsia is a good example...with good leadership and armed with a well-laid plans and the desire to constantly strive to do better, we can turn the views around and be the admiration of the rest of the world. Japan, Korea and now Taiwan have managed to turn their countries around in just one generation, merely by adopting a creative and entrepreneurial mindset...so the sky's the limit for what we can achieve in the next 20 years. I managed to turn my small company into something that the established names in US and Europe take noticed of, and a friend of mine have started a gaming peripheral venture and they are now the defacto #1 in the industry and will be listed in NASDAQ next year...all this can be achieved if we refuse to 'kow-tou' to Westerners & exercise our given talent to it's full potential. I deeply admired your 'can-do' spirit & innovative leadership Dato Tony, and it will be a crying shame if fellow Malaysian do not follow your lead and instead continue to be 'self-colonised' in heart and mind!

Tony, you and Lotus have my support. In fact as a Malaysian I am very proud to see Lotus as a Malaysian team in FI, the pinnacle of motor sport. The success and failures of the nations hinges upon her people. If her people believes they can do great things, then we shall achieve great things and if her people do not believe that they are capable, then forever, we will be a nation of mediocre. It is however, very sad to see that Malaysians corporations and even government departments do not think that Malaysian products and services, can deliver to their expectations! While at the same time, the same Malaysian products and services have been accepted and acknowledge as among the best the world have to offer! They still think that foreign services, products and brands are better, though on many occasion, it was proven wrong. I totally resonate with you, when you say... "We must start believing that we, Malaysians, can. That we can compete and be the best in the world." And the Malaysian government and corporations have the responsibility to 1st evaluate the ability of Malaysian and Malaysian owned enterprise to deliver the best of products and services before looking elsewhere! Thus, my greatest admiration of your foresight, your "guts" and your absolute believe that we as Malaysian can take on the world and be the best! Air Asia have proven it... and my sincere believe, Lotus F1 will follow suit very soon! Please continue to inspire Malaysian, with whatever you venture into! Bravo...

With the right team mates, I believe the technical correction on the Hydraulics and team strategy on the grid will get us 1 point at Malaysian GP. Positive thoughts are just enough to start the game, but at one point we really have to hit the High note no matter how crazy its sound. You never know at that breaking point is the only moment made into the nation history book. To Malaysian F1 drivers, please ignore our Road signage says: "Ikut kiri jika tidak memotong" during this week GP. Your option is "Ikut belakang jika dipotong". Thanks for making Malaysian proud.

Dear Mr Tony, Never mind about those hammerings and bashing, you are a true champion! I love reading success stories of Tune Group, everything from impossible to possible. Your dreams and hard work is truly appreciated, thank you so much Mr. Tony! You rocks! Keep on the good work.

Mr. Fernandes, you are an inspiration. We admire your tenacity, love of country, faith in your people and belief in your capabilities. We hope to become like you. Yes, we DARE TO DREAM!

Well said - Low Ee Ch'ng

Hi Dato... I totally agree with your comment. We, as a nation need to change our attitude towards foreign greats and stop being sceptical about other people's mission or dream...as we ourself in Malaysia has many greats..Dr. M, Nicol, Michele Yeoh, Dr Jamilah and you, to name a few, which has provided us with many dreams. And these people have done thing differently. I did not pass my MCE...and failed many business ventures. Most people do the same things, the same way, but expect different results. Wants different results, do the same thing differently. As the saying, ordinary people do ordinary thing, but extra ordinary people do extraordinary things and gets extra ordinary results. We need to stop being critical about our own abilities to compete. My wish is to have a cupper tea or coffee with you one day. Cheers Dato...you have done us proud. Keep it up. roesman

Nice writing there Dato Seri, particularly on the quote below. This will surely be on my shout box in facebook. "So to all the cynics give Malaysia and Malaysians a chance. Embrace the brave, the visionaries, the dreamers and the innovators. Embrace positive energy." Just a quick one here, when will Lotus Racing will hire more Malaysian to join their team? I am quite interested to join them, not only because of their great heritage in motorsports, but mainly on patriotism. I have been a McLaren fan since day 1 when my dad first brought me to Sepang in 1999. After 10 years of cheering and backing McLaren team (as most of the years has been dominated by Ferari), now I have 2 favorite teams to cheer and support to. I am really glad to know that Lotus Racing is back in the F1 circus, but knowing that the team is being owned by Malaysian entrepreneurs makes it sweeter. Im glad that a public figure like you are willing to make Malaysia and Malaysians proud to the whole world. Bringing Malaysia's name to ears all around the world is something great to us all. If I have a chance to do this, I will do it with all my heart. I believe i can do it, but just the time is not right. But believe me, I will and I can. Back to the main topic again, when will Lotus Racing hire up more Malaysians into their team? Thank you, Nik Nasri

I can't agree with you more. We need to have a positive attitude and admire people who want to make a difference. If we keep on living like a frog staying inside a small container with the lid on, the highest place we can jump is the lid. We need to live like a frog living outside of the container so that we jump as high as we want. If we want our nation to be successful, please don't try to put a lid on the frog which is trying to jump out of the container.

