Intro:

Mohiuddin Monem is a prominent figure in Bangladesh's business landscape, deeply influenced by his father, the late Al-Hajj Abdul Monem, a legendary businessman and passionate sports enthusiast who served as chairman of the Mohammedan Sporting Club from 1984 to 1994-95. In recent years, Mr. Monem has become an avid golfer and has actively contributed to the sport's development in the country. He shared valuable insights with Golf & Beyond on how Bangladesh can further advance in the game of golf.

01. How did your golfing journey begin?

Mohiuddin Monem: My golfing journey is as exciting as my passion for living an active life, and there is no better way to stay healthy than by being involved in sports. Since childhood, I have been active in sports. My education at St. Joseph High School, where extracurricular activities are highly emphasized, only heightened my enthusiasm to remain agile.

I was introduced to golf more than three years ago, and my "can-do" attitude, along with my desire to excel in whatever I pursue, has been my motivation. As an ardent sports lover, I have engaged in various activities like football, cricket, basketball, volleyball, and tennis, though golf has now captured my heart. I believe I am picking up the game well, which contributes to my spirit of self-endurance. I continuously strive to improve and aim to do better every day. This competitive attitude is a game changer for me in both life and sports! As Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American philosopher, said, "It's not the destination; it's the journey," meaning that enjoying the process of getting there is just as important as reaching the destination. I am currently enjoying the game, playing regularly, participating in local and international tournaments, absorbing its disciplines, learning its tactics and techniques, understanding the rules, and experiencing the allure of golf.

What has mostly captivated me about golf is that it teaches discipline and self-resilience. Golf is a thinker's game; it’s chess on grass. Every shot requires strategy, and every putt demands precision. It’s about playing the elements, understanding the course, and, most importantly, knowing oneself. Golf helps individuals hone their leadership skills by teaching focus, goal setting, patience, problem-solving, self-discipline, and self-awareness.

I am delighted to have performed well in several tournaments, winning accolades that inspire me further. I was the Runner-Up in the Bangladesh-Indonesia Friendship Golf Tournament, the Runner-Up in the Bangladesh-China Friendship Golf Tournament in February 2024, the Runner-Up in the Runner President Cup Golf Tournament in 2023, and the Runner-Up in the Nagad Cup Golf Tournament in 2022.

Playing golf holds immense importance for business professionals as it provides a unique platform for networking, building relationships, and establishing a sense of fellowship and connection among participants. I got this inspiration from my office as well, particularly one senior official, Colonel Md. Bashirul Islam, PBGM,psc,G (Retd) who encouraged me to gear up for the game. His motivation was almost on a daily basis and that aided me to move to the course.

02. How have you observed the development of golf in Bangladesh over the years?

At present, golf plays an important role in my life, and I have been very observant of its development. The Bangladesh Golf Federation (BGF) and Bangladesh Professional Golfers' Association (BPGA) have demonstrated that Bangladesh is a country where both amateur and professional golf can flourish, including for women and children. Although I have only recently become involved in the game, I appreciate how golfers are promoting and elevating interest in the sport, enhancing its standards and experiences, and providing wholehearted support for playing opportunities, ground development, and club facility improvements. Hats off to the individual golfers who promote, stimulate, and encourage others to join the game. It is such an enjoyable experience that people grow fond of it

Today, there are ten golf courses across the country with thousands of golfers, despite it being cost prohibitive and time-consuming, requiring extensive training and observation. I believe the evolution of the game in our country is quite impressive. Siddiqur Rahman, Md. Zamal Hossain Mollah, and Md. Akbar Hossain are some of the professional players Bangladesh has produced, with abilities on par with any international golfer. Despite the challenges and limitations in acquiring the skills to become professional players, their success has also stemmed from generous support from the private sector. Now, we need policy support from the government, a public-private partnership, or a Golf Trust Fund created by the government in collaboration with the golf federations to support the game and promising players, allowing them access to expert coaches and trainers. This same support is essential to upgrade course conditions, maintain the greenery, and transform some into golf resorts. These are areas where the government can play a supportive role in stimulating a "golf economy."

03. Do you believe Bangladesh is receiving adequate sponsorship support for the growth of golf? As a prominent businessman, how does your company contribute to the sport?

I believe that through sports, any country can engage its youth, not only to maintain a healthy lifestyle but also to foster competition in their areas of interest. Some sports transcend age and youth, like golf. It is a game for everyone, not just for a select few or for those with nothing to do, as was once thought. The benefits of this game extend beyond age and life stages. First and foremost, golf is an excellent form of exercise; it brings friends together, fosters new relationships, enhances business connections, encourages outdoor activity, allows enjoyment of the weather, instills competitiveness, builds character, challenges individuals, and improves game skills.

There is no reason for corporations and leading brands in the country to shy away from supporting golf through sponsorships. I am pleased to see an increasing number of tournaments and event sponsorships. Without sponsors, we cannot create competitive playing opportunities or promote excellence in sports or enhance the country's image. I do think that to foster a vibrant golfing scene, further support is necessary. Our golf presence is still small compared to other South Asian countries, and additional backing will only enhance activities that positively impact the sport. We must energize a wider segment of the population towards golf, which is only possible through corporate support. I advocate for an immediate "Golf Talent Hunt," a sponsored event to boost the game’s popularity.

As a prominent businessman, I am committed to supporting sporting activities in Bangladesh. My father, the business legend Mr. Abdul Monem, was a devoted sports enthusiast who focused on developing football infrastructure. He was deeply involved in club management and game development in the country. He served as Chairman of Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited between 1984 and 1994-95, during which he elevated the club’s activities through additional investments in foreign coaches and players. This transformed and ultimately changed the dynamics of football in Bangladesh.

