#28 | Was It Personal Between Tony Fernandes & Idris Jala?

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes is the co-founder of AirAsia and the Group CEO of the Capital A Group.
This week, we had the privilege of getting Idris’ old aviation rival in to clear the air about their rivalry - was it personal or professional?
Hear how he got his passion for people, knowledge and business came from his parents.
Other key topics discussed?
1. Malaysia’s education system
2. Tribalism and politicisation of race in Malaysia
3. AirAsia’s road out of PN17
4. The need for GST
5. An alternative to the NEP
6. Leading with transparency
7. Learnings from the next generation
PS. We found out that Gen Zs and Gen Alpha know him as a TikToker and not as an entrepreneur!
Give him a follow:
TikTok: @tonyfernandesairasia
IG: @tonyfernandes
Dato Sri Idris Jala is a former minister (ranked by Bloomberg in 2014 as the top 10 most influential policy makers in the world) and Chairman of PEMANDU Associates and Heineken Malaysia, as well as Co-Chairman of Sunway Group.
Leon Jala is a pastor at HTBB Church where he serves as the Director of Content and Co-head of Creative. He is also a Board Member of PEMANDU Associates where serves as Interim Chair.
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[@ireumiobseum]

“We waste a lot of time on race and religion, it’s so unproductive”. This is so true!

[@ruralparadise8901]

One of the best discussions, if not the best, between two best Malaysian sons ever. 👍👍👍

[@nolanross2665]

Leon is the most intelligent sounding young man that i have seen online for a while. So, well done. I did not know of his existence until I saw this interview. As for Tony. My successful malaysian former schoolmates hate him. Listening to him in this interview just made me wonder if it is because they are envious of his successes and the way he has lived his life fully. I wont judge him. I appreciate his authenticity.

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Really kind words. Thank you, Nolan! Tony’s quite a guy - totally unapologetic in his pursuit of the impossible. Loved hearing his anecdotes and insights.

[@ruralparadise8901]

That's pure envy, if it were truly the case.😂

[@MusangKingChannel]

Let go Leon!!!🎉 Kudos to Tan Sri & Dato Sri for doing this. Empowering the next generation 🎉

[@山隹艸彡平268]

Let's go

[@soongalfred2515]

The amount of experience shared in this conversation is priceless!!! Combined experience of more than 100 years on the table. I listened every second of this.

[@mediabubbles9640]

That's right. I've been listening to this episode few times now just to grasp the wisdom that's being poured out here. Its like listening to a documentary of great people. Living legend of Malaysia 🫡

[@blackzoohop]

Malaysians are really blessed to have you sirs. There's so much for us to learn from you all.

[@kuankuan1477]

33:30 Tony: "more difficult was my ego." Very honest and truthful assessment of oneself, no wonder he is successful

[@keehinglam9751]

This is my first time watching this podcast and I thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt so much wisdom about life’s challenges from this podcast from two true Malaysian patriots. I love Tony’s transparency, Idris’ pragmatism and Leon’s clarity and confidence. Well done and Tq so much for doing this series of podcast👍👏

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you for the kind words and for stopping by to listen. It’s a real labour of love - glad it’s been helpful!

[@leealex24]

I agree affirmative action based on needs whilst keep free market for everyone to strive for the best. Anwar said this many times also.

[@rarunasalam]

Good moderation and questions. Two Titans - TS Tony and DS Idris showed candor and camaraderie that is much needed in corporate circles. Probably one of the better Malaysian exchange between leaders of industry...

[@gigibellakatdid]

Thank you for making my 1 hour commute enjoyable. Since Dato Sri is into farming nowadays, can we have a short discussion on issues on why Malaysia agricultural industry is still underdeveloped, making us a net importer of food supply, is it a good or bad thing?

[@singweeyek9275]

I wish Leon would invite our PM to come to this podcast with Idris and Tony, I believe many good things would be out of this country 🙏

[@hamirulhafizi5718]

It seems like Tony covers a lot in his book "Flying High"! Tq sir for sharing your story with us!

