Tony Fernandes CEO Blog

Since back in 2001 when we took over the management of the airline, AirAsia has always set the bar high. "Dream the impossible, Believe the Unbelievable, Never Take No for an Answer" is that belief, our credo that inspires us and its a credo we live up to in every endeavour we are involved in.

Today we are proud of two young Malaysians who demonstrated the credo in action and in doing so, did Malaysia proud and cosigned the skeptics and naysayers to the margins.

Right here in Sepang, Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin of the AirAsia Team Malaysia made their maiden foray into the world of the 125cc MotoGP category. They entered as wild cards, but came in 16th (Elly) and 20th (Fahmi) in a field of 32 participants. An incredible feat that showed the world and pessimistic Malaysians just what Malaysia can do when we put pour hearts and minds to it.

AirAsia is extremely proud to be associated with these young Malaysians and to have sponsored the team. And they have more than justified our faith. Malaysia has so much untapped potential that we can tap into and unleash if only we believe in ourselves. We have the talent, the technical competency and the mindset to compete, all we need is the opportunity. Just give Malaysians a chance, a real chance, and we can take on the best in the world.

In regards to sports, my business partners and I have taken up the challenge with our involvement in setting up the 1Malaysia F1 team that will be on the starting blocks of the grid next year. Today, in the MotoGP, Elly and Fahmi planted the Malaysian flag in their field despite entering as wild cards and competing against the established stars. They were in contention for much of the race and only narrowly missed out on World Championship points. The message is clear and loud; we are here and ready to compete. And it's not too far fetched for us to consider fielding a team in the MotoGP circuit next season.

I say let's start showing the world that on any given platform and on any given day, we are equal to the world's best. I confess I am an incorrigible optimist and this may seem as just typical Tony. But our boys showed today what Malaysia can do and I say it is time to rise to the challenge and stand tall.

We'll be there with team Lotus on the Grand Prix circuit next year. Hope to see you there, cheering a Malaysian team, wearing the Malaysian team colours as yet another "impossible" dream becomes a reality.

I recently paid a visit to the Sinar Harian, a newspaper published by Akhbar Cabaran Sdn Bhd, which is related to the Kumpulan Karangkraf & Ultimate Group of Companies, to meet Dato' Hussamuddin. This is a group that I have come to know for many years primarily due to my involvement in the music business and his many entertainment magazines.

Walking through Sinar Harian's office reminded me so much of AirAsia. Vivid red colours, energetic, can-do staff and a mind-set of always challenging the big guys. Many things brought a smile to my face but a few stood out. One was that Sinar Harian's printing presses came from the original Star printing press, which is reminiscent of us starting from somewhere with borrowed strength. And, of course, the entrepreneurial stance of the company, particularly its quickness in closing out deals.

But my most enjoyable moment was going into Dato' Hussamuddin’s office and seeing a picture of his schooldays.

Photo courtesy of Dato' Hussamuddin

It brought immense joy to me and I hope one day in the not-too-distant future we will see this kind of photo again on walls all across Malaysia . This photo was taken in Kota Baru. A multi-racial class, and muti-racial teachers. Dato' Hussamuddin mentioned to me that everyone bought the concept at that time and everyone thought of only one thing: Malaysia.

I have many, many views on education. But I'll just summarise some key points:

1) Get rid of afternoon school. How can we say in this day and age that we don't have enough schools with classrooms to accommodate pupils in morning sessions? Afternoon should be saved for games and extra curricular activities.

2) Games, sports and art and culture are crucial to all-round character building. It is on the sports field that we encounter with our first team-building and communications experiences. It’s in drama class that you get your first creative experience. We need creative people and team players if Malaysia is to prosper in this challenging era of globalization.

3) Fewer exams. Why do we need so many? Yes, we must be prudent about this as examinations are a test of accumulated knowledge and lessons picked up but we must also be wary not to get carried away by relying solely on test after test to evaluate our children.

4) Wouldn't it be great if all our kids spoke Tamil or Hindi, Mandarin, Malay and English? How strong we would be! What a work force we would present to the globalised world. This includes, of course, maintaining high standards in English, the current forerunner in communication between borders. This is so important for us to prosper as a nation and enhance a competitive work force that is taken seriously around the world.

5) In the curriculum, encouragement and fostering of creative thinking must take centre stage and not just memorising a book. Rote learning will not cut it in this new digital era. We need to create an environment where the creative juices must be allowed to flow freely and experimentation is encouraged.

6) Give schools self governance. Allow more autonomy to school boards and allow parents to be more involved. Devolve management and power. It’s exactly what I feel should also constitute business ideals.

I have much more to say. My next post will be on innovation. Also, we will be adjusting the blog so I can reply immediately to comments in the same response column. And I'm enjoying chatting with you on meebo which has been simply a fantastic addition to the blog.

I will be posting my thoughts on KLIA-East in due course. Have a great week and wishing all Chinese in Malaysia and around the globe a Very Prosperous New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai.

Boy I have so much to say and I have to say this is liberating. Hopefully everyone who reads this will look at it in the right spirit...positive spirit. Something all of us as Malaysians need a massive dose of.

So Happy Merdeka to everyone! 51 years is not bad. Merdeka is not something to be taken lightly. Imagine if we were still ruled by someone else. We still have a long way to go before the fruits of independence are enjoyed by all. One of the key issues we face today is to stop great talent from leaving our wonderful country. A loss of even one talented Malaysian represents a drain on our great country.

In this era of globalization, I hope that we can put our differences behind us and work as a united Malaysia to combat the many challenges thrown at us.

Let's look confidently together towards the future and strengthen our bonds as Malaysians to take our nation to greater heights. Look at AirAsia, a company that pays homage to the diversity of Malaysia and which promotes talent regardless of race, creed, gender or social status and in the process built a truly global brand in 6 years.

AirAsia is a Malaysian company which has delivered tremendous benefits to every Malaysian. Imagine if there were 51 more such companies. That would be something to REALLY look forward to.