UCSI-PLF Joint Forum "Nurturing Minds of Future Leaders"
Date: 12 August 2010
Time: 6.00pm – 7.20pm
Venue: Auditorium, UCSI University
Speakers:
- Mr. Wan Mohamed Firdaus Wan Mohd Fuad (Special Officer to the Chief Minister of Johor)
- Ms. Zarina Nalla, (Policy and Project Development Consultant of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, IAIS)
- Ms. Zarina Abu Bakar (General Manager Perdana Leadership Foundation)
- Dr Ong Kian Ming, Malaysiakini columnist and UCSI lecturer (Moderator)
Dr. Ong Kian Ming of UCSI moderating the forum
The Malaysian economy and youth leadership issues were thoroughly discussed by three panelists, Ms. Zarina Nalla, Mr. Wan Mohamed Firdaus Wan Mohd Fuad and Ms. Zarina Abu Bakar during the UCSI-PLF Joint Forum on “Nurturing the Minds of Future Leaders”, held on 12 August 2010 at UCSI University. The three speakers also commented on the environments in schools and universities pertaining to leadership development.
Ms. Zarina Nalla representing IAIS
The first speaker, Ms Zarina Nalla, the Policy and Project Development Consultant of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), questioned the suitability of schools in Malaysia to raise and nurture capable leaders. She illustrated an example, from her personal observations of sending her children to national schools where most of the students are Malays and don’t get the opportunity to mix with students of other races. This, she said, prevents a lot of young Malaysians from appreciating diversity and understanding people different from themselves. In a multi-racial environment like Malaysia, the mono-ethnic national school environments hamper bonding between the races. She also thought that creative programmes should be introduced to schools and universities curriculums to nurture creative minds and to compel these students to come out from their ‘comfort zones’.
Mr. Wan Mohamed Firdaus Wan Mohd Fuad, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Johor
Wan Firdaus Wan Mohd Fuad, Special Officer to the Chief Minister of Johor opined that leaders are born rather than “created”. He believed that it is difficult to create leaders particularly with the environment that Malaysians are exposed to. He also raised some interesting points, when he said, “We (Malaysians) don’t expect smart people to be leaders, we seldom allow young people to make decisions and that is why we need to train and nurture leadership skills at young age.” He strongly believed that leaders are also decision-makers and they need to gain knowledge to cultivate their leadership skills. The knowledge culture in Malaysia, he believed, is still absent.
Puan Zarina Abu Bakar representing Perdana Leadership Foundation
Puan Zarina Abu Bakar reminded the audience of the goals for Malaysia (Vision 2020 and a High Income Economy) and stated that Malaysia still lacks the human capital necessary to reach knowledge economy status, where key ingredients are brain power and innovation. She also highlighted that Malaysia only spent 0.7% of GDP on research and development in comparison to other countries. Vision 2020’s aim to create united Malaysian nation by 2020 was also touched, that envisioned Malaysia to have a mature liberal democratic society by the year 2020.
During question and answer session
More than 60 audience comprising of UCSI University Vice Chancellor, Dr Robert Bong, UCSI academic staff and students as well as interested members of the public attended the forum. The audience had a dialogue with the panelists and gave out their opinions on leadership issues. For example, they thought that Malaysian youth live in fear and their opinions are not heard by the adults. They felt that society must understand their position and the society must also hear their voices more often. Wan Firdaus commented that Malaysian society accepted the nature of being ‘patronised’ in their culture and young leaders needed to change the environment if they wanted to nurture their leadership skills and they should be given more roles to encourage young Malaysians to help shape Malaysia’s future.
Dr Robert Bong, Vice Chancellor of UCSI presenting memento to Puan Zarina Abu Bakar
The Forum’s aim was to encourage UCSI students to participate in the Essay Competition, but along the way it also revealed some thoughts and frustrations of young Malaysians on Malaysia.