[@reallife231a]

Woke up to this amazing podcast recommended by YT and was just glued straight. 2 great and transformational guys who I admire and who have inspired the Malaysian landscape with their contributions to the country. Idris and Tony, please don't retire, you can do so much more for the country. Both of you have great ideas and you execute them well. Why not start by doing a podcast by both of you and moderated by Leon. I love Tony's idea of low cost hospital and better quality education. Also on transformation of farming for local consumption. At this age, you guys are still young and you can give so much more to society. You just inspire, train and delegate to the young ones to do it.

[@judylam4988]

Really enjoyed listening to these 2 giants in the aviation industry! Their wisdom, experience, rise & fall, humility! Leon Jala, u r amazing

[@aimanzahry]

A great conversation. Like sitting after the last hours at Batek. Among the many anecdotes, a few left me inspired to be a better father. Kudos to the man who only wants to see us do better than him. Our fathers.

[@BazliAkmal]

Such class. What a distinguished men right here.

[@joshuachw]

So so good. Thank you Leon, Idris and Tony!!

[@s.vragunathan4403]

Amazing Discussions and Insight of the two Legend Malaysian CEO's who Contributed in the Management & Turning Around their respective Business .😅😃👍🏼👌🔥🥂💃

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thanks for the encouragement! Been wanting one get these two legends in a room for a while 🔥

[@lawrencepereira331]

One of the best interviews I have listened to. . I can relate to some of the challenges Tony faced in his corporate life. Thanks Tony. And Idris, you too I admire. Had followed yr corporate life closely. Great interview guys..

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Very glad to hear! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@amrikarim]

Best hour spent today, spent here. Regretted opening news website earlier.

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

So glad to hear!

[@zafarulasyraf]

Agree ❤

[@leealex24]

I agree affirmative action based on needs whilst keep free market for everyone to strive for the best. Anwar said this many times also.

[@rambutans5857]

I agree

[@roziegitang3180]

I love TF. He is awesome n amazing. A genius man. I wish I can meet TF one day before I die. Warga Emas Sabahan❤

[@production294]

What an amazing episode. Just eye opening yet confirmational. Thank you, Leon.

[@FaroukH66]

Great discussion, gentlemen! Lets have a round 2 with TF in the future 😊. Thanks for making this happen

[@jeffersonjohnny1800]

It’s been long time didn’t heard Tepu’ talks and advise. It’s awesome finally can hear him again. Congratulations Un. Leon on making it happen.🎉🎉

[@lisawong4704]

Great podcast! To hear personally from his side and with no boundaries to speak. Something different for the week and did not expect he'll be the first guest.

[@christophertjandra162]

Im from surbaya, indonesia its a nice podcast. Keep going

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you for the encouragement! Nice to know we have listeners from Surabaya

[@lynettee9803]

Really enjoyed this podcast - thanks for the intelligent questions, entertaining anecdotes & nuggets of wisdom! Three great guys !

[@achekholbeckal889]

49:55 ,as a senior Malay Malaysian I agreed with both Idris and Tony on the Malaysian government’s subsidies policies

[@avtarsinghgill6616]

Very open discussions with lots of frank views. Good knowledge sharing on Success.

[@fies16]

Some of the best podcast I’ve listened too

[@idzuanazam]

Love this podcast so much… 2 great Malaysian leaders and airline figures sharing so many insights and information. Great views and ideas that I lost count of how many great points were shared. But I have to comment that issues relating to NEP cannot be seen from perspective of affirmative action and meritocracy only. Deeper analysis will bring up issues of racial segregation, elements of racism and mistrust, as well political polarisation. To change the NEP needs to come together with enhanced racial cohesion and trust whereby the need for all races to have the same amount of wealth becomes irrelevant as no group feels any fear of being left behind, being disadvantaged or losing power. That is why it is so hard to move the needle as the trust and cohesion level between race is very low.. don’t just look at the T20 or T10 communities in KL.. the M40s and B40s still needs so much work to do to have racial cohesion and trust.

