Charting a new course: Seasoned CHRO Farid Basir joins Cahya Mata Sarawak

From Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, this HR leader is determined to continue along his journey of purpose, people, and transformation.

After three decades of shaping people strategy across Switzerland, South Africa, the Philippines, and Malaysia, Farid Basir, a legend of the Malaysian HR fraternity, is stepping into a new chapter, one that is grounded in the same belief that has guided his entire career: the true purpose of leadership is to leave people stronger than you found them.

In this exclusive interview with HRO's Aditi Sharma Kalra, he talks about his next big milestone in the career journey, as well as how he will continue to champion a culture of ownership and impact. Read on for the conversation:

Q. Farid, you’ve had a richly varied career — from assignments in Switzerland, South Africa, and the Philippines, to senior HR roles in Malaysia across telco, banking, and FMCG. Looking back, what are your most valuable career lessons?

Every chapter — whether in Switzerland, South Africa, or here in Malaysia taught me that leadership travels best when rooted in humility and curiosity. The context may change, but people everywhere want the same things: to be seen, to be trusted, and to know that what they do matters.

If I had to sum it up, my greatest lesson is this — leadership is borrowed, not owned.

You’re entrusted with people’s energy and potential for a period of time; your job is to leave them stronger than when you found them.

Q. Having worked in Malaysian icons such as Bank Rakyat, TM, and MBSB, could you share the one mindset shift that you championed that you hope will remain part of the culture even now?

If there’s one mindset I hope continues, it’s this: all of us have the responsibility to add value. No matter our role or grade, we are not just here to do our jobs — we’re here to make things better than we found them.

That means being proactive, not waiting for instructions; finding solutions, not just reporting problems; and seeing ourselves as owners, not passengers.

At MBSB, we called this living the myPledge — a culture where everyone, from branch to boardroom, takes accountability to create impact.

Q. Your leadership is often described as blending data-driven insight with empathy — you’ve spoken of data as the “compass” and empathy as the “lens”. How do you intend to carry forward that blend of head and heart in your next role?

I’ve always believed that data gives us the compass — direction, clarity, and accountability. But empathy gives us the lens — it helps us see the human story behind the numbers.

Leading with both head and heart means you use data to guide decisions, and empathy to guide actions.

As I move forward, I’ll continue to champion that balance — especially as technology, AI, and analytics redefine the way we work. The more digital we become, the more human we must remain.

Q. What's next in your career journey? Share with us, what you can, about your new role, and the mission you will be undertaking.

I’m joining Cahya Mata Sarawak — an organisation with deep roots in nation-building and a bold vision for transformation.

It’s both a professional and personal pivot — moving to Kuching, embracing a new industry, and contributing to a new chapter of growth.

My mission is clear: to strengthen leadership and organisational resilience as the Group transitions into its next phase of diversification and sustainable growth.

HRO: We wish you the very best and look forward to hearing more stories from your next play!

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