In today’s world, where change is constant, the climate is unpredictable, and technology advances rapidly, playing it safe could be the riskiest move of all. This was the hard-hitting truth delivered at the 6th session of the FAST (Forward Asia Strategic Transformation) Movement forum, held at PUMM Headquarters, SetiaWalk, Puchong.
A Crossroads for Malaysian SMEs
The forum comes with a provocative theme, which is “New Playbook for Profit: Unconventional Thinking to Grow a Conventional Business,”. The event gathered thought leaders from agritech, zoo architecture, and digital innovation, proving that the most transformative ideas often come from unexpected places.
From Palm Oil to Panda Habitats: A Showcase of Uncommon Genius
Opening the evening, Madam Jun Ooi, Deputy Organising Chairlady of FAST and Principal Consultant at One Island Consultancy, pointed out:
“We can no longer grow the same way we used to. Environmental, social, and digital pressures require a new mindset — one grounded in values, creativity, and collaboration.”
Madam Jun Ooi, Deputy Organising Chairlady of FAST and Principal Consultant at One Island Consultancy
Her call to action paved the way for a series of talks that jumped across industries but linked up on one truth: adaptability is survival.
Ir. Ts. Dr. Gideon Tan Xiang Yee of FGV Holdings Berhad revealed how palm oil operations are transforming by treating ESG not as a mere compliance, but as an opportunity.
“Innovation doesn’t always mean new tech. Sometimes it means looking at old processes with new eyes. And to do that, you need diversity in your thinking team.”
Ir. Ts. Dr. Gideon Tan Xiang Yee, Head of Group Transformation Division at FGV Holdings Berhad
Besides, Ahmad Surasa of ZooVisions Sdn Bhd took the audience into the realm of biomimicry. From chameleons’ adaptability to bamboo’s rapid growth, he showed how wildlife strategies can guide business strategy.
“Nature evolves through four key strategies: adapt like a chameleon, grow like bamboo, build symbiosis like coral reefs, and innovate like a bowerbird. These principles apply to SMEs too — if you know how to listen to nature.”
Ahmad Surasa, Principal Architect at ZooVisions Sdn Bhd
Lastly, Ts. Tan Aik Keong from Agmo Group concluded the speaker segment by reframing AI as a business ally, not a threat. From detecting cancer cells to predicting wildfires, he proved that AI can drive both profitability and sustainability if businesses are ready to embrace it.
“AI won’t replace humans, but those who learn to use AI effectively will replace those who don’t. The challenge is not the technology — it’s our mindset.”
Ts. Tan Aik Keong, Founder and CEO of Agmo Group
Moderated by Yens Yenkai: A Forum of Cross-Pollination
Guided by moderator Yens Yenkai, ESG Bureau Director at PUMM, FAST initiator, and Founder of Dreams, the discussion distilled into three powerful takeaways:
- Adaptability Beats Authority: Companies fail not from poor products, but from refusing to change.
- Cross-Industry Curiosity: The best breakthroughs often come from outside your own industry.
- Think Like Nature: Use eco-thinking to reimagine supply chains, operations, and product development from the natural world.
Audience Dialogue: From Curiosity to Action
The energy peaked during the Q&A session, as founders, students, and innovators posed real-world questions to the panel. One intriguing idea stole the spotlight: what if agriculture, biodiversity, and tech joined forces? The imagined result: a regenerative, data-driven and community-focused business model ready to power ASEAN’s future.
Strong Closing and Upcoming Summit
Dato’ Jason Foo Khee Long, Secretary-General of PUMM and Executive Chairman of 81 Group, closed the night by delivering a clear message:
“Today’s forum shows us that unconventional doesn’t mean unrealistic. It means being brave enough to think differently, act collaboratively, and commit to a better way of doing business.”
Dato ’Jason Foo Khee Long, Secretary-General of PUMM and Executive Chairman of 81 Group
The conversation does not end here. He invited all participants to the FAST Flagship Summit on 27 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. There will be over 500 entrepreneurs, policymakers, and global experts who will co-create a resilient, inclusive, and tech-enabled ASEAN economy.
So, save the date! Be part of the movement that’s rewriting the rules of growth. Visit FAST Movement to register.