[@izzharaiman2579]

my new favourite podcast. Leon's line of questions are so refreshing

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

That means a lot. Thank you for the kind words. As much as possible, we try to make each episode less of an “interview” and more of a conversation to spark inspiring storytelling. Leon

[@haisaf]

39:26 Salute to you Tony having the guts rehired the ex-staff, not like others penalizing VSS takers as of disqualifying for rehiring

[@siva2k23]

This is one of the great useful video I watched recently. A lots of takeaways from this interview. good job guys!

[@puiseetang3297]

Awesome sharing and nuggets of truths shared 🎉🎉

[@mohammadikhwanbinothman5946]

It was an incredible and mind blowing discussion..the most important it is really fun n enjoying to see 2 big shark sharing there experince..plus leon also play an stuning role asking question that make this conversation feel alive..bravooo 🎉

[@nubasmokehouse]

Great and amazing discussion..keep up the amazing podcast…cheers

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you!

[@Annababys]

Thanks God tht this video pop-up in my KZbin .... very natural & motivating .... keep up the good work guys !!!! Hearing you all speak so openly on leadership n etc topic is really great .... can't wait until next Fri ... Great Job ....P.S : time to pump up some AAX / Capital A shares.

[@cyclopwoodcrafts]

Great insights and sharing...first time I completed watching the whole podcast episode..

[@ChalbrainNetwork]

Fruitful yet fun conversation.. keep it up.

[@bluesloongnetwork75]

What an episode. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you, Danny! 🔥

[@bihlii]

Good podcast, good start for Malaysian. Suggest to add timeline to your each of your questions, similar to those on CEO diary. Good job again and keep it up.

[@selvarajan4331]

Very interesting and captivating podcast discussion....thanks!

[@relaxchil5796]

This is gold, thank you for this podcast.

[@MTE111]

This is maturity manifested.

[@shaqisumari304]

Can i, at 45 work at Airasia, love this podcast, should have listen more often

[@jeremykuah5560]

Great podcast, looking forward to other interesting personas for a deep conversation

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you! More to come 💪🏽

[@MrCoke006]

Superb sharing 👍

[@bgbk910]

Great interview ! Leadership also needs charisma n charm ….

[@carlsonlinggang2880]

Inspiring..make the impossible possible

[@elelimsoon9688]

Agree, govt should not be in business and they should facilitate business and with positive attitude.

[@ilangkorama219]

Simply Superb....Thanks guys

[@vanhelsing3225]

Amazing mens with great conversations

[@mediabubbles9640]

Your podcast never cease to inspired me. So much wisdom to learn here. Who knows who will be your next guess on this podcast..can't wait to watch your next episode!

[@jimmyteo2769]

We need people like you all to have a game of Inposibles to transform our country Joyfully and Effectively

[@ASHRIC07]

Thank you! Great podcast and look forward to more.

[@muk020485]

Thank you for this🎉🎉🎉

[@SaFF-OnE]

another gem in sea of Malaysian podcasts found here

[@foodiecheckpoint]

Loved this episode. Clear testament that you can achieve anything if you put heart and mind in it. On Tony mentioning about finding it hard to lose weight, there is still hope. He should do stairclimbing, trust me his kilos will vanish. It's a low cost sport, just like his low cost airline. You just need a stairs which is readily available in any condo or building. Menara MBPJ has its weekly session open to public every Saturday 5.30pm to 7pm.

[@sitiomar9656]

Amazing ! Subscribed

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you!

[@muhammadzharifikmal7496]

Very good podcast. Exciting

[@ravim111]

Great podcast, guys! Well done.

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you for the engagement! Glad you enjoyed our chat - we certainly did.

[@zainiariff2780]

great session ❤😂

[@june4634]

Great episode 👏 thanks from 🇸🇬

[@Ganesan-uo6pv]

Great thoughts, sharing you guys.. thanks

[@msivaramanravindran1126]

Very productive session

[@may_niac]

What a great episode

[@kkjtv]

This us very inspiring.

