Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Entrepreneurs and business leaders have recently gathered at PUMM Headquarters in Setiawalk for the latest leg of the FAST On The Move roadshow — the fifth stop in a 15-session nationwide tour aimed at equipping businesses with the tools to thrive through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration and AI-driven innovation.
The event is part of the broader FAST (Forward Asia Strategic Transformation) movement, an ambitious initiative designed to help SMEs future-proof their operations amid a rapidly shifting economic landscape.
Attendees were treated to a compelling lineup of speakers, including sustainability champion Matthias Gelber (known widely as “Greenman”), ESG strategist Chong Li Ken, and AI expert Eric Lim of Mampu AI. Each delivered practical insights on how ESG principles and artificial intelligence can be harnessed not in isolation, but as complementary tools to drive lasting business value.
“FAST is more than a seminar,” said Dolly Chin, vice chairlady of PUMM Sabah. “It’s a national movement to equip SMEs with the right tools, spark innovation rooted in values, and unite entrepreneurs who aim not just for growth in size — but growth in impact.”
The evening kicked off with opening remarks from PUMM Deputy President Eugene Ng, who described FAST as a vital platform for responsible leadership, co-creation, and strategic transformation.
Gelber emphasised the importance of starting with small, consistent actions. In a symbolic gesture underscoring environmental mindfulness, he requested reduced lighting and moderated air-conditioning in the hall.
“Small efforts practiced consistently can build up to big results,” he said, referencing his personal mantra: “Sikit-sikit, lama-lama jadi bukit.”
Eric Lim brought the audience into the realm of intelligent automation, highlighting how AI agents are revolutionising customer service and operations.
“AI can respond instantly with empathy and intelligence — keeping customers engaged while freeing up people to do what they do best,” Lim noted.
Meanwhile, Chong Li Ken reinforced that ESG is now a business essential, not a checkbox.
“Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have.’ It’s an investment in long-term relevance, value creation, and brand trust,” he said, drawing from real-world case studies.
The session concluded with a rousing message from Yens Yenkai, FAST Initiator and Director of PUMM’s ESG Bureau.
“In today’s changing world, businesses need more than IQ and EQ — they need AQ: Adaptability Quotient. Kodak, Nokia, and Blockbuster didn’t fall because of bad products. They fell because they failed to adapt.”
The event wrapped with an open dialogue between the speakers and audience, sparking bold questions about how to lead transformation with purpose.
PUMM President Dato’ Dr. Teh Tai Yong delivered the closing remarks, encouraging continued involvement in the FAST Movement and inviting attendees to the FAST Flagship Summit in Kuala Lumpur on November 27, 2025. The summit will convene thought leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the region to shape a future-ready ASEAN business landscape.
