(From left) Maybank group chief digital officer Kalyani Nair, Sime Darby group chief strategy officer Datuk Thomas Leong Yew Hong, PNB president and group chief executive Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn, PNB group chairman Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Sime Darby Plantation chief research and development officer Dr Harikrisha Kulaveeenasingam, Sime Darby Plantation chief digital officer Aditya Tuli and Perodua head of research and development Jehan Adnan.

KUALA LUMPUR (July 27): Permodalan Nasional Bhd's (PNB) research arm PNB Research Institute Sdn Bhd has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a sustainable future through innovation at the inaugural PNB Knowledge Forum.

At the event, PNB group chairman Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda noted that the world was changing at an unprecedented rate and will continue to create opportunities while also generating new risks to incumbent market leaders.

“PNB recently published its inaugural Integrated Annual Report 2022 which represents its anticipation for growth and progressive approach to exploring new possibilities and capitalising on innovative opportunities. PNB is committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive future that benefits its stakeholders and the communities it serves,” said Arshad.

Four of its investee companies were featured at the forum, namely Sime Darby Plantation Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua), which have applied innovative approaches and disruptive technologies in their respective sectors.

During its presentation entitled ‘Plantations Reimagined’, Sime Darby Plantation highlighted innovations that it has implemented, while Sime Darby shared its journey in ‘Electrification’ — detailing its response to opportunities that have arisen amid the emerging adoption of electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, Maybank showcased its continued innovation of financial solutions that are simple, intuitive and centred around the human experience, true to its ethos of ‘Humanising Financial Services’.

Perodua, on the other hand, shared its ‘Moving Malaysia’ initiative, showcasing the company's robotics and technological innovations in automotive production and end-to-end manufacturing solutions.

“The innovative strategies and approaches in the soon-to-be-released New Industrial Master Plan 2030 will chart Malaysia’s industrial development and growth trajectories until 2030.

“Innovation will continue to be a critical factor to drive and increase the competitiveness of our country. It is my fervent hope that this engagement will help nurture a community of practice for
innovation and continuous improvement at PNB Group, investee companies and corporate Malaysia,” said Arshad.

The forum was attended by over 500 participants comprising senior policy makers, key leadership and senior management personnel from government-linked companies (GLCs) and public listed companies, as well as economists, fund managers, institutional investors and regulatory authorities.