He was already a senior leader in the Malaysian central bank when the Governor asked him whether he had considered a public policy degree.
He had spent two decades at the bank, reaching the senior position on the management committee with expertise in financial markets. With an undergraduate degree in economics and a master's degree under his belt, Adnan was looking forward to the new expanded role of Assistant Governor.
When his Governor suggested a public policy degree, it “took me by surprise," Adnan recalled. Although initially hesitant, Adnan recognised the need for deeper insights into policy-making: "Even with my background in economics, there were gaps in my understanding, especially when it came to the complexities of policy design and its varying impacts on different constituents."
He researched the Master of Public Policy programme at Oxford, and was “really attracted by what it had to offer”.
“It was a one-year course that seemed to offer a variety of perspectives, from evidence-based decision making to political economy. Even though I was twenty years into my career, I started to realise this was something I needed.”
Lessons with lasting impact
Arriving at the Blavatnik School in 2017, Adnan was eager to embrace the challenges of the programme. The Foundations course with Professor Jonathan Wolff “was particularly impactful for me," he shared. "It opened up a new world and fundamentally changed my approach to economic policy."
"He taught me how to structure my arguments effectively when writing essays, emphasising the importance of counterarguments," Adnan said. This method not only enhanced his academic writing but also influenced his professional approach: "I now regularly employ this technique in policy discussions, making my reasoning more robust and objective."
Another crucial lesson was the distinction between facts and moral claims.
“The course on the Foundations of Public Policy encouraged us to focus on the moral implications of our decisions, not just on the what the data tells us. This perspective helps me clarify and better weigh up what ought to be prioritised in policy design."
Reflecting on the applicability of the wider course, Adnan also highlighted the importance of negotiation skills learned during the programme with Professor Emily Jones. "Negotiation is critical in any leadership role," he notes, adding that concepts such as "Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement" have become integral to his work.
Adnan encourages anyone in public leadership to pursue negotiation training, believing it to be vital component in effective policy-making. "Without a solid grasp of negotiation strategies, you risk being at a severe disadvantage".
Looking ahead
As Adnan continues to influence policy-making at the central bank, he remains grateful for the foundational skills acquired at BSG. "The programme provides a well-rounded approach to public policy design, incorporating diverse perspectives and evidence-based decision-making," he concluded.
With a commitment to continual learning and adaptation, Adnan exemplifies the transformative power of education in shaping effective leaders in public service at every stage of their career.