NEGERI SEMBILAN, Nov 18 – The Centre of Leadership Development under the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), successfully concluded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) School of Youth Leadership (YOULEAD 2025), held from November 15 to 18 2025. The prestigious four-day programme brought together emerging youth leaders from 11 nations, creating a purposeful space for regional connection, mutual learning, and strategic dialogue on the future of ASEAN.
Representing the Faculty of Computing, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Looi Yu Xiang described the summit’s most valuable outcome as the opportunity for meaningful, multi-national networking among ASEAN university delegates. Through conversations and collaborative sessions with peers across the region, he gained broader exposure to diverse leadership approaches with different communities communicate, negotiate, and build consensus based on their unique social and cultural contexts. These exchanges went beyond introductions. They became the starting point for long-term partnerships and a stronger sense of shared responsibility as ASEAN youth leaders.
Throughout the programme, discussions consistently returned to issues that matter deeply to the region’s next generation, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gender equality, and economic empowerment. Delegates explored how these themes intersect in real life, how inclusive policies shape opportunities, how communities can build resilience through education and innovation, and how leadership must be grounded in both empathy and action. The programme’s format encouraged participants to speak up, listen actively, and challenge assumptions, helping them translate big ideas into practical mindsets.
A key intellectual highlight was the presence of distinguished speakers, including the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, YB Tan Sri Dato’ Johari Abdul. Their insights reinforced the importance of principled leadership, integrity in public service, and the role of youth in strengthening democratic values and social cohesion.
Another impactful moment came from Prof. Dato’ Dr. Md Amin Md Taff, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), who delivered a powerful reminder that leadership is not built in comfort zones: “The person who never makes a mistake is the one who does nothing.” For many participants, the message landed as both a challenge and an encouragement — progress requires courage, learning requires effort, and leadership requires the willingness to take responsibility even when outcomes are uncertain.
Beyond the lecture halls and formal sessions, YOULEAD 2025 also emphasised cultural diplomacy as a core element of regional leadership. Looi was assigned to the Cambodia Group as facilitator, where he also played an active role in learning on Cambodian traditional dance, food, and language. These exchanges were not just cultural showcases. They helped delegates appreciate the depth of each country’s identity, while practising respect, curiosity, and cross-cultural communication — skills that are essential for regional collaboration.
The group’s teamwork also stood out during hands-on activities such as creative headgear-making and the Traditional Sports Carnival. Participating in Malaysia traditional games like sepak takraw and coconut bowling created an energetic, inclusive atmosphere where delegates could bond naturally, support one another, and experience ASEAN unity in a simple but memorable way.
The programme concluded with excursions to Putrajaya and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), giving delegates a chance to experience Malaysia’s iconic national landmarks while reflecting on the journey they had shared. By the final day, the connections formed among the 11 nations felt less like a temporary event and more like a community — one built through conversation, collaboration, and shared ambition.
As a Malaysia delegate, Looi noted that the experience aligned strongly with UTM’s commitment to cross-cultural engagement and international collaboration. While the trip has ended, the relationships and lessons continue. The seed has been planted and with continued effort, these youth leaders can keep growing into talents who remain committed, contribute meaningfully to their societies, and help shape a more united, forward-looking ASEAN.
