About Us
Empowering Board Excellence in Malaysian Financial Institutions

Welcome to FIDE FORUM, the premier educational platform and community dedicated exclusively to Financial Institutions Directors in Malaysia. If you are already navigating the complexities of modern financial governance, FIDE FORUM is here to take you even further.

A Vision for Stronger Governance
Our Origins

A Vision for Stronger Governance

Our journey began as an initiative by alumni of the Financial Institutions Directors' Education (FIDE) Programme, a significant undertaking spearheaded by Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Driven by the need for deeper board-level collaboration and lifelong learning, FIDE FORUM was established as a space where directors could grown, exchange insights, and lead with impact. The vision was clear: to elevate corporate governance standards and shape best practices within Malaysia's dynamic financial sector through a trusted, director-led community.

Who We Are Today

Your Partner in Board Leadership

Since our inception, FIDE FORUM has grown into Malaysia's leading organisation, representing the specific interests and developmental needs of financial institution directors. As a membership-based platform, we are committed to fostering a forward-thinking environment—where leaders like you gain access to the insights, resources, and networks needed to thrive at the board level.

Who We Are Today
the chairman says
Services are delivered with a focus on strengthening trust and stability within the financial industry.

At FIDE FORUM, our primary goal is to empower boards with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in this ever-changing landscape. We understand the importance of embracing emerging technologies and integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into boardroom decision-making processes.

In line with the best practices of leading agencies, we aim to provide invaluable resources and strategic guidance and foster an environment of continuous learning. Our comprehensive programs and initiatives promote a collaborative environment that encourages growth, innovation, and effective decision-making. By addressing key challenges and exploring innovative solutions, we will pave the way for a more financially secure and prosperous future in the digital age

Together, let us build a future where boards are future-ready and capable of driving positive change. Join us at FIDE FORUM and be part of the journey towards empowered and impactful leadership.

datuk kamaruddin taib
Chairman
A Message from the CEO
Looking Ahead To Keep The Financial Industry Growing

The financial industry faces significant changes from regulatory demands, technological innovations, and broader customer choices. The industry must remain agile, embrace innovation, and consistently deliver value to stay ahead of the curve.

At FIDE FORUM, we strive to meet the evolving needs of our valued members by delivering solutions that emphasise continuous learning and professional development for board members of financial institutions. We facilitate strong professional networks and connections with critical stakeholders to keep them updated with contemporary trends and developments. By involving members in discussions, sharing experiences, and enabling collaboration and networking, we cultivate a community of good practice amongst like-minded individuals committed to promoting good governance in the financial services industry.

As we evolve and grow, we understand the importance of sustaining our core values. Promoting the essence of good governance is critical for economic stability, upholding the system's integrity, and protecting the public interest.

I am proud and confident of FIDE FORUM's contributions to this end.

MR Tay Kay Luan
Chief Executive Officer
Our Value Proposition
We foster a collaborative ecosystem where members engage and learn from one another, driving individual and collective growth and contributing to industry-wide progress. Members of FIDE FORUM benefit from
  • Exclusive Networking: Forge invaluable connections and build relationships with peers across the financial landscape.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Access cutting-edge insights, best practices, and thought leadership on corporate governance.
  • Professional Development: Enhance your expertise and contribute to the advancement of the industry.
  • Influence and Advocacy: Engage in critical discussions and contribute to shaping the future of financial services in Malaysia.
Vision

To be an exclusive network of financial institution directors to enhance board excellence and promote sustainable business growth and financial stability.

Mission

To provide seamless board services that enhance Financial Institution directors' awareness, board talent management, and board effectiveness by leveraging thought leadership and members' insights.

Milestones

This study examines board culture, leadership, and governance in Malaysian financial institutions, focusing on how board behaviors and dynamics reflect the values and experiences of directors. It emphasizes that directors aren’t just skilled but also shaped by personal beliefs and cultural backgrounds, which influence meeting conduct, leadership style, communication, and decision-making. These dynamics create a reinforcement feedback loop. The study stresses the importance of fostering a strong board culture that integrates diverse expertise and effective leadership for sustainable governance.

In response to significant interest following the success of the 2015 and 2016 reports on Directors’ remuneration, FIDE FORUM, in collaboration with Aon, produced the Directors’ Remuneration Report 2024.

  • The report, a result of extensive qualitative analysis, examined remuneration practices of various LFIs in 2024.
  • Areas discussed include the effects of board size, composition, tenure, diversity, committees, the role of the board chair in these committees, benefits, and remuneration.
  • The report highlighted the importance of remuneration in attracting top-quality directors, fostering a supportive board culture, and its impact on director performance.

