From Ground To Air
Business Today Malaysia|May 2019

CEO of AsiaAsia Malaysia shares his journey from automotive to aviation with Business Today

Sharon Chang
From Ground To Air

Helming an airline is not an area he is familiar with as his background is that of automotive and corporate planning, but for Riad Asmat, CEO of AsiaAsia Malaysia, taking up the opportunity to journey into the world of aviation is a challenge. Learning and challenging himself is in his blood, something he doesn’t say no to.

Recently, Business Today talks to Riad, who candidly shares his vision looking forward in his role as CEO of an airline.

For Riad, who spent an illustrious career in the automotive industry, it will be a steep learning curve. Aviation is a whole new ball game and just like any new job, he knows of the tasks ahead, and has to learn fast.

“The only similarity in these two industries are the tyres,” Riad enthuses.

“The transition has been pretty pleasant as the three basics are the same in any industry – people, infrastructure and process. If all are in place, you can fit in anywhere,” Riad smiles.

“The aviation industry, unlike others, is not only convoluted but requires proactive steps to avoid hitches. And, it is the most regulated industry.

We ferry lives every day, 80,000 passengers rely on us for safety and quality service,” he asserts.

BEING ON THE GROUND

Since joining AirAsia, Riad has been constantly making his rounds at odd hours to check on operations on the ground. This habit was formed during his days at the Lotus plant in Norwich.

He has been spotted at airport counters and baggage bays making sure that everything is going on smoothly.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TODAY MALAYSIAView all
Time Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm
Business Today Malaysia

Time Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm

The Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm happens when the wall of the blood vessels starts to weaken which forms an Aneurysm that is commonly known as balloon-like dilation.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2021
The Lexus ES 250 Features A New F Sport Variant
Business Today Malaysia

The Lexus ES 250 Features A New F Sport Variant

The 2022 Lexus ES facelift has arrived in Malaysia- First unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2021 in April this year.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
Heading: Try -180°C Therapeutic Treatment Called  Cryotherapy To Improve Overall Health
Business Today Malaysia

Heading: Try -180°C Therapeutic Treatment Called Cryotherapy To Improve Overall Health

Health has gained a significant attention in this pandemic and being at your best form is a good way to fight the current problems in every aspect of health from fitness, depression, pain management, sports injury, antiageing, weight loss and beauty.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2021
Is It Too Late To Start Investing In Bitcoin?
Business Today Malaysia

Is It Too Late To Start Investing In Bitcoin?

The noise around Bitcoin has risen sharply in the last month after the world’s most popular cryptocurrency reached its all-time high on 9 November 2021. With all the talk of its price continuing to grow, it is easy to think that it might be too late to start investing in Bitcoin. However, it is not too late and, in fact, Bitcoin adopters are actually early. Bitcoin, and cryptocurrency in general, has received mainstream adoption and looks to be around for years to come.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021
Smart SBB To Boost Farmers Income
Business Today Malaysia

Smart SBB To Boost Farmers Income

Director-General for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI), Azman Mahmood, in a special meet the media session, led the pre-launch briefing of Project Smart Sawah Berskala Besar (Smart SBB) a day before the official launch by his Minister.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
Budget 2022 – Seizing The Right Moment
Business Today Malaysia

Budget 2022 – Seizing The Right Moment

The recent data point suggests Malaysia will stand to benefit from the global recovery.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
Power Of Role Model – How The Habits Of Parents And Kids Are Interrelated?
Business Today Malaysia

Power Of Role Model – How The Habits Of Parents And Kids Are Interrelated?

A new global survey, commissioned by Kaspersky, explores the role of healthy digital habits in the family, as well as the effect of parents’ behavior on children and vice versa

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
Better Late Than Never, But Act Now
Business Today Malaysia

Better Late Than Never, But Act Now

The world should now be more aware of likely COVID-19 devastation unless urgently checked. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced an US$8 billion plan to quickly vaccinate many more people to expedite ending the pandemic.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021
Accelerates MSMEs Digitalisation Journey
Business Today Malaysia

Accelerates MSMEs Digitalisation Journey

97.2% of businesses in Malaysia are made up of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This important business sector plays a significant role in the Malaysian economy by contributing 38.2% of Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). MSMEs also contributes significantly in providing job opportunities.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2021
Business Today Malaysia

Leadership That Can Prevent Toxic Workplaces And High Turnover

“It is our organisation’s mission to create the largest and most productive coworking community in Malaysia & moving forward, South East Asia,”

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2021