Venue: The St. Regis, Kuala Lumpur
About PNB Knowledge Forum (PKF) 2025
The PNB Knowledge Forum (PKF) is part of PNB Group’s initiative to provide a platform for discussing topical
issues that impact the business environment and, subsequently, Malaysia's economic development. It aims to
bring together thought leaders and experts to share invaluable insights,
perspectives, and foster forward-looking discussions on these subjects. This year, PKF 2025 carries the theme of
Transformation, surrounding regional and national shifts, organisational change, and personal journeys.
Agenda
9.00 am:
Arrival of Guests
9.30 am:
Welcoming Remarks
YBhg Dato’ Abdul Rahman bin Ahmad,
President & Group Chief Executive, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)
9.40 am:
Economic and Wealth Transformation: “The Rise of Technofeudalism"
Yanis Varoufakis,
Economist and Former Minister of Finance, Greece
Yanis Varoufakis
Economist and Former Minister of Finance, Greece
Yanis Varoufakis is an economist, political leader, and the author of numerous bestselling books, including
“Talking to My Daughter: A Brief History of Capitalism” and “Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism?”. He
came to global prominence as Greece’s Finance Minister during the Eurozone crisis, where he led high-stakes
negotiations with the Eurogroup and the IMF, challenging orthodox austerity policies and advocating for debt
restructuring to safeguard sovereignty and dignity. Drawing on his experience at the intersection of economics,
politics, and global governance, Yanis brings a rare blend of intellectual rigour and practical insight to PKF
2025. His keynote on Economic Transformation will deliver a provocative exposé on the shifting foundations of
wealth and power in the digital age, and explore what this means for Malaysia and ASEAN as they navigate new
opportunities for resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
“In Conversation with Yanis Varoufakis”
A former CNN & CNBC Presenter. She has interviewed personalities as diverse as the world's top
heads of state, like Vladimir Putin, Vicente Fox, John Howard, Helen Clark, captains of industry, and
international artists like Sir Elton John and golf legend Tiger Woods, as well as moderated business
dialogues with some of the world's most powerful CEOs. Lorraine will moderate the “In Conversation Session
with Yanis”, the “In Conversation Session with YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim”, and the panel session on Transformation within Corporate Malaysia.
10.30 am:
Organisational Transformation: “Driving Innovation in a World of Disruption”
Christian Majgaard,
Former Head of Global Brands, LEGO
Christian Majgaard
Former Head of Global Brands, LEGO
Christian Majgaard worked 25 years for LEGO, ending his career as the global top executive, responsible for
pioneering successful innovations such as the first LEGOLAND® parks, LEGO’s first Brand stores, and LEGO’s
special dedication to child education. He championed LEGO's successful shift from a low-tech plastic toy maker
to a modern brand leveraging new technologies like robotics and interactivity, relying heavily on consumer
engagement analytics. At PKF 2025, his keynote will highlight LEGO’s innovation history and the ability to
adapt to disruption.
11.30 am:
- Arrival of YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia
- Opening Remarks by YM Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Group Chairman, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)
- Keynote Address and “In Conversation with YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim”
YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim,
Prime Minister of Malaysia
YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim
Prime Minister of Malaysia
YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, is widely recognised for his principled
leadership during Malaysia’s most turbulent economic periods and for his unwavering stance against corruption.
Today, under his stewardship, the Malaysia MADANI reform agenda reflects a broader vision of transformation—not
confined to GDP growth, but encompassing moral, intellectual, and societal renewal. At PKF 2025, his
“In Conversation” session will explore how Malaysia can navigate transformation at the intersection of
geopolitics, economics, and social justice, balancing progress with compassion, integrity, and sustainability.
A former CNN & CNBC Presenter. She has interviewed personalities as diverse as the world's top
heads of state, like Vladimir Putin, Vicente Fox, John Howard, Helen Clark, captains of industry, and
international artists like Sir Elton John and golf legend Tiger Woods, as well as moderated business
dialogues with some of the world's most powerful CEOs. Lorraine will moderate the “In Conversation Session
with Yanis”, the “In Conversation Session with YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim”, and the panel session on Transformation within Corporate Malaysia.
