Name: Dr. Muhammad Haniff Bin Abdullah

Title: President, Founder, Doctor, Strategist, Life-long Learner

Organisation: International Association for Disaster Mental Health ( IDiMH) / MH Valley

Dr. Haniff Abdullah is a clinician in the Psychiatry & Mental Health field in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is actively involved in action plans and ground humanitarian work with local and international communities. Dr Haniff was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship and completed his postgraduate studies in War & Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neurosciences (IoPPN), King’s College London, in 2017.

During his time at IOPPN, he immersed himself in the rigorous exploration in the arena of mental health and disaster mental health gaining profound insights that later shaped his views and ground-breaking work. He was then elected as the Associate of King’s College London (AKC) in 2020.

As a true advocate for disaster mental health, Dr. Haniff embarked on an extraordinary journey around the globe, engaging in humanitarian missions that spanned both natural and man-made disasters. The focus extended beyond mere medical intervention; rather, it encompassed the fundamental aspects of mental well-being for both first responders and victims.

Dr Haniff led the Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) in a tertiary government hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic. His expertise, coupled with unparalleled dedication, earned him recognition as the President of the International Association for Disaster Mental Health (IDiMH).

This leadership role positioned him at the helm of advancing the field, fostering international collaboration, and steering the course toward better mental health outcomes in the wake of calamities. Dr Haniff also obtained various awards, including The King’s Global Award & King’s Professional and Leadership Award by the King’s College London in 2018, the Mental Health Advocate Award International Table Top Exercise & Communication in Disaster Medicine (TOPCOM) in 2021, Outstanding Leadership Award in Dubai in 2022 among others.

Dr Haniff was also featured in the encyclopaedia as a Successful People in Malaysia by the British Publishing House in 2022. In addition to his hands-on efforts, Dr. Haniff is a prolific speaker and educator in both the local and international arena. He passionately shares insights and knowledge, delivering compelling public talks and conducting capacity-building training in leadership and mental health locally and internationally.

His expertise has led to involvement as a judge in international healthcare awards and appointed as advisors to organizations, a testament to his stature as a credible subject matter expert. Dr Haniff has consistently pushed boundaries and pioneered novel approaches within the field in the spirit of innovation. His penchant for ingenuity has been repeatedly acknowledged through victories in innovative competitions on both local and international stages.

Haniff is leading a number of projects at national and international levels on healthcare, innovation, leadership, strategy and digital health. He is currently leading a national-level project on a digital mental health intervention focusing on first responders’ mental health. Service for him means the ability to touch other people’s lives. He holds close to the principle to grow is to give back.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Dr. Muhammad Haniff's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The most challenging aspect as a leader is about giving more to others and doing it sincerely, consciously and continuously to inspire others to make a difference in this world. Knowing the motivation and what drives a person, bringing the best in themselves thus carefully navigate that in line with organisation's aims and objectives is a journey.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Since my school days, I've always held leadership positions. Growing up, I started travelling around the world for medical and humanitarian missions, where I met like-minded people. I was then appointed to lead a non-governmental organisation and assumed many leadership roles locally and internationally.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I am a morning person, I start my day at 4 am by taking a cold shower and jogging around my neighbourhood. That keeps my mind sharp and pumped up for the day. I then look at my schedule, list things that need to be done, and plan for the day. I use available tools to ease my planning and implementation of tasks.

I start my work in the hospital , where I meet my patients in the ward and clinic. I go to the gym before reaching home in the evening. Once at home, i pray and meditate. Being a family person, I love to spend quality time with my family especially my lovely daughter and son, feeding them, playing with them and putting them to sleep. Once they go to bed, I resume by work and go to bed by 11pm

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Leadership is not about ourselves. It is about the people and the interpersonal relationships that develop throughout the process. Service means the ability to touch other people’s lives, and the principle to grow is to give back.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Non-Conforming by Azrin Mohd Noor This book gives a real-life perspective on how being non-conforming allows a person to be ahead and innovative. Most importantly, this book shares how we can balance our lives chasing our dreams while spending quality time with our family equally. Family is numero uno, and that resonates with me.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

A mind that always asks the right questions brings you far in life, be a lifelong learner, and stay strong and sharp.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

As I travel around the globe for humanitarian missions, I often see people at their lowest point and in darkness. I remember when I led the mental health and psychosocial support team, a small boy that I met in the Middle East during my mission who had lost his parents and was severely injured but still smiled at me. He held my hand and said continue doing what you are doing, and your kids and the world will be proud of you. Be humble and follow your heart and mind; you will achieve real success and a meaningful and peaceful life.