Mr. Fernandes! Great Job. It's a nostalgic jump in the Past! I hope Lotus will become a great F1 team!

The problem with why there ARE negative implecations are becoze the writers & thinkers are insecure & negative towards their "OWN" insecurity.......!!!!! We are where we are to day "IS" due to our own hardworking effort & smart thinking. If I were to put my story here........ It'll be too long la.....! When one has the right thinking, attitude, strategy & backing..... it will work out. These "whiners" are just that, Tony!!! It's okay, there's always the good, the bad & the ugly in any society. Take it & learn from it. That what I do with it....!!! I m planning to represent the "Jewel of Muscat" (JoM). On your fb too. Interested in "any" which way?? My husband is planning to sail our yacht to S'pore for the boat show there. Am inviting you, Tony. Join us for the fun of it???? Let me know yah...... Please "DO NOT" publish my comments. They are only meant for your eyes only, Tony. Thanks!!

Congratulations Tony! Lotus F1 is doing us proud and I was at the homecoming event at the Pavilion on 30 March. It was awesome! I admire your people too - especially those manning the Facebook fan page. Lately AirAsia services have deteriorated and the Facebook page has become a portal for complaints. Please take a look at some of the postings there. While it is good that you are flying the flag for Malaysia in the F1 world, do remember the bread and butter too! I guess that I am very concerned about what is going on in AirAsia at the moment. So please Dato' Seri Dr Tony, don't neglect the first baby (AirAsia) that you have brought into this world! Wishing you and Lotus F1 all the luck in the world for the Malaysian GP. I will be there to cheer you on! :)

Dear Tony, Actually, I do not want to bother you with my minor case. I know you are very busy and I keep my mouth shut for about 4 months. I complained to Air Asia customer care department via AA's official website and submit my complains to CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China). The Case Number is GSM09N00903 in Air Asiafs system. I do not want write the details again and again. Air Asiafs customer care department knows it quite well. Can you help me to push your busy staff to follow this small small case? As I know, The CFO had agreed give me compensation by issuing a credit shell valued 1500THB. On my own side, I dislike it, cause I lost an E-gift voucherCEGV can book an air ticket by your website without any restriction without any extra paid, such as service charge, but credit shell cannot. To give AA most flexibility and not to keep on arguing with AA, I accept AA's proposal reluctantly. Now I know I was wrong.@My kindness and cooperation get a return that nobody care of my case, CFO had already arranged AAfs relative department issue a credit shell valid from 17th Dec, 2009 for 3months. Now 3 months passed, I get none. Maybe Air Asiafs staffs do not want to follow CFOfs instruction or maybe they thought 1500THB is not enough for the compensation. I have to restate my request that give me an E-gift voucher valued 1500THB NOT the credit shell. Then I can use it freely to book air tickets in Air Asia without any restriction without any extra fees. Best regards, Hongxiang Liu

I really like the final sentence "It’s much better than just writing negative stories. Go out and make a difference. Don’t just hammer those with a positive attitude. Change today and go out and make a difference." I has been reading negatives comments whenever the topics are related to Lotus F1. Please make Lotus F1 a success and break those bashers' jaws.

How I wish u metarialised ur Air Asia when I was still in university almost two decades ago. By then all the East Malaysian students always talking about cheap flight ticket. We talk about having our own airlines which operates more or less buses so as to keep cost low. Well, it just a dream back then. I,ve been thinking about a place to stay where you are charged for the things you wanted to have only. (I always found something I don't need in hotel room) and you come up with Tune Hotel. Cool. Now I just wait whatelse you are going to introduce. Keep up the good works. You name are always use as examples in school nowadays.

Hi Tony Think your bet with Branson has re charged my interest in F1 much to my hubby's delight... however one small suggestion. Regardless of who wins (and we hope you do.. of course) my humble suggestion is to donate all proceeds from the sale of the flight tix (where one of you will be dressed AND working as a flight attendant of the female variety) to charity. Or better still have an auction of the tix... Aside from generic comms spin it will generate... I think its time more F1 teams contribute meaningfully to charity.. Good luck with the rest of the season. Cheers!

