In an era of constant change, true trailblazers lead with purpose, adaptability, and innovation. Their ability to envision the future and guide others toward it sets them apart in an increasingly complex business landscape.
In an exclusive Banking After Hours conversation hosted by Fintech News Malaysia and Amazon Web Services (AWS), two trailblazing women leaders—Noor Farilla Abdullah, Group Chief Digital Officer of Bank Islam, and Taruni Ramamurthi, AWS Industry Sales Head for FSI Malaysia & the Philippines—share their unique perspectives with our Chief Editor, Vincent Fong.
The discussion covers topics such as leadership, digital transformation, and empowering women in leadership roles.
Farilla’s Journey From Consultant to Digital Change Maker
Noor Farilla Abdullah’s career embodies adaptability and purposeful leadership. She began her journey consulting on government modernisation projects before taking on the challenge of launching Malaysia’s first incumbent-led Islamic digital bank at Bank Islam.
Throughout her career, Farilla has pushed the boundaries of innovation, all while staying grounded in purpose-driven practices.
Her exposure to large-scale transformations, such as the Multimedia Super Corridor initiative, has shaped her unique approach to leadership, helping her navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change in the financial sector.
Farilla’s leadership philosophy centres around the idea of purpose. She believes that true resilience in leadership comes from aligning one’s work with a larger mission.
“If you’re driven by a cause greater than yourself, you will navigate challenges more effectively,”
she says, reflecting on her own journey through various leadership roles. This deep connection to purpose has been her anchor, allowing her to take on challenges with determination and tenacity.
Leadership Beyond Technology in Digital Transformation
Farilla’s work at Bank Islam embodies the future of banking—where traditional institutions evolve to meet the needs of a digital-first world.
But digital transformation, as she points out, is not just about adopting new technologies. It’s about aligning people, tools, and processes to build sustainable organisational capabilities.
Her experience with Touch ‘n Go and now at Bank Islam has solidified her belief that the hardest part of innovation is not the technology—it’s harnessing human potential to extract true value from that technology.
In her view, competitive advantage is derived not just from advanced tech, but from the interplay between skilled people and cutting-edge tools.
Similarly, AWS plays a key role in facilitating transformation for financial institutions. Taruni shares how AWS supports organisations in their digital transformation by empowering them to innovate.
@fintechnewsnetwork How AWS Fuels Innovation. Taruni Ramamurthi, Head of FSI, Malaysia & Philippines shares how Amazon’s “Invent & Simplify” leadership principle drives innovation on the ground. @AWS #fintech #banking #financetiktok #finance101 #innovation #womenempowerment #womeninfinance ♬ original sound – Fintech News Network
AWS’ “Invent and Simplify” principle is a core part of this strategy, helping financial institutions innovate and simplify their processes through cloud-based solutions and marketplaces.
A Purpose-Driven Approach to Digital Transformation
Both Farilla and Taruni stress the importance of fostering a culture where creativity, innovation, and collaboration can thrive.
Farilla believes that leaders should treat every idea as a gift. “You never reject a gift with a frown,” she explains, urging leaders to embrace every contribution with an open mind.
@fintechnewsnetwork Farilla Abdullah, Chief Digital Officer at Bank Islam shares one simple trick she uses to have a more innovative team. @BankIslamMalaysia #fintech #banking #financetiktok #finance101 #innovation #womenempowerment #womeninfinance ♬ original sound – Fintech News Network
This approach nurtures creativity and promotes open communication and collaboration across teams. Farilla’s openness to new ideas is a cornerstone of her leadership style, inspiring her teams to tackle challenges with confidence and creativity.
Taruni emphasises the importance of being a “truth seeker” in leadership. She sees honesty and fearlessness as essential qualities in addressing complex challenges head-on, especially when their ideas may be initially unpopular or difficult to execute.
She advocates for a leadership approach that embraces diverse viewpoints, creating an environment where innovation flourishes.
Farilla’s leadership at Bank Islam showcases this philosophy in action, particularly in the bank’s digital-first approach to Islamic finance. By integrating technology with the values of Sharia principles—such as risk-sharing and philanthropy—Bank Islam is paving the way for ethical, inclusive growth.
For Farilla, digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about leveraging digital tools to create a positive societal impact. As Malaysia’s oldest Islamic bank, Bank Islam is setting new standards for prosperity through responsible and inclusive financial services.
Fearlessness, Purpose, and Lifelong Learning
As the conversation closed, both Farilla and Taruni shared invaluable insights for young professionals eager to make an impact. Taruni emphasised the importance of fearlessness. She urged aspiring leaders to be truth seekers, always willing to ask tough questions, challenge the status quo, and explore new possibilities.
“Everything comes together when you’re solving a larger problem that aligns with your purpose,”
she explained. For Taruni, fearlessness isn’t just about taking risks—it’s about having the courage to face uncomfortable truths and to speak up, even when it may seem easier to stay silent. She believes this approach fosters leadership that drives true change.
Farilla, on the other hand, spoke about the significance of lifelong learning. “Don’t undervalue what you’re learning in your current role,” she said.
Even if career progression feels slow or the role seems unremarkable, every experience contributes to your growth as a leader. Farilla’s own career trajectory proves that leadership is a journey, not a destination. It requires constant reflection, adaptation, and the ability to embrace new challenges with a mindset of continuous improvement.
Watch the full discussion in Banking After Hours: What’s Farilla’s Secret Sauce to Innovation in Bank Islam?
