CEO Insights Magazine

In this era of empowerment, women are not merely participants; they are torchbearers, forging paths to boardrooms that were once considered unattainable. Among these trailblazers, Dr. Sharmila Mohamed Salleh’s journey exemplifies excellence. The foundation of her success can be traced back to her time at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Armed with a diverse skill set and global perspective gained from her education, she embarked on her leadership journey to bring transformative changes in society, country, and the world.

As the CEO of Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM), Dr. Sharmila contributed to international science diplomacy in Malaysia and strengthened the bi-lateral ties with countries like India and the Philippines. She laid a strong foundation for the organization’s sustainability and built relationships with relevant stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. As the Senior Vice President of the Community Innovation Department, Dr. Sharmila secured an innovation grant and spearheaded many successful projects, including the ‘Zero Waste Mushroom Farm’ which generated great ROI and job opportunities. Lastly, as the Director of Monitoring, Reporting & KPI Department, she developed and implemented monitoring and reporting systems, resulting in 100 percent KPI achievement for YIM. CEO Insights Asia is honoured to interview Dr. Sharmila for being an inspiration.

What did you learn from your experience at Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia?

My academic experience at UiTM provided me with a solid foundation in business management, marketing, banking studies, and accountancy, as well as essential life skills and values that are applicable to my role as the CEO. The institution instilled in me the importance of perseverance and resilience, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset, which are all crucial in leading an organization. Furthermore, the research and thesis work honed my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of topics relevant to innovation. Overall, UiTM has shaped me into a leader committed to promoting innovation, driving sustainable development, and making a meaningful impact on society at large.

What are the key aspects of your leadership approach as the CEO of Malaysia Innovation Foundation?

I have a set of principles that guide my leadership towards fostering innovation and driving the organization's mission. Some key aspects of my approach include visionary leadership, collaborative decision-making, continuous learning, adaptation, stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, results oriented mindset, and ethics.

I believe in setting a clear vision for the organization, encouraging collaboration and input from all levels. At YIM, we prioritize continuous learning, engaging with stakeholders, and identifying opportunities. It is important to drive tangible results by upholding ethical and responsible leadership practices. By following these principles, I aim to lead the organization towards becoming a leading hub for social innovation in Malaysia and driving sustainable development and economic growth for innovators and entrepreneurs.

What are your strategies for fostering innovation as a CEO? What factors are considered when developing corporate growth strategies for YIM?

The key strategy includes creating collaborative spaces with needed resources and support. We have to facilitate partnerships, promote awareness and education, and reward innovation. By implementing these strategies, a CEO can cultivate a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for innovation.

The T-STAR factors encapsulating Technology Readiness, Stakeholder Engagement, Talent Development, Resource Allocation & effective Project Management to ensure YIM’s growth align with its mission of projects innovation & driving sustainable development in Malaysia.

What is your advice to budding industry leaders?

It's important to seek knowledge, remain adaptable and open-minded in the face of challenges. Embrace innovation, and always lead with integrity and empathy. Remember that true leadership involves empowering others and fostering a collaborative environment. There will be times when failure comes knocking at your door, but you must rise and fight for your ideas. Use your experiences as learning opportunities, constantly seek knowledge and feedback, and prioritize building strong relationships. Facilitate the career improvement of your team members and nurture them. By doing so, you'll create a positive work culture that encourages growth, innovation, and success.

What is the future destination you look forward to?

As the CEO of YIM, I would like to see Malaysia emerge as a global leader in innovation. I believe that by improving grassroots innovation, nurturing and practicing creativity, fostering collaboration, and driving sustainable development, we can achieve this goal. My hope is that YIM will play a central role in empowering innovators from grassroots to global, making Malaysia a power-hub of innovation.

Dr. Sharmila Mohamed Salleh, CEO, Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM)

Hailing from the state of Pahang, Dr. Sharmila won the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s 2023 Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards. She pioneered social innovation incubation support models in Malaysia and also contributed to policy promulgation for the country. Dr. Sharmila pitched to host the fourth ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) and successfully secured the opportunity for Malaysia to be the first ASEAN member state to host it in 2023.