Muhammed Aziz Khan, PBM (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat), Founder and Chairman of Summit Power International, is at the forefront of Bangladesh’s infrastructural and social transformation. With a deep understanding of the challenges developing nations face, he leads Summit Group with a focus on long-term investments and sustainable development.
“Our company specializes in infrastructure, which requires large investments as well as longer gestation of project implementation,” he explains. “In developing countries, both capital and management over a long period is challenging, and Summit has proved to be unique in providing these, thus enabling a developing country such as Bangladesh to implement much-needed infrastructure.”
Summit Group, employing over 6,000 people, collaborates with key government agencies such as the Power Development Board (BPDB), the Rural Electrification Board (BREB), and Petrobangla. The company has pioneered several firsts in Bangladesh’s infrastructure landscape, including the nation’s first private sector power generation plant, the first tank terminals for chemicals, and the first LNG terminal using floating storage and regasification units. Additionally, Summit has established the largest fiber optics network in the country.
Muhammed attributes the company’s success to the trust it has built with international financial institutions and corporate partners, enabling Summit to make multi-million-dollar investments in Bangladesh.
Leadership and Philosophy
Muhammed’s leadership philosophy is rooted in his belief that true success lies in building a better society.
“A successful person is one who can help build a better society, starting from an individual’s personal improvement,” he reflects. “A good leader is literally a person who can care for others and provide that care intellectually and sometimes physically.”
While leadership principles remain constant, he acknowledges that the methods of delivering care evolve with time and circumstances. He draws inspiration from global business icons like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, admiring their innovation and business acumen. He also praises the TATA Corporation for its ability to grow businesses in developing countries, benefiting both industry and society.
Commitment to Social Responsibility and Employee Well-being
As Bangladesh’s largest Independent Power Producer (IPP), Summit is deeply invested in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The company actively supports initiatives in education, health, sports, and the arts, empowering individuals with knowledge and skills. Summit also fosters a strong corporate culture with customized learning and development programs tailored to its diverse workforce.
“Among all the people who have joined our company, very few have transferred or left,” Muhammed proudly shares, emphasizing Summit’s commitment to employee satisfaction and growth.
He is a strong advocate for education and lifelong learning, believing that access to knowledge has never been easier.
“Education has become very cheap. You can Google and find out almost all the answers of the world with just your mobile phone,” he notes. “What was earlier available in huge universities, you can find through Google now. Learning is a personal choice now, not personal money.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Summit upheld its commitment to its employees, ensuring full remuneration, including wages and benefits, despite the economic downturn.
A Legacy of Leadership
As a leader, Muhammed sees his role as one of empowerment.
“I hope to be able to care for people and lead by example,” he says. “I believe I am constantly creating leaders among my family, colleagues, and friends.”
Under his leadership, Summit’s contributions to Bangladesh’s infrastructure development have positioned the company as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity.
For more insights on leadership, infrastructure, and sustainable development, follow Muhammed Aziz Khan, PBM (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat), on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Shanggari Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer of MORS Group, affirms this sentiment: Summit’s infrastructure creation efforts have made them the harbingers of economic hope and prosperity