12.45 pm:
Luncheon Presentation: “Transformation in the Geopolitical Landscape and Economy – South Asia and Southeast Asia”
Shaun Cochran,
Head of Research, CLSA
Shaun Cochran
Head of Research, CLSA
Shaun Cochran became Group Head of Research at CLSA in April 2019, overseeing all aspects of the research product.
Previously, he was Global Head of Thematic Research, coordinating global analysts to identify long-term investment themes.
From 2007 to 2014, he led CLSA’s Korea research team and later served as Country Head. At PKF 2025, Shaun will deliver a
presentation on how global markets are reconfiguring in the aftermath of shifting supply chains, technological disruption
and geopolitical rivalry.
- Lunch served 30 minutes
- Luncheon presentation starts at 1:15 p.m.
2.30 pm:
Panel Session: “Transformation at Scale: Delivering Sustainable Shareholder Value in Malaysia”
YBhg Dato’ Rick Ramli,
Deputy President & Group Chief Executive, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)
YBhg Dato’ Rick Ramli
Deputy President & Group Chief Executive, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)
Dato' Rick Ramli, along with the PGCE, works hand in hand in overseeing the overall management of PNB Group.
He spearheads the overall operational activities within six key divisions - Strategy & Finance, Investments,
Sales & Distribution, Operations, Corporate Affairs, and Human Capital. Dato' Rick will share his perspective on
corporate transformation in Malaysia including areas such as building a resilient portfolio, enhancing performance
of portfolio companies, and advancing sustainability practices across portfolio - all from the viewpoint of an
institutional shareholder.
YBhg Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli,
President & Group Chief Executive Officer, Maybank
YBhg Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli
President & Group Chief Executive Officer, Maybank
Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh has been a key figure in the development and growth of the Malaysian banking sector,
named the Best Bank CEO in Malaysia 2025 by The Asian Banker for his leadership in Maybank's M25+ strategy,
which resulted in a record net profit of over MYR 10 billion in 2024, 10 million+ active digital users, and
significant progress in sustainable finance and anti-fraud efforts.
YBhg Dato’ Seri Azmir Merican,
Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer,
Sime Darby Property Berhad (SDP)
YBhg Dato’ Seri Azmir Merican
Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
Sime Darby Property Berhad (SDP)
Dato’ Seri Azmir Merican has driven transformations across three different companies over 15 years
as a CEO. He is currently leading Sime Darby Property’s transformation into a real estate company
under its SHIFT25 Strategy. The company delivered record financial performance in 2023 and 2024.
Sime Darby Property was named Malaysia’s number one property developer at The Edge Malaysia Top
Property Developers Awards 2024. At the same awards in 2023, he was recognised as Outstanding
Property CEO, and in 2024 he received the Gold Award for Most People-Focused CEO at the HR
Excellence Awards. Sime Darby Property is now placing Purpose at the centre of its transformation.
A former CNN & CNBC Presenter. She has interviewed personalities as diverse as the world's top
heads of state, like Vladimir Putin, Vicente Fox, John Howard, Helen Clark, captains of industry, and
international artists like Sir Elton John and golf legend Tiger Woods, as well as moderated business
dialogues with some of the world's most powerful CEOs. Lorraine will moderate the “In Conversation Session
with Yanis”, the “In Conversation Session with YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim”, and the panel session on Transformation within Corporate Malaysia.
3.30 pm:
Stories of Transformation from Personal Journeys to Collective Impact
“Driving Entrepreneurial Transformation in the F&B Sector”
Venon Tian, Group Chief Operating Officer, ZUS Coffee
Venon Tian
Group Chief Operating Officer, ZUS Coffee
Venon Tian has led ZUS Coffee to grow into a symbol of Malaysian pride, crossing fierce competition in the
F&B sector to establish itself as a household name both locally and abroad. He has won numerous awards,
including the EY Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2023. Prior to joining ZUS Coffee, Venon was a serial
entrepreneur who had co-founded several other businesses. His story is about scaling a business and to dream
globally while staying true to national roots.