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Glad to hear! Thank you for watching 🙏

[@kkjtv]

@TheGameOfImpossible Welcome. Teruskan podcast tok bro embak more inspiring people dgn perbincangan topik dekat dihati masyarakat. God bless amen 🙏

[@shuhaimimohdsauh4857]

Great podcast this week

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you!

[@estherleela8919]

Enjoyed the podcast

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Glad to hear! More to come

[@waynehee9550]

Look forward!

[@sydanzn]

i like the phrase "to disrupt and to create"

[@teacher_researcher]

good discussion. Frank and informative

[@kenneithlicudine1673]

great session

[@anokhamalaysia5117]

Idris looks at Tony in awe. That’s the difference between a businessman and a professional manager.

[@brysonchrist7531]

I hope this meaaage go to Sir Tony. As this world shows glims bad n good in extreme . So it is , after this world there’s a world ; Good world and Bad world in very extreme .

[@FirdausDean]

"As a Malaysian, we hate to disappoint", " I couldn't agree more on that, and the rosary story - good laugh. Haha. Again Leon, great podcast. I noticed a lot of semantic leadership analogies discussed as well. Thanks for this episode.

[@BalvinderSingh-ps7mi]

Best one thus far!

[@awangjamalludin7527]

I honestly enjoyed this Podcast. Good Job. Suscribed

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you for your support!

[@GeraldFernandez-jf4se]

Excellent episode!

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you, Gerald!

[@AntsKong]

Well thought after questions. Congrats for the Nice episode of podcast. When is the father going to interview the son? :)

[@secretserviceinc]

Awesome

[@carolineedward4515]

Enjoyed this ! Well done !

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you, Caroline. Glad you enjoyed the episode

[@musang9992]

love this podcast ! next guest.. Nazir razak

[@1kskung]

I just moved to Kelantan for work. Taking away the beer part or whatever non-halal, I hope this can be broadcast here statewide through all the mosque. There’s Nothing to do with religion. it’s simply because mosque is the most accessible, abundant facility in Kelantan. This is the mature mindset we all Malaysians to strive for.

[@rosliaziz3543]

Salam dan salam sejahtera bos besar dtg tahu perjalanan dia dari bawah sampai high leave di biggest, dulu saya jadi supporter jadi model reporter bola sepak dunia itulah sejarah sampai AirAsia ingat saya single locals leaders biggest 😮😂😂❤

[@macrayvin8793]

a very good one!

[@fitrimohd6569]

Good session world class guest , but ishowspeed more targeted.. so sad😢 best podcast so far...

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

That means a lot. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@tevarajiponnu6148]

INFORMATIVE POSCAST

[@leealex24]

I agree affirmative action based on needs whilst keep free market for everyone to strive for the best. Anwar said this many times also.

[@jimmyteo2769]

It is not about worry to talk about politics, it is to inspire everyone to be a Smart Voters, when you have Smart Voters, you will get better politicians to serve and transform our Country, not to cheat our money

[@wicomms]

Dear Goi can you get 99 Spdmrt boss on your show, on leadership and how he did it...

[@antonysammy5222]

So super talk

[@rajoo365]

Awesome.

[@azmirazri2761]

Hi. I'm a your new subscriber bro

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you!

[@samyobilung6950]

Great podcast interview, Tony Fernandez is such a humble person.

[@TheGameOfImpossible]

Thank you! We had a lot of fun recording this. What a guy 💪🏽

[@jessiehan257]

Poo ha ha

[@leealex24]

Mas should work with capital a

[@Richard_H_U]

49:27 Idris Jala: “Transformational leadership is about disappointments” because it’s needed to get butts (whether these are individual butts, or collective butts as in corporate, communal or national) out of comfort zones! 50:20 Idris Jala: “I’ve said that we should get rid of the NEP” … wow!

[@vikingnusantara]

PODCAST SYOK SENDIRI

[@dayikuluguk]

Haha.. i remember the cartoon “roti jala” was sold on board in airasia flight .. 😂 during idris’ tenure as the mas ceo that time

[@fies16]

It’s about where the money goes. That’s the problem during gst era