In the fast-evolving world of global media, few names carry as much weight as Wong Chun Wai CMgr CCMI. With a career spanning over four decades, he has transitioned from a young, idealistic reporter to the CEO of a public-listed media giant, and now serves as the Chairman of Bernama, Malaysia’s national news agency. Yet, despite his high-ranking roles and numerous accolades, Chun Wai remains a journalist at heart - curious, grounded, and deeply committed to the truth.

His journey is a testament to the power of adaptation and the importance of professional standards. Central to his recent leadership philosophy is his status as a Chartered Manager (CMgr) and a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute (CCMI). For Chun Wai, becoming Chartered was not about adding another title to his name; it was a deliberate act of reflection and a commitment to professional excellence.

From the newsroom to the boardroom

Chun Wai’s career began with a passion for storytelling and a desire to witness history firsthand. Rising through the ranks at The Star, Malaysia’s largest English media outlet, he eventually took on the mantle of Group Editor-in-Chief and later, Chief Executive Officer. This progression from a "24/7 reporter" to a corporate leader required a significant shift in mindset. "Not many reporters rose from the bottom to the top post of a public-listed media company," he explained.

Leading through the era of digital disruption was perhaps his greatest challenge. As traditional business models faced pressure and misinformation began to saturate the public sphere, he had to make difficult decisions that balanced commercial viability with the preservation of public trust.

Throughout these transitions, the thread of adaptation remained constant.

Each stage required unlearning as much as learning. It’s my belief that leadership is a skill to be refined rather than just an instinct to be followed.

The value of Chartered

For many senior leaders, experience is often seen as the ultimate teacher. However, Chun Wai views experience as only one part of the equation.

Being a Chartered Manager is a quiet affirmation that experience matters, but experience alone is not enough. It represents professionalism, discipline, and accountability.

The process of becoming Chartered forced a moment of pause in a high-octane career. It provided a framework to examine not just what he had achieved, but ‘how’ he led. In his current role as Chairman of Bernama, where he navigates a complex web of stakeholders - including government bodies, commercial partners, and the public - this framework has proved invaluable.

He recalls moments where pressures pulled in opposing directions. The Chartered framework allowed him to approach these conflicts systematically.

It helped me ask who is affected, what the long-term implications are, and how to preserve trust. Sometimes leadership is not about choosing the loudest option, but the wisest one.

Leading with humanity and humility

Despite his corporate and public success, Chun Wai’s leadership style is rooted in a simple, human-centric lesson learned early in his career: "Never forget there are human beings behind every decision."

This ‘Everyman’ approach - accessible and grounded - is a hallmark of his tenure. He believes that the people within an organisation are its most valuable asset, and that a leader’s primary role is to develop those people and strengthen the institution for the next generation. This aligns perfectly with the CMI Professional Standard, which emphasises ethical practice and the development of others.

When asked for three words to describe the impact of becoming Chartered, his answer is telling: Accountability, Responsibility, and Humble.

"Always be humble, polite, and patient," he advises. "Listen, listen, and listen." For Chun Wai, the ‘Chartered’ designation is a reminder to remain a student of leadership, learning from more experienced Companions and keeping pace with modern challenges like Artificial Intelligence.

A global community of excellence

One of the primary benefits Chun Wai finds in his CMI membership is the sense of belonging to a global community. Leadership can often be a lonely endeavor, especially when navigating crises or industry-wide shifts. Being part of CMI connects him with leaders in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology who are all grappling with the same fundamental question: how to guide people through uncertainty.

He encourages other senior leaders and aspiring managers to pursue the Chartered status, but with a caveat:

Do it for the right reasons. Not for the title, but for the reflection and growth it requires. The process forces you to examine your leadership honestly - your strengths, your blind spots, and your impact on others.

Shaping the future of Malaysian journalism

Today, as Chun Wai leads Bernama through the challenges of the "age of noise," his Chartered status continues to set the tone for the organisation. By committing to professional standards, he encourages a culture of better governance and clearer communication.

His journey from an idealistic young journalist to a Chartered leader serves as a powerful example for managers across Malaysia and the globe. It proves that no matter how high one climbs, the commitment to professional excellence, ethical standards, and continuous learning is what truly defines a leader.

As he often reminds himself and his colleagues: "Your reputation walks into the room before you do.” With the CMgr post-nominals, that reputation is one of validated excellence, integrity, and a lifelong dedication to being a better manager.

Chun Wai's relationship with CMI extends beyond his Chartered Companion status, as he is also a Board Member on the CMI Malaysia Regional Board - helping to support the CMI community in Malaysia and promoting CMI's vision of better led and managed organisations.