AMID a rapidly changing global landscape, the country needs more leaders capable of working beyond organisational and sectoral boundaries to develop solutions that benefit society as a whole.
To support this, a national cross-sector leadership initiative was recently introduced to bring together emerging leaders from government, business and civil society, with the aim of strengthening the leadership capabilities, relationships and shared purpose needed to serve Malaysia over the long term.
Launched by YTL Foundation on July 30, the ilmu Fellowship will select 25 emerging leaders for a 10-month leadership journey that will explore themes such as Malaysia’s social contract, adaptive leadership and the concept of a good society.
The initiative will culminate in a four-day residential programme at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, where participants will deepen their understanding of cross-sector partnerships and learn from global best practices.
In a message of support for the launch, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said Malaysia’s future depends not only on strong institutions, but also on leaders with the character, integrity and courage to serve the common good.
“As our nation faces increasingly complex challenges, we need leaders who can work across sectors, bridge differences and think beyond short-term interests,” he said.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma, who was present at the launch, said investing in leadership is an investment in the future of every nation.
“The ilmu Fellowship brings together international expertise and local perspectives to prepare emerging leaders to navigate complexity and drive collaboration.
“It exemplifies the enduring partnership between the UK and Malaysia, in particular our shared commitment to supporting the development of talent in our countries,” he said.
YTL Foundation programme director Datuk Kathleen Chew said Malaysia needs a stronger pipeline of leaders who can bridge perspectives, foster collaboration and put the nation’s long-term interests above institutional boundaries.
“The ilmu Fellowship was created with the belief that Malaysia’s future will depend not only on capable leaders within individual organisations, but also on leaders who can work across sectors in service of the nation.
“Our hope is that this fellowship becomes a long-term platform for nurturing principled leaders and building an enduring community committed to shaping a stronger, more resilient Malaysia for generations to come,” she said.
Developed in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government from the University of Oxford, Acumen Inc, Pemandu Associates and leadership coach Alvin Ung, the fellowship combines internationally recognised leadership approaches with Malaysia’s unique social and institutional context, the foundation said in a press release.
Throughout the fellowship, participants will remain in their full-time roles while taking part in immersive retreats, leadership workshops, coaching sessions, peer learning and real-world leadership initiatives, allowing them to apply new perspectives directly within their organisations and communities.
