FAQ

1) What is the purpose of MINDA?
One of the main policy thrusts of the GLC Transformation ("GLCT") Programme is the need to upgrade the effectiveness of GLC Boards through learning which led to the establishment of the Malaysian Directors Academy (MINDA).

MINDA aims to address Board performance by equipping Directors of GLCs with world class knowledge, skills and mindset to perform to a consistently high standard. To be an effective Director, performance is critical. This includes understanding the boundaries between Board and management, active problem solving with both the Board and key management on strategic issues, whilst leveraging networks and managing multiple stakeholders in a proactive manner.

2) Can non-GLC Directors participate in MINDA programmes?
MINDA’s initial focus will be on designing and deploying flagship programmes tailored specifically for GLC Directors. Once this has been achieved, MINDA will consider expanding and deploying programmes for other Directors.

3) Has MINDA identified its partner(s)?
For its Flagship Programmes, MINDA is partnering with IMD – The International Institute for Management Development based in Lausanne, Switzerland. IMD is the leading provider of executive education and was ranked 2nd in the world and 1st amongst European business schools for the overall quality of its programmes in the 2006 Financial Times rankings. IMD was also ranked 1st worldwide for its MBA programme in the 2005 Wall Street Journal rankings. MINDA is also in discussions currently with other local and international institutions to identify potential areas for collaboration.

4) How does MINDA aim to build local capacity and capability?
This will be done through numerous means including:

• Partnering with local institutions in deploying MINDA’s Flagship Programmes with the aim of collaboration and transferring knowledge;
• Collaborating on local and regional research and case study development as means for knowledge sharing and personal development;
• Developing customised programmes that address local and regional development needs; and
• Proposing “Centers of Excellence” among local institutions to reduce duplication, encourage specialisation and increase scalability

5) Isn’t MINDA similar to other executive learning institutions in Malaysia?
MINDA’s target groups are GLC Directors and not Management. The programmes to be deployed are tailored specifically for Directors covering areas such as performance and leadership requirements, strategy and organizational development, global trends and challenges, etc. from a Director’s perspective. MINDA is also looking at working with local institutions to optimize programmes deployed in Malaysia and would seek to avoid duplicity.