Licensed Financial Institutions provide strategic leadership to navigate the complexity of the industry and the realities of the current economic environment. The onset of digital disruption to the sector, increased expectations of ethical conduct, and heightened awareness of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors have contributed to the industry's current flux. To face these challenges, LFI Boards must provide the appropriate leadership, expertise and constructive challenge to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders

FIDE FORUM, BNM (Bank Negara Malaysia), and PIDM (Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia) actively collaborate in this strategic, game-changing effort to improve board governance in renewal and succession. The leadership requirements of FORUM's Board Leadership Framework drive the selection of candidates to the Directors Registry. Viewing candidates with their experiences, competencies, traits, and drivers is crucial, as these factors affect how they contribute to and engage with others on the Board.

  • The extent of the implementation and challenges of the 2015 Reports on Equitable Remuneration for Role, Effort, and Risks and Robust Board Evaluation Practices.
  • The board talent needs and sourcing of directors for input to build a talent pool for the Directors Register Project.
  • Changes in board practices since the 2015 Report's launch.
  • FIDE FORUM's role in initiatives to support members in promoting good board-level governance practices.

FIDE FORUM's Board Leadership Profile assesses potential Board candidates, provides an avenue to conduct a targeted search based on advanced criteria and populates the FIDE FORUM Directors Registry. The profile helps increase member visibility and is designed for easy navigation by financial institutions.

FIDE FORUM embarked on a new Directors' remuneration study to identify the following:

  • Changes in NEDs' (Non-Executive Directors') remuneration practices.
  • Current issues, trends and perceptions in remuneration practices in other selected industries in Malaysia and Licensed Financial Institutions (LFIs) in leading financial markets.
  • Key factors influencing remuneration principles.
  • Views and perceptions of the framework outlined in the 2010 Study and the extent of its adoption.
  • Insights on practices in other selected industries in Malaysia and LFIs in leading financial markets.

We provide a comprehensive suite of services to enhance board performance and effectiveness, from talent sourcing through the Board Career initiative to strategic board advisory. Join us and be part of a community committed to ethical leadership, innovation, and the sustainable growth and stability of Malaysia's financial sector.

Key Stakeholders

Key Collaborators

Our Approach: Driving Board Performance

We are committed to supporting Malaysian financial institutions in setting new governance standards and delivering sustainable value creation. By identifying the critical skillsets and mindsets needed for future-ready boards, we help bridge the gap between current practices and emerging demands. Our approach is grounded in:

Strategic Foresight

We provide a holistic perspective on the dynamic interplay of regulatory demands, technological advancements, and evolving stakeholder expectations. Our customised solutions integrate best-practice frameworks, ensuring you stay at the forefront.

Agile Value Creation

We employ agile, personalised processes designed to maximise performance from day one. We deliver impactful solutions that drive measurable results and fuel growth by engaging stakeholders, analysing data, and fostering open communication.

Data-Driven Insights

Leveraging talent assessments, market data, and diagnostic analytics, we offer comprehensive insights into your board's capabilities and potential. We benchmark against industry standards, anticipate future talent needs, and recommend targeted strategies to optimise board composition and effectiveness.

our team
Our talented and diverse team represents the current business landscape. We unlock everyone's ideas and potential, help nurture innovation, and offer more robust services.
Tay Kay Luan
Tay Kay Luan
Chief Executive Officer
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Seri Idawaty Mat Zin
Seri Idawaty Mat Zin
Director, Markets
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Anne Wong Lai Yen
Anne Wong Lai Yen
Head, Finance & Shared Services
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Voon Zhen Yi
Voon Zhen Yi
Senior Manager, Learning & Research
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Nik Norzehan Nik Mohamed
Nik Norzehan Nik Mohamed
Senior Manager, Membership
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Wan Hazlizam Wan Hamid
Wan Hazlizam Wan Hamid
Senior Manager, Business Development
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Jessy Bharm
Jessy Bharm
Manager, Corporate Communications
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rovella
Pleant Rovella Kapple
Manager, Learning & Research
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Kalaivaani Kathi Ravan
Kalaivaani Kathi Ravan
Executive, Membership Support
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Sharmila Arjunan
Sharmila Arjunan
Executive, Finance and Administration
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Our Values: Guiding Principles

Our work is grounded in values that guide every initiative and interaction:

Collaboration
We cultivate a supportive ecosystem where members connect, share knowledge, and learn from one another, driving collective growth and industry progress.
Innovation
We champion forward-thinking solutions, empowering financial institutions to adapt proactively to change and seize emerging opportunities.
Excellence
We are dedicated to delivering the highest standards of service and expertise, ensuring our members receive exceptional support and strategic guidance.
Impact
We strive to make a tangible, positive difference in the Malaysian financial services industry by promoting robust governance, sustainable growth, and responsible leadership.