Ahmad Kamil Kushairi, the Chief Executive Officer of UTM Holdings Sdn Bhd, is a visionary leader with vast experience in finance, banking and logistics and he has been instrumental in steering UTM Holdings towards new heights. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its business portfolio and continues to make significant strides in the industry. In a recent interview with Top 10 of Asia, the visionary talks about his background, the company’s achievements and his hopes for the future of the company.
Born in Ipoh, Perak, north-central region of Peninsular Malaysia, Ahmad Kamil Kushairi pursued his higher education in the United Kingdom. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance and economics from Oxford Brookes University and later obtained a master’s degree in finance from The University of Hull. His professional journey spans various industries, including accounting firm, banking institution and logistics company, before joining UTM Holdings Sdn Bhd in 2016 as the Corporate Vice President. His exceptional leadership skills and business acumen saw him rise to the position of CEO in 2018, a role he continues to hold to this day.
Established in 2010, UTM Holdings Sdn Bhd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). As the university’s commercial arm, the company was set up to execute and expand business activities within and beyond the university. The primary objective is to generate sustainable revenue streams while serving as a special vehicle for UTM to collaborate with industries in various business opportunities, including property development, facilities management, healthcare, research and development, and product commercialisation.
UTM Holdings’ business focus is primarily on property and facilities management, as well as project management. The company manages several of the university’s assets, including Residensi UTMKL, a mixed-development property that houses retail outlets, event hall, hotel, bowling centre and various other facilities. Residensi UTMKL is home to renowned tenants such as KFC, Burger King, Old Town White Coffee, Richiamo, Subway, Guardian, MyNews and Tealive, among many others. Additionally, UTM Hotel & Residence offers 500 accommodation units, ranging from two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments to studio units, catering to both long-term residents and hotel guests, which has received excellent reviews from customers especially online travel agent platforms.
“The company has grown steadily over the years and achieved profitability after just three years of operation,” Kamil remarks. He attributes this success to the dedication of his team and the support of all stakeholders who have contributed tirelessly, particularly in various business operations. In line with this growth trajectory, UTM Holdings is expanding its reach into the healthcare and green energy sectors. The company is currently pursuing the development and operation of a specialist private hospital in Johor Bahru. Furthermore, it is spearheading solar energy projects in UTM’s Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur campuses, with a combined capacity of up to 12 megawatts that can cut down electricity costs substantially and contribute towards zero carbon emission. “These are exciting projects that will propel the company to the next level in terms of business expansion and diversification,” Kamil adds.
What sets UTM Holdings apart from its competitors is its unwavering focus on core business areas—property and facilities management. The company’s strength lies not only in the commitment and aspirations of its workforce but also in its utilisation of technology, operating systems and online human resource applications to enhance efficiency and productivity. “We are not afraid to try new things,” Kamil asserts, emphasising the company’s progressive and innovative approach to business.
In pursuit of further advancement, UTM Holdings is embracing sustainability and technological innovation. The company is developing smart online platforms that integrate artificial intelligence into its daily operations and human resource management. “We have recently obtained our registration with MDEC as a Malaysian Digital Status company, and we are internally developing several applications to enhance our property and facilities management operations whilst exploring new market opportunities,” he affirms.
Additionally, UTM Holdings is actively seeking strategic partnerships to further its influence in the industry. “The company is looking to work closely with local industry experts and international firms to bring global expertise and best practices into its business operations. These collaborations are expected to enhance the company’s capabilities in managing complex projects while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” says Kamil.
As a leader, Kamil firmly believes in continuous improvement, both in managing the company and leading his team. He strives to ensure that each business segment excels in achieving its objectives. His greatest inspiration comes from the dedication and hard work of his staff, as well as the unwavering support and guidance from the board of directors, who are integral to the company’s progress. He believes that investing in the professional development of his employees will not only benefit the company but also contribute to the broader industry.
Despite his demanding schedule, Kamil prioritises maintaining a work-life balance. He acknowledges the challenges of managing time between professional and personal commitments but credits his supportive family and friends for their understanding. “Balancing work and personal life is never easy, but I am fortunate to have a strong support system that understands the long hours and travel demands of my role,” he shares. He also makes it a point to mentor young professionals in the industry, offering guidance and support to help them navigate their career paths successfully.
Looking ahead, Kamil envisions a future where UTM Holdings achieves significant diversification and exponential growth. He aims to see the company doubling its current revenue in the next three years. “We are constantly striving for improvement,” he states, underscoring the company’s commitment to progress and pursuing excellence.
Kamil also believes in fostering a corporate culture that values integrity, innovation and adaptability. “As industries evolve, UTM Holdings must remain ahead of the curve by integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices into its operations,” says Kamil. This forward-thinking approach is what he believes will secure the company’s position as one of the leaders in property and facilities management.
“Learning is a continuous process. To be the best, you have to give your best,” advises Kamil. He also believes that everyone should use their time wisely, as it passes quickly, and to create meaningful memories whenever possible. With his visionary leadership and unwavering determination, Ahmad Kamil Kushairi strives to lead UTM Holdings Sdn Bhd towards greater success in the years to come.