In celebration of Merdeka, Experian Malaysia has successfully launched Leaders on the Walk, a groundbreaking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that brought together more than 20 top C-suite executives and industry leaders with over 300 young talents.
This unique 5-kilometer mentorship walk at Kuala Lumpur’s scenic Perdana Botanical Garden marked a bold step in bridging Malaysia’s generational leadership gap.
The event was more than just a casual stroll; it was a living, breathing mentorship session.
Participants included university students, fresh graduates, early-career professionals, and budding managers who had the rare opportunity to engage with leaders from multinational corporations, large enterprises, and key academic institutions.
Breaking Barriers Through Walking and Talking
Traditional mentorship often happens in boardrooms, conferences, or panel discussions. Leaders on the Walk reimagined this model by taking conversations outdoors, blending physical activity with personal engagement.
The serene and historic backdrop of Perdana Botanical Garden, with its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere, encouraged open, authentic dialogue between mentors and mentees.
Walking side-by-side with executives from companies like Shell, HSBC, Dell, and Sanofi, participants asked questions, sought guidance, and heard first-hand accounts of overcoming challenges in the corporate world.
For many mentees, it was the first time they could have unfiltered, informal conversations with industry veterans without the intimidation of formal settings.
A Spirit of Merdeka and Giving Back
According to Chua Chai Ping, Country Head and HR Director of Experian Malaysia, the initiative was designed to embody the Merdeka spirit of unity, growth, and nation-building.
“The energy and genuine engagement between leaders and mentees were truly inspiring. This event wasn’t just about networking — it was about creating real impact and preparing the next generation for real-world leadership challenges,”.
She also emphasized that this is not a one-off event, but the start of a long-term mentorship ecosystem aimed at empowering Malaysia’s future leaders.
Strong Support from Corporations and Academia
The impressive list of participating organizations reflected the shared vision of nurturing future-ready graduates. Corporate partners included Abbott, BASF Asia-Pacific Service Centre, Lumileds, TalentCorp, PIKOM – GBS Malaysia, and many others.
Academic institutions were equally well-represented, including Universiti Malaya, Taylor’s University, Sunway University, Monash University Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and more.
Their participation highlighted the critical role that universities play in developing leadership skills alongside academic excellence.
Experiential Learning in Action
One of the key takeaways from Leaders on the Walk was the value of experiential learning. Instead of passively listening to speeches, mentees experienced active dialogue, hearing real stories of leadership, resilience, and adaptability.
This dynamic exchange helped participants gain insights into managing teams, navigating corporate challenges, and making strategic decisions.
The walk also promoted holistic well-being by integrating physical activity with mental engagement. By doing so, it emphasized the importance of balance — a quality that is just as vital for leadership as strategic thinking or technical expertise.
With the backing of partners such as GBS Networking Circle and PIKOM – GBS Malaysia, Experian Malaysia intends for Leaders on the Walk to become an annual or even seasonal event.
The vision is to create a continuous mentorship pipeline, giving young talents regular access to industry knowledge, professional guidance, and leadership inspiration.
This commitment ensures that the leadership gap in Malaysia will narrow over time, as future leaders gain the confidence, skills, and mindset to take on national and global challenges.
Why It Matters?
Malaysia’s economic and social progress depends heavily on developing competent, innovative, and ethical leaders. Initiatives like Leaders on the Walk serve as powerful platforms to accelerate this process.
By removing formal barriers, encouraging cross-generational conversations, and focusing on purpose-driven mentorship, this program paves the way for a new era of leadership in Malaysia.
In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, among the gardens and pathways of a historic park, a new generation of Malaysian leaders took their first steps — not just towards the finish line of a 5-kilometer walk, but towards the boardrooms, institutions, and organizations they will one day lead.
Through Leaders on the Walk, Experian Malaysia has shown that leadership development can be as simple — and as powerful — as taking a walk together. It’s an idea rooted in connection, growth, and the belief that when today’s leaders give their time to tomorrow’s talents, the entire nation moves forward.
Learn more at experianplc.com
Keywords :
- Experian Malaysia leadership program
- Leaders on the Walk Malaysia
- Merdeka mentorship initiative
- Malaysia leadership development
- bridging talent gap Malaysia
- mentorship walk Kuala Lumpur
- corporate social responsibility Malaysia
- next-gen leaders Malaysia
