Page 4 - RSOG ANNUAL REPORT 2021

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

It goes without question that over the last two (2) years, in 2017 set the foundation for achieving greater heights
countries around the world have had to face the global focusing on developing homegrown programmes,
impact of COVID-19 on societies and economies, some strengthening stakeholder engagements, and building
more so than others. Global leaders were flung into a strong client base with various ministries, state
unchartered territories, one they hardly know much about governments and related agencies.
with expectations running high to step forward and lead
the way, putting aside their own apprehensions amidst Since taking over the helm of RSOG in November 2021,
uncertainties, shifts and changes, some unanticipated after more than 30 years of academic teaching and a long-
and mostly unprecedented. standing history of serving Universiti Teknologi MARA
(UiTM) in various leadership positions, the immediate
Closer to home, our public sector leaders have emphasis is to further strengthen RSOG’s development
demonstrated wisdom, strategic thinking skills, and agile of home-grown research informed training modules. The
leadership in adapting to the changes in the environment focus on programmes for 2022 onwards are centred
and managing the complexities of the pandemic to on four knowledge domains; Leadership, Governance,
safeguard the wellbeing of the people and the country. Policy Development and Advanced Management.
New strategies were implemented to steer through the
disruptions which translated into high vaccination rates, In this volatile and dynamic world, change is foreseeable
easy availability of self-test kits and comprehensive and must be welcomed as it creates the potential to
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ready for all learn and grow. Programmes designed and developed by
scenarios. The government machinery was also quick to RSOG are not only centred on theories and knowledge but
adjust to the new norms in the work environment and goes far beyond - geared towards building resilience, being
accelerated the use of technology to enhance public innovative, rationalising things before planning and the
service delivery. agility to navigate through complex situations. In addition,
we firmly believe the importance of leaders possessing
As experienced by countless training institutions, RSOG good values to carry out their duties more effectively
had to put in place various counter measures and rise and sincerely. An effective leader should have a purpose,
to the challenge of propelling continuous learning belief, leadership style and management approach
within unpredictable surroundings. The development driven by values.
and delivery of high-quality programmes for our main
stakeholder, the Public Service Department and other RSOG is committed to creating and providing a
reputable clients remained a high priority. Despite the conducive learning environment. Hence, the office
volatile and challenging environment, RSOG was able to relocation to Quill 18, Cyberjaya in April 2022 aims to
engage the expertise of local and international speakers provide such an atmosphere with comfortable training
while strengthening relations with existing partners rooms that offer natural lighting, numerous training
and creating new business opportunities. One common facilities and an executive lounge among others.
thread in navigating through these changes is the role of
leadership. Certainly, there are many challenges ahead. We at
RSOG aspire to continue innovating and strengthening
For the most part of 2021, under the stewardship of our programmes to ensure leaders in the public service
my predecessor, Encik Azman Hisham Che Doi, RSOG are future ready; equipped with the best skills and
successfully delivered a total of fifty-six programmes knowledge to lead the government and the people.
and activities in the form of leadership development
programmes, webinar series, a conference, and several To end, I would like to express my deepest appreciation
speaking engagements; primarily in either fully virtual to the Board of Trustees, Board Advisory Committees,
or hybrid format. In addition, the research team initiated stakeholders, and strategic partners for the constant
four leadership related research activities to develop our support, encouragement, commitment, and confidence
tacit knowledge repository and local case studies. The in RSOG to date and moving forward.
research activities echo RSOG’s belief on the importance
of understanding the needs of the public sector and Thank you.
closing the gap between the existing and ideal leadership
needs to facilitate future ready leaders that can better
serve the nation.
YBrs. Dr. Hj. Mohamad Kamal Hj. Harun FASc
Everyone at RSOG played an important role in making Chief Executive Officer
sure the new strategic business direction first initiated Razak School of Government

02 RSOG Annual Report 2021