Dato’ Indera Mahmud is the CEO of Yayasan Pahang – a self-sustaining government foundation that serves the people of Pahang through education and welfare. Yayasan Pahang delivers support and development to a diverse range of recipients from infancy to old age. For instance, they provide early childhood education programs and day care centres, student scholarships, financial aid and educational programs, housing assistance, healthcare programs, disaster relief as well as elderly care programs to the community.
What makes Yayasan Pahang unique is that they do not rely on government or external funding to fund their initiatives. Instead, they generate their own income by operating other businesses such as plantation subsidiaries, mining, food security, real estate and renewable energy. These ventures generate the income that allows them to be self-sustaining so as to be able to reinvest back to the community.
Establishing Financial Independence
Having been with Yayasan Pahang for more than three decades, during which time he has held various leadership positions, Dato’ Indera Mahmud’s long tenure has given him deep insights into the organization and the needs of the community.
Highlighting his commitment to strategic leadership, financial sustainability, and organizational growth, Dato’ Indera Mahmud led the foundation to become financially independent in 2009 so as to operate without relying on government funding. This is to ensure that the foundation can support and serve the community effectively.
To generate income, Dato’ Indera Mahmud spearheaded the establishment and management of several wholly-owned subsidiaries in diverse sectors. These subsidiaries to date have contributed significantly to the foundation’s revenue and overall growth.
Furthermore, he set a target to generate RM1 billion in revenue by 2028. This is because Yayasan Pahang needs at least RM100 million annually to sustain its operations and to continue offering vital services. As of 2023, they have already achieved a revenue of RM544 million, demonstrating consistent year-over-year growth which puts them on track to reach, and likely surpass, their RM1-billion target well before 2028.
Diversifying Income Streams
Recognizing the importance of diversification as a means to mitigate risks while ensuring sustainable growth, Dato’ Indera Mahmud led efforts to expand their revenue streams across various sectors to create multiple revenue channels that collectively drive their financial growth and stability. These efforts have not only ensured the financial health of Yayasan Pahang but have also positioned it for continued success and growth in the years to come.
Social Obligations
Yayasan Pahang has consistently given back to the community through various impactful initiatives. One of their key programs is the Job Guaranteed Program, which has successfully increased employment opportunities for over 4,000 youths, helping them build meaningful careers. In education, the Baca Cepat Kawanku (BCK) program focuses on enhancing literacy among students in rural and indigenous communities, providing them with a strong educational foundation from an early age.
The foundation also promotes environmental responsibility by distributing recycling bags to reduce plastic usage and encouraging eco-friendly practices. Additionally, their Kotak Rezeki Shoebox Program delivers essential items and gifts to those in need, offering vital support to the community. They also bring joy to orphaned children by taking them shopping for new clothes to celebrate Eid, making the festive season brighter for these kids.
In further efforts to support livelihoods, they offer free fuel to riders, easing their daily commutes. They also organize beach clean-up events to preserve the natural environment and engage the community in conservation efforts.
Milestones and Recognition
Some of the milestones that Dato’ Indera Mahmud is especially proud of include providing RM 1.59 billion in educational assistance to 1,907,267 recipients from 1983 to 2023; Yayasan Pahang being awarded the Pahang 1st Award in 2022 for being the top-performing organization in the state of Pahang; Life at Work Awards 2023 for being the best overall organization in the public sector; Employee Experience Awards 2024 where Dato’ Indera Mahmud received the award of Most Inspiring Leader; Inauguration of its maiden palm oil mill in November 2023 where the mill is expected to contribute RM200 million in revenue to the group; Inaugural license being granted to Yayasan Pahang for silica mining in Bebar, Pekan, making the foundation the first state agency to independently conduct mining operations without outsourcing or third-party involvement. The mine has since achieved a remarkable milestone, generating RM8 million in 2023.
