The AirAsia boss related how his optimistic view about failing was the key to his success as he saw failure as part and parcel of life’s experiences and something that would help prepare him to face the worse.

He said that if he had been afraid of failure, he would have never purchased AirAsia in 2001 or enjoyed the success that came later when he transformed the ailing airline into an industry player.

“At that point, everyone including my wife laughed at me when I told them of my plan to start a budget no-frills airline after a successful career in the corporate and music industry.

“However, I hold strongly to the philosophy that if one wants to do something, then he or she should just do it and true enough, I managed to achieve my childhood dream when I bought over AirAsia from DRB-Hicom,” The Sun daily quoted him as saying.

Fernandes was in UPM as part of the Higher Education Ministry’s “CEO @Faculty” programme.

The AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer also urged participants to “always explore other opportunities when they come to you” instead of looking to replicate what others had done.

He cited his decision to offer free seats to Bali following the bombing in 2002 at a time when other airlines were pulling out of the route. He said that as it turned out, his strategy had been a successful move.

Fernandes also spoke of the importance of touching base with one’s employees, and of standing in their shoes, if one wanted to be a truly effective leader.