04. In what ways can the government support golf to make it accessible for middle-income individuals?

Mohiuddin Monem: It is challenging for golf to shed its image as a sport for the elite. For golf to become more accessible, there is not much the government can do right now, as it does not own any golf facilities, oversee the game, or maintain the sporting structure. Various golf grounds belong to different cantonments or private entities and are accessible to the general public. Golf clubs must start opening their courses with a variety of promotions and offerings for beginner golfers, students, and interested individuals. Additionally, it is up to the golf clubs to reshape the perception that golf is only for the wealthy. Golf in Bangladesh is struggling to attract young people, and we as golfers need to take responsibility for making it appealing to our friends and families. It cannot remain a game for a select minority. Clubs can also partner with leading universities to provide learning, training, and playing opportunities. Corporate-sponsored sessions for university students may also provide an emotional boost. This could be a significant step forward in popularizing the game.

06. What are your goals for golf in 2025?

Mohiuddin Monem: I am looking toward 2025 with many milestones to strive for. I am evolving as a player and now have clarity about my strengths and areas for improvement. I am also becoming accustomed to balancing skill development with enjoyment of the game. This ongoing learning, combined with my relaxation time on the course, is a pleasure! The "adjust, adapt, and advance" mindset has boosted my confidence, and I see 2025 as a year to establish myself in the local golf scene as a player, patron, lover, and supporter of the game.

Specifically, I want to enhance my skills and work on lowering my handicap. Moreover, I am encouraging my family members to take up golf, especially my eldest daughter, Irmana Anah Monem. She is eager to learn, and it is my personal goal to help her connect with the game passionately.

07. Can you share a brief overview of your business journey?

Mohiuddin Monem : I am the Additional Managing Director of Abdul Monem Group, Chairman and Co-Founder of SEBPO (ServicEngineBPO), Managing Director of AIIM Global Limited, and the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Bangladesh.

Reaching this position required a great deal of dedication, commitment, hard work, and the willingness to stand on my own. Nothing was spoon-fed.

After completing my education in the USA, where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master's Degree in Engineering Management from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, graduating with cum laude honors, I returned to Bangladesh to oversee the family business. From the outset, I wholeheartedly contributed to Abdul Monem Limited, our flagship company, which is one of the largest infrastructure development firms responsible for building many of Bangladesh's iconic bridges, highways, and other construction projects. My contributions enhanced the organization's project efficiency, improved workflows, and established a solid corporate structure. As I progressed, I began overseeing other businesses, including beverages (where we are the bottlers and distributors of Coca-Cola in Bangladesh), ice cream, dairy, and food (producers of Igloo ice cream and food products), and the establishment of a large sugar refinery (Igloo Sugar). I also organized the operations of our various business units, which now include bran oil manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, auto bricks, ready mix, bitumen emulsion, and the development of an economic zone, among others.

I take pride in having founded the first US-Bangladesh joint venture BPO operation, ServicEngine, which the Bangladesh government has recognized as an innovative IT export. ServicEngine ranks among the top 100 global business process outsourcing companies and is within the top 10 in the "rising companies" category, as recognized by the IAOP (International Association of Outsourcing Professionals) for outstanding customer service and consistent business performance. It serves as a source of employment for many highly skilled young people in Bangladesh.

I also focus on continuous improvements and innovations in today's challenging business environment. I have transformed the business portfolio and initiated technological advancements and modern management concepts to broaden the outreach of our enterprises. My ability to generate positive energy and motivate employees to connect with one another has fostered a collaborative environment that enhances business performance.

Since my appointment as the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in 2014, I have aimed to make my mark in the diplomatic community and have successfully coordinated multiple business delegation visits to Bangladesh. I continually seek areas for further diplomatic, business, and cultural collaboration between the two nations.

I serve as a director of Pragati Life Insurance Limited and Pragati Insurance Limited, two of the leading and most respected insurance companies in Bangladesh, reflecting my commitment to good corporate governance.

I have received the President's Award for Industrial Development five times, the Best Taxpayer Award from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for ten consecutive years, recognition as a Commercially Important Person (CIP) from the Ministry of Commerce, the National Export Trophy ten times, the National Productivity & Quality Excellence Award for Best Exporter of the Year, the title of World's Greatest Leader by URS-Asia One magazine, and the Highest Export Award.

I was elected as a Director of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industries (DCCI), the apex trade body of the country, where my insights on trade, commerce, and the development of the national economy have been highly valued.

I firmly believe in community development and am convinced that citizens must contribute to their communities and nation. In this spirit, I am actively affiliated with the Abdul Monem Foundation, which supports various charitable causes for the benefit of society, especially for the less privileged, in areas such as education, healthcare, and other philanthropic and CSR activities, including rescue efforts during national disasters.

I am exceptionally open-minded and respect the identity and uniqueness of people, societies, communities, and countries, which helps me appreciate the heritage and diversity of different cultures.

08. What are your expectations for Golf & Beyond magazine, and what message would you like to convey to our valued readers?

Mohiuddin Monem: I congratulate the team of Golf & Beyond magazine for their timely yet valiant effort to publish a magazine focused on golf and related leisure experiences. It is timely because it meets the needs of a wide, golf-connected readership, and it is valiant, as determination is essential to sustain the magazine.

My expectations are that the magazine will primarily focus on local and international golfing news and events in the professional golfing world. I hope it will cover the lifestyle and passion associated with the game, the services, utility, learning, and entertainment that golf provides, as well as major golf events. Additionally, it may highlight information on golf equipment, gaming techniques, teaching guidance, and various courses. This inclusive approach, with engaging content and visuals, will appeal to both seasoned golfers and those new to the sport. I am confident it will be an enjoyable read.

My message to our valued readers is to engage with the insights and information provided in the publication. We should also support the magazine through advertisements and sponsorships.