The Nordic Model

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Traditionally, the Nordic countries have always had a strong social contract between citizens and authorities, and high trust in their governments. The unique combination of free-market capitalism along with a generous welfare system have given rise to societies that have low income disparity and a high standard of living. Transparency and good governance, as well as equal rights and civic mindedness, are all key pillars in a tax-financed welfare system. Transparent policies, public insight, and fair treatment of citizens have become pivotal for success in both public and private sectors in the Nordics.

 

On May 23 rd the Nordic Business Chambers will host a panel discussion on the topic of the Nordic Model and delve into its impact on business and trade;

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• Can a flat organizational structure and everyone's right to be heard (including the concept of Ombudsman and a whistle-blowing culture) strengthen growth and profitability? 

• How transparency and ESG compliance can be a make or break in securing FDIs.

• How can public buy-in be secured to launch changes necessary to successfully manage and implement transitions?

• How does policy making and implementation in Malaysia work, if compared to the Nordic countries? 

 

We will hear from the Nordic diplomats how the model was developed and how its pillars such as accountability and transparency can be seen in the present day EU legislation on green transition and supply chain compliance. Nordic companies will describe how a flat structure and human centric operations are fostered and become a competitive edge, and how private/public partnership and cooperation help drive implementation of national policies. We will also hear from Malaysian private and public sector representatives on national policy making and how to secure proper policy adherence  and overcome bureaucratic hurdles.

 

VENUE: May 23, 2024 @ Glasshouse in Seputeh

PROGRAM:

Half day session, 09.00-12.30:

• 08.30-9.00 Coffee/snack and mingling during registration.

• 09.00-9.05 Opening remarks from chambers/councils 

• 09.05-9.30 Introduction to the “Nordic Model”: Swedish Deputy Head of Mission Mr Robert Lejon 

• 9.30-9.45 Education as a way of fostering trust and civic mindedness. Mr Petri Karjalainen

• 9.45-10.00 Human Centric operations at Volvo Malaysia; learnings from Sweden. Mr Anthony O’Connell, Managing Director Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks)

• 10.00-10.15 TOMRA, a success story of collaboration between government, corporate and public ensuring near 100% return of beverage containers.
  Nam Cao Hoang, Director of Public Affairs, TOMRA Vietnam, Philippines & Malaysia

• 10.15-10.30 Petronas role in sustainability and implementation of the National Energy Transition Roadmap.
  Charlotte Wolff-Bye, Chief Sustainability Officer at PETRONAS

• 10.30-11.00 Coffee/tea break

• 11.00-11.20 Policy making and implementation in Malaysia: Dato’ Sri Mustapha Mohamad 

• 11.20-11.40 Interactions between politicians and civil servants in Malaysia; how to secure by-in for necessary implementations from the general society. Ms Aira Azhari, Senior manager IDEAS

• 11.40-12.20 Panel discussion with the speakers about relevance and learnings from the Nordic model in the Malaysian context. 

• 12.20-12.30 Concluding remarks from councils/chambers