I don't think the writers and commentators are being negative. They surely wish you success since it is your money that is being put up. It is a fact that not many people can afford to invest that kind of money into a high stakes sports like F1. With that kind of money, we could develop more Nicol Davids or Lee Chong Weis. One school of thought is to have diverted that funding into sports development in the homeland but perhaps there are commercial decisions involved in your choice. Lotus is currently 5 secs per lap behind the top rung cars. It will take some tinkering and engineering genius to bridge that gap in a short span of time but try you must. I suppose your detractors see this as being the main reason it is premature to go rah-rah about. It is easier to celebrate the result than the what-might-have-been. You have the opportunity to "make a difference" and you made your choices. Success is yours to achieve and I wish you well. But looking at some of the comments above, I think you should be looking into your core business more than this F1 adventure.

A lot of Malaysians are still being skeptical About 1Malaysia, and goes whining around. But it's your final sentence says it all, take it down and let's do something about it instead. While a lot of us are trying hard to believe and impact others as well in universities to bridge the difference, Tony you are different, you have the fame and status to really move the nation and people, glad you took the initiative. Excited to see what others are coming along too! 1 Malaysia!

Mr.Fernandes, I proudly bought the Lotus Cap and worn it.Proud to have our own team representing Malaysia,wish u and the team ample of luck to succeed,atleast finish above Mr.Branson.

Dear Tony, trouble with us is we think Malaysia is a nice sunny country, when in fact, it is not. Most of the time, we are cloud covered and humid, as compared to say, hawaii. Coming back to F1, why must the locals be made to suffer the intense afternoon sun and the occasional thunderstorm and lightning just to see the F1? Why must we start the race at 3 or 4pm in the afternoon? Why can't they sart the race at 9am in the morning, when it is cooler, and the spectators can savious F! whilst having breakfast in the lawn overlooking the tracks? Also, less thunderstorm in the morning and definitely less life threatening lightnings. On this issue, FAM should also play their games in the morning, instead of late at night. Only drug addicts and mat rempits who do not have to go to work/school the next day can watch our football in the stadiums. Just a warning concerning the new low cost terminal, which wil be connected to KLIA express train. We were informed many years ago, that every passenegrs using the airport, are taxed about RM3 each, which is paid to KLIA express train in a form of subsidy to the service. Present passengers using the low cost terminal does not have to pay this. But since the new LCCT is connected to KLIA express, there may be an increase in airport tax. Maybe should enquire with MAHB.

Dear Tony, You raise a good point. Malaysia does seem to be infected with a bad case of 'Tall Poppy Syndrome'. But we are what we are because the philosophy that exists here has us all look at each other with jaundiced eyes. We don't celebrate each other and each other's achievements because for too long now we have been told to be watchful of each other as each will take away the others birthright. In such an environment, how can one even feel good about the exploits of your fellows let alone celebrate them.... You're showing us the way and for that you have my thanks. Now if only your efforts are to be looked upon as the light that shines on our only path forward....

Most of the time its not about winning but the spirit we put up to embrace the possibility of winning. Winning is merely a result of embracing the idea as a whole, without flinching at the fact that we were all born champions! Our successes show that we are already on our way in making a difference. So lets go all out and embrace the idea of being champions each time walk out to the starting line, and I am certain that we will be the best as we need to be.

My son, Luke Micheal, age 15, started writing a book when he was 12 years. He took about almost 2 years to complete the story and informed us one day, that he has finished writing a book. Both me and my hubby was shocked with his achievement. A publisher, impressed with his work at such young age, agreed to publish it and just about a week ago, we were given complimentary copies. The book is due to be in bookstores nationwide anytime. Its titled "The rage of the Carnians Revenge". So, as it is obvious that I am a proud mother on my little boy's achievement and yapping it away here, I am also inclined to share that we malaysians are definitely champions already and we just have to believe it and we would definitely be heading further if we could acknowledge the calibre and the abilities of the young minds. Give time to also listen to them. surprises are definitely in store if we could unleash the young minds in a more positive way.

couldnt have pointed it out better!

Tony, Interesting point you raised about the level of schadenfreude which prevails in Malaysia. However, sometimes, some of the cynicism is justified. I have had the opportunity to observe how business is carried out in Malaysia. The interference of government in everyday business is everywhere. Whether it is from competition (e.g. AirAsia-MAS), need for "endorsement" from the upper echelons (e.g. Your experience in having to get endorsement from Dr M) or even "sumbangan". I have given some examples relating to your company which you may have had to face. You might not agree with them but I am giving a third parties perspective here. Whether big or small, Malaysian businesses face these "barriers to entry" everyday. Perhaps now you understand some of the cynicism. People look up to Steve Jobs because Steve did not have to get "govt endorsement" or compete with the US Govt's Electronics arm. He could get on with doing what he did best, create computers. There was politics between him and Bill Gates but even after he got ousted, he picked himself up and rebuilt Apple into the powerhouse it is today. The govt was not bugging him for "sumbangan". I am sure he gave and I can find out by checking the campaign funding websites. Transparency. More so, you might remember this 18 year old kid who made the headlines 5 years back. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4694203.stm His dream would not be able to come true in Malaysia due to "barriers of entry". I hope this gives you an insight into the thoughts of younger Malaysians. Nevertheless, I wish you all the best in your latest adventure. You have worked hard to get to where you are.

