Loading...
The Malaysia IXP was a refreshing way to apply some of the management skills developed during my MBA career in a more practical, field-based manner. Having learned to analyze cases, it was invaluable to approach the very complex challenges that Malaysia faces through an experiential learning model. We tackled some broad challenges (e.g. New Economic Model, Entrepreneurship, Education, Brain Drain, Investments, etc…) and some very specific ones (Shrimp, Electronics, Tourism) within our sub-teams. There was incredible access to various stakeholders / interest-groups as we tried to gather knowledge on-ground (in Malaysia) to complement the preliminary research and interviews done before-hand (in Boston). The various cultural activities also provided insight into the Malaysian culture and we were able to gain deeper understanding through informal interactions with the locals.
The presentation to the Prime Minister proved to be the highlight of the IXP as it capped off our hard work. Many of us were impressed with his receptiveness to our actionable recommendations and his interest in our analysis. As Malaysia seeks to successfully implement its New Economic Model, we hope we have been able to provide a framework and suggestions to help them succeed and escape being “stuck in the middle”.
Our sub-team of 5 people worked on issues surrounding Entrepreneurship, Education, and the “Brain Drain.” After interviewing a diverse array of people (ranging from the Deputy Minister of Higher Education to entrepreneurs and students) to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges. We , we were able assessed the state of entrepreneurship, analyzed the barriers along with current measures, and made actionable recommendations to help foster a more entrepreneurial culture, to improve the overall educational system, and to turn the “brain drain” into the “brain gain” by reducing the exodus of high-potential Malaysians while attracting Malaysians in diaspora back home. We focused on improving teacher quality, increasing merit-based opportunities within Malaysia, reducing government inefficiencies, expanding mentorship networks, and increasing risk-tolerance by revising bankruptcy laws to help fight a risk-averse culture.
Overall, I found the Malaysian people to be very welcoming and entertaining. They eat a lot but it’s because they have lots of good food. If not for the IXP, I doubt I would ever experience Malaysia so I am very grateful for the opportunity to have enjoyed the country with some amazing HBS folks.
Olatomiwa Igun, aka Tomiwa, is a 2nd year MBA student. At HBS, Tomiwa is active in the Africa Business Club and is co-organizing the Africa Business Conference that attracts close to 1000 attendees, the largest student-run conference focusing on Africa. He also enjoys being a part of the soccer club and taking wonderful trips with fellow classmates. Prior to HBS, he studied electrical engineering at Howard University and received a Master’s in electrical engineering from University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School. After his Bachelor’s, he worked at DaimlerChrysler in the Chrysler Institute of Engineering Leadership Development program before transitioning to the Power industry with Sargent & Lundy. Post-MBA, Tomiwa will be joining BCG’s Philadelphia office with hopes of focusing on Power/Utilities clients.
Write A Comment
Login
