KYSER C-suites share insights on how to succeed in finance

Managers of investment funds (from left) Hazman Hilmi of KWAP, Hisham Hamzah of Maybank Asset Management, and Najman Isa of RHB Islamic International Asset Management airing their views, as Liyana Farzana former JP Morgan Investment Banker moderates the session.

Building a successful career in finance takes far more than technical knowledge. It requires strong relationships, clear vision, adaptability, and the discipline to balance professional ambition with personal wellbeing.

Those were among the key messages shared during the third KYSER Hangout, where around 60 Kolej Yayasan Saad (KYS) alumni gathered to hear from three of Malaysia’s leading investment professionals on what it really takes to succeed in the industry.

The panel featured KWAP Chief Investment Officer Hazman Hilmi, Maybank Asset Management Chief Executive Officer Hisham Hamzah, and RHB Islamic International Asset Management CEO and CIO Najman Isa. The discussion was moderated by former J.P. Morgan vice-president Liyana Helmy Had.

Build relationships before you need them

The evening began with a discussion on networking—something all three speakers agreed becomes increasingly important as careers progress.

Hazman Hilmi, CIO of KWAP

Hazman said the best bankers are those who focus on understanding clients rather than simply selling products.

“The ones that we like are those who approach you because they genuinely want to build a relationship rather than just seeing you as a client and source of capital.”

 

Najman Isa, CEO of RHB Islamic International Asset Management

Najman said careers often advance because someone trusted is willing to speak on your behalf.

“Malaysian corporate is very small. If one guy vouch for you, you can go far.”

Hazman added that the KYSER network itself has become one of the alumni community’s greatest strengths.

“It is funny how this KYS network works—and it is working.”

He encouraged alumni to view KYSER not merely as a school network, but as a lifelong professional community where people help one another through mentorship, trusted referrals and shared experiences.

Hazman also acknowledged fellow alumnus Azeem Abu Bakar, Managing Director of FMT Media, who attended the forum.

Azeem Abu Bakar, Managing Director of FMT Media

“We have Azeem who’s from FMT… when you have friends in media, they come and ask for your side of the story.”

While the remark drew laughter, it also reflected a broader point: meaningful professional relationships often become one of the greatest career advantages.

Think like a CEO before becoming one

One audience member asked what distinguishes a CEO from a CIO.

For Hisham, the difference is clear.

“The CEO carries the vision of the company.”

By comparison,

Hisham Hamzah, Ceo of Maybank Asset Management

“The CIO is in charge of making sure that the investment philosophy and the firm is institutionalised.”

He encouraged young professionals to develop strategic thinking long before they occupy senior positions.

“You don’t have to be a CEO to start thinking like one.”

Instead of focusing only on their immediate responsibilities, they should constantly ask what makes companies successful, why business models succeed or fail, and how organisations create lasting competitive advantages.

“People will pick up that you are the one with the vision.”

Ability gets you noticed. Visibility gets you promoted.

Asked what achievement propelled their careers, Najman pointed to winning the Lipper Japan Best Asia ex-Japan Fund award before returning to Malaysia.

But more important than the award itself, he said, was having a defining achievement that gives confidence during difficult moments.

“Find your own moment to anchor yourself.”

Hazman summarised career progression into three simple ingredients.

“Ability, visibility and likeability.”

Technical competence alone is insufficient if nobody knows your work.

“You think you do a good job. But if I don’t know you, I don’t know that you do a good job.”

Hisham shared a similar lesson from his early career at EY, where he was initially rated average despite strong technical performance because senior leaders simply did not know him well enough.

“Technically very strong, but just not visible.”

Learning how to communicate his ideas and build relationships changed the trajectory of his career.

“Everyone needs to know your edge. It’s not enough for only you to know your edge.”

AI will reward those who adapt

Artificial intelligence quickly emerged as one of the hottest topics of the evening.

Najman believes AI is already changing recruitment within the investment industry.

“There is a thinning out of the middle.”

As AI becomes more capable, junior professionals equipped with the right tools are increasingly able to perform work previously handled by mid-level staff.

Hisham argued that AI will not replace people who know how to use it effectively.

“If you’re intellectually curious enough, you will figure out how to use AI in your role to the extent that no one can compete with you.”

He shared how Maybank Asset Management has already built AI-powered research agents covering different sectors, macroeconomics and investment themes to improve productivity.

Hazman sees AI as an enhancement rather than a substitute.

“AI should complement our staff to do a better job, a faster job and more jobs.”

Never sacrifice family and health

The conversation ended on a more personal note as the panel reflected on balancing demanding careers with family life.

Najman revealed he protects one lunch every week with his wife.

“Even my boss cannot cancel that.”

He reminded attendees that careers should never overshadow the people closest to them.

“Don’t push your luck. Always remember what’s important.”

Hisham agreed that no successful career is possible without a strong support system.

“Without the balance, the system breaks.”

Hazman closed with a reminder that resonated with many in the audience.

“In our chase for career and success, health is super important.”

Reflecting on his own experiences, he urged young professionals not to neglect either their families or their wellbeing while pursuing ambitious careers.

“Don’t forget your family. And second, don’t forget your health.”

A community that grows together

Beyond insights into investing, leadership and artificial intelligence, the forum reinforced what KYSER hopes to become—a lifelong community where alumni continue learning from one another long after leaving school.

Throughout the evening, the speakers returned to the same message: technical excellence opens doors, but long-term success depends on relationships, continuous learning, integrity and having a strong support system both at work and at home.

For the next generation of finance professionals in the room, the lesson was simple: success is not built alone. It is built with people who challenge you, mentor you, believe in you—and sometimes, simply vouch for you when it matters most.