That's a great sentiment - and the best of us sometimes fall short. You mentioned Airasia being, in your view, the worlds best low cost airline. Personally I think it's generally pretty good, but very recently it has failed to live up to those world beating aspirations. The handling of the recent ash cloud crisis and it's impact on travellers to and from the UK has lacked leadership. While I applaud some moves - the rapid waiving of rebooking fees and timely information on your website, other areas have been disappointing and frankly chaotic. For example: The allocation of available seats has been poorly organised, resembling a free for all, rather than a centrally organized process. For example there seems to have been no priority given to people stranded and trying to return home, over new customers. If I may say so, somebody like Branson would have taken personal charge to make sure the systems were in place to minimise distress to customers. Aspiring to greatness takes great heart - courage and leadership and a willingness to push forward. It also requires one to look back, recognise mistakes, and improve for the future. With that in mind I've sent a few more details via your email at this blog, in the hope that you are able to meet your noble world beating aspirations. Colin and family

Happy 46th Birthday DS Tony! Wishing u all the best in life n ur business. Keep on inspiring Malaysians as well as rest of the world. I will continue my studies in UK (remember 1 lad who asked about Air Asia's study scholarship?) n hopefully can join Lotus Racing after I have graduated. Have a great day DS Tony p/s: hopefully West Ham is safe from relegation. mine already dropped out of Europa last nite =(

Hi Tony. I am so happy to have gotten a congratulatory message from you extended to Luke. He will definitely be soo excited to see your message and will definitely inspire him further. Please patronise by purchasing a copy of the book. Its already out in MPH and Popular bookstores. I m pretty sure that there are loads of young minds out there with great potentials to be tapped. Thank you again :)

you're spot on with yr posting here Tony! here's wishing u Happy 46th! and here's to many more great years.. cheers Hakim

"It’s much better than just writing negative stories. Go out and make a difference. Don’t just hammer those with a positive attitude. Change today and go out and make a difference." These final pieces of your writing eventually caught my eyes and opened my mind. Thank you Sir..you have inspired me where My Dream Will Come True too all I have to do is to work harder. I wish you Lotus F1 a success and Sir please keep writing whenever you have free time..

Tony, my idol is Tun Dr. Mahathir. And next on the list is you. Keep up the good work. And just so you know, I was one of those people who knew AirAsia would make it big when you first took over the airline and revamped it altogether. God bless.

Dear Mr. Tony, One word, Awesome! you're my inspiration! Dear Ms Shanti, Congratulation to you and your son! I am so inspired! XOXO

Hi bro...you really an inspiration, I read a lot about your success story,how you move your team, bring your people together to make things happened. I admire your accomplishment, whenever i fly with that 'red dragon'...i wonder how you did it, why, what is your pushing factor, what motivate you despite all the challenges. By the way congratulation...thanks bro for the inspiration.

HI TF, It's a pleasure to write to you. Recently I started my studies in Masters. I am currently on my 1st module and here we discuss on Strategic Leadership. My assignment requires me to write about you, critise and my 2 cents thoughts on your leadership styles. I started researching and the more I did I couldn't stop identifying various theories and research resembling your leadership style. Is there anything that you didn't do right ? I am sure somewhere along the line you had stamped your foot and said "damn It" .....i should have done this right, or do it this way or said this and not that &*#&#(#*&)(.... Perhaps you could help answer this question which will lead me to the start of my assignment:) Straight from the Horses mouth. If there was 1 thing you would have done differently in your leadership style, what would it be? Thank you in advance.

go tony go... we malaysian always support you !

Hi Tony it is invigorating how you are trying to move things forward with your formula1 team. I am amazed how many people have good advise without actually knowing the forces that play. A couple of my partners were involved in Spyker formula 1 with willingness to invest a substantial amount to compete for the top and they stopped because they felt that races are one on the tracks an not in court. They feel that a combination of heart, passion, strive for perfection and funds can win races even by teams not connected to the big car manufacturers. The biggest problems is the clashing of ego's. So it is very difficult to commit huge amount of dollars where these problems exist and where everybody's comfortable thinking inside the box rather than outside.
We watch every race and wish you luck especially in beating virgin ..an extra flight attendant is always welcome.
Dave