NextLevel CEO Programme with Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

The NextLevel CEO Programme, delivered by Heriot-Watt University in partnership with SME Corp. Malaysia, is a high-impact, face-to-face executive journey designed specifically for CEOs and senior decision-makers of high-growth SMEs.

This is not a traditional training course, but a structured, applied programme focused on building a board-ready 5-Year Strategic Scale-Up Plan for your business.

What You’ll Gain:

• A clear, 5-year strategic growth plan tailored to your business
• Stronger leadership, governance and decision-making capability
• A practical roadmap for digital, AI and innovation-led growth
• Tools to integrate ESG, risk and sustainability into your strategy
• Insights from world-class faculty and executive coaches
• A high-value peer network of SME leaders

Why Now?

• Scaling a business requires a shift from operational to strategic leadership
• Increasing complexity (digital, ESG, risk) demands board-level thinking
• Many SMEs have growth ambition, but lack a clear, structured strategy

Programme Details:

📅 7-9 August, 11-13 September, 10-11 October and 7 November
📍 Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (Putrajaya)

The programme is delivered over 9 days across 4 blocks, designed to balance intensive learning with time for reflection and application.

Block 1 (7-9 August)

Leading the Enterprise: Strategy, Leadership & Governance

• Programme induction and cohort formation
• Defining strategic intent and growth ambition
• Strategic leadership and governance for scale

Block 2 (11-13 September)

Strategy, Innovation & Digital Transformation

• Competitive strategy and growth positioning
• Innovation as a driver of scale
• Digital transformation, data and AI strategy

Block 3 (10-11 October)

ESG, Risk, Law & Board-Level Decision Making

• ESG and sustainability as competitive advantage
• Strategic risk and resilience
• Business law and contracts for CEOs
• Board simulation and case-based learning

Block 4 (7 November)

Capstone & Graduation

• Gallery Walk: presentation of your 5-Year Strategic Plan
• Peer and faculty challenge
• Graduation ceremony

Programme value: RM22,500
80% funded by SME Corp. Malaysia
Your investment: RM4,500

Payment plans and bursaries are available

There are limited places available on this programme, to apply fill out the Eventbrite application form and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible. If you have any questions please contact Louisa Osmond l.osmond@hw.ac.uk