“The Power of Youth to Shape a Sustainable Future”
Melati Wijsen, Founder, Bye Bye Plastic Bags
Melati Wijsen
Founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags
Melati Wijsen founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags at the age of 12 with her younger sister and has been leading the
movement driven by youth since 2013. Selected as Forbes' Top 10 most inspiring women in the country, Melati
has given two global TED talks before turning 21 and has spoken on world stages, including the UN. Recently,
Melati co-chaired the World Economic Forum GPAP committee and sat on the inaugural Expert Advisory Panel for
the Earthshot Prize. Melati will emphasise how cross-generational collaboration, innovative education, and
collective action boost the transition to a sustainable, equitable world.
“From Punchlines to Power Moves: My Transformation Journey”
Douglas Lim, Actor & Comedian
Douglas Lim
Malaysian Actor, Comedian, Television Presenter, and Emcee
Douglas is synonymous with comedy in Malaysia. His natural ability to bring laughter to people from all
walks of life has earned him the nickname "King of Malaysian Comedy." In 2009, Douglas Lim started and
headlined Malaysia’s most successful Stand-up Comedy Tour Group – the Malaysian Association of Chinese
Comedians. From 2009 to 2018, this group played sold-out shows in Malaysia and Singapore. To wrap up
the event, he will blend storytelling with comedy to reflect on life’s lessons, showing how laughter
can be a powerful tool for transformation.
5.00 pm:
Networking & Refreshments
End of Programme
This event is by invitation only. For further enquiries, please contact us at
[email protected]
Transformation: A Defining Question of Our Times
This thought leadership forum brings together global thinkers,
national leaders, and corporate architects to explore how
transformation shapes economies, organisations, and lives.
Transformation is not an abstract concept. It is the pulse of progress that decides
whether societies flourish or fracture. The world is changing faster
than ever, and Malaysia stands at a critical juncture where the choices we
make today will determine our position in tomorrow's global economy. PKF
2025 explores transformation through four connected lenses:
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Economic: how wealth and production are reshaped in the digital age.
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Geographic: how nations reposition themselves amid global shifts.
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Organisational: how firms adapt to disruption, sustainability demands, and new technologies.
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Personal: how individuals change through resilience, learning, and creativity.
Through carefully curated sessions and diverse perspectives, PKF 2025 explores how Malaysia can navigate
disruption and align policies, capital, and leadership to drive inclusive and sustainable progress.
Conversations That Matter
Keynote 1: Economic Transformation
Rethinking Wealth Creation
Dr. Yanis Varoufakis, former Finance Minister of Greece, examines the future of capitalism and the rise of digital
economic structures. He warns of capitalism’s death with the rise of technofeudalism, urging us to shape the new order
rather than submit to it.
Keynote 2: Organisational Transformation
Driving Innovation Through Disruption
Christian Majgaard, former Head of Global Brands at LEGO, shares lessons from one of the world's
most successful corporate renewals. His keynote demonstrates how vision and innovation sustain organisations through disruption.
In conversation with YAB Prime Minister
National Reform and Malaysia MADANI
Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim discusses Malaysia's transformation in
the context of global shifts, moderated by veteran journalist Lorraine Hahn. The conversation explores how the Prime Minister
of Malaysia navigates change at the crossroads of geopolitics, economics, and society and how his own personal transformation
has played a part in his national transformation agenda.
Capital and Market Transformation from a Regional Perspective
Capital and Geopolitical Shifts
Shaun Cochran, Head of Research at CLSA, examines how markets evaluate transformation.
His keynote drives home a clear point that policies may set direction, but transformation only takes root when capital aligns
with ambition.
Nurturing Sustainable Shareholder Value through Transformation
Corporate Transformation at Scale
Leaders from PNB, Sime Darby Property and Maybank will demonstrate how Malaysia's largest
institutions deliver sustainable value while navigating disruption and governance demands.
Personal Journeys to Collective Impact
Venon Tian (ZUS Coffee founder), Melati Wijsen (a youth activist in climate change), and Douglas Lim (comedian and entrepreneur)
share stories of entrepreneurial, environmental, and creative transformation that create collective change.
PKF 2025 serves as a platform to bridge knowledge gaps, provoke critical debate, and share best practices on issues central to
Malaysia's economic and social transformation. The forum welcomes senior policymakers, corporate leaders, fund managers,
high net worth individuals, ASNB unitholders, and students—reflecting the broad coalition required to drive meaningful change.