THE ANSWERS WITH...VINOD SEKHAR

The chairman and chief executive of Petra Group believes in profiting and saving the world at the same time.

- Hannah Choo

PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY IS not only a noble move, but a highly lucrative one. Datuk (Dr) Vinod Sekhar would know. The chairman and chief executive of Petra Group, a conglomerate that spans manufacturing, agriculture, media and more, is a big advocate for social capitalism. He believes that profit and societal concerns should go hand in hand, which is exactly the fuel Petra Group runs on. As the founder of the eponymous Vinod Sekhar Foundation - which aims to alleviate poverty and support the indigenous and disabled he details how one can do good for both your business and community, and why he plays life chess and not checkers.

What is it like to be you?

It depends on who 'me' is. If you're a legend in your own mind, and you believe in what you do, you have the ability to make things happen. I've always encouraged my friends to participate in society. I like all the luxuries in life and I work hard. I think if you're smart enough to do all this, surely you're smart enough to make society better. It's not just handing out a cheque and walking away. So what is it like to be me? Pretty damn good, especially with an incredible wife and two children who are more wonderful than I am.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Hopeful, passionate and incorrigible.

Incorrigible?

I have no filter. I'm direct, obvious and I see things as they are. I don't make excuses for who I am or what I do, I'm someone who sees things 10 steps ahead of others. I play chess, not checkers. I'm not a politician; I'm not trying to win votes because they don't matter to my life. If people think I'm doing something wrong, I'll pay attention, but if not, life is too short for nonsense like that.