KUCHING, Feb 21 – The Exchange of Collegiate Excellence in Leadership (ExCEL) – Sharing Best Practices of Collegiate Student Leadership was successfully held on February 21, 2025, at i-CATS University College in Kuching. This event was part of the Kembara Razak ke Desa Sarawak 2025 (KERAKED’25) program. It was organized collaboratively by the Student College Committee (JKP) of Kolej Tun Razak (KTR), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the Students’ Representative Council (MPP) of i-CATS University College, and UTM International. The aim was to strengthen leadership capabilities and foster meaningful dialogue among student leaders.
The discourse brought together 40 student leaders from diverse backgrounds representing UTM and i-CATS University College. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and strategic discussions on student governance, best practices, and the challenges faced in higher education institutions.
The ExCEL discourse was designed to encourage interactive discussions and collaborative problem-solving, enabling student leaders to gain insights into effective leadership strategies and governance models.
A key session during the discourse focused on best practices in student governance, featuring representatives from JKP KTR of UTM and MPP of i-CATS University College. They presented case studies on successful student-led programs, highlighting strategies for event management, student engagement, problem-solving, and advocacy. These presentations underscored the importance of collaborative leadership and adaptability in addressing student needs and ensuring successful programs.
Additionally, a panel discussion addressing leadership challenges in higher education took place with experienced student leaders from both JKP KTR and MPP of i-CATS University College. The panelists shared their experiences navigating leadership roles, addressing student concerns, and managing university-wide initiatives.
One key takeaway from ExCEL was the significance of collaboration between institutions. Student leaders from UTM and i-CATS University College exchanged ideas on improving student welfare, enhancing leadership structures, and creating impactful programs.
Nazrul Affan Jali, President of JKP KTR, reflected on the experience: “ExCEL has given us a new perspective on leadership. Learning from our peers at i-CATS has helped us see different approaches to student governance, and we hope to implement some of these best practices at our own university.”
Meanwhile, Jessie Jesica, President of MPP of i-CATS University College, emphasized the value of networking: “This discourse was a valuable opportunity for us to connect with student leaders from UTM. The exchange of knowledge and experiences has strengthened our resolve to create a better university experience for our peers.”
ExCEL aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting leadership excellence and fostering partnerships among universities. One key focus is on quality education (SDG 4), as it equips student leaders with essential leadership, governance, and organizational management skills, thereby contributing to a more enriched learning environment. Additionally, ExCEL aims to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by promoting inclusive leadership, ensuring that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have representation in decision-making processes. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of ExCEL highlights the importance of inter-university partnerships in developing future leaders, aligning with the objective of partnership for the goals (SDG 17).
The success of ExCEL has facilitated the introduction of further leadership exchange programs, joint student initiatives, and collaborative projects between UTM and i-CATS University College. Both institutions have expressed interest in expanding this program to include leadership training workshops, mentorship initiatives, and cross-university volunteering opportunities.
As the discourse concluded, participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose, stronger networks, and a deeper understanding of their roles as student leaders. By fostering an open dialogue, shared learning, and collective problem-solving environment, ExCEL 2025 proved to be a transformative experience for all involved.
With ongoing collaboration between UTM, i-CATS University College, and other student organizations in the future, ExCEL’s impact is expected to extend beyond the event itself, significantly shaping the development of student leadership in Malaysian universities.
Authored by: Muhammad Firas Faiq Azizan & Hemnaarth Tanakaran