JOHOR BAHRU, 22 Jan – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing values-driven national leaders through a leadership discourse titled From Campus Leadership to National Impact: The Journey of a Prominent Leader, held at Dewan Senat Ainuddin Wahid, UTM Johor Bahru.

The programme featured Yang Berhormat Dato’ Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Economy and a distinguished UTM alumnus, who returned to his alma mater to reflect on his journey from student leadership to national governance.

Attended by university management, student leaders, and members of the UTM community, the event served as a platform to bridge campus leadership experiences with the realities of public service and national responsibility. In his welcoming address, UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim underscored the importance of alumni engagement in inspiring future leaders, noting that UTM’s mission extends beyond academic excellence to the cultivation of principled and values-driven leadership during students’ formative years on campus.

Sharing his early involvement in student governance, particularly during his time at Kolej Tun Razak and later as President of the UTM Student Representative Council, Dato’ Indera Mohd Shahar highlighted how campus leadership experiences shaped his resilience, adaptability, and sense of responsibility.

“Being a student leader is not easy. You are often the mediator and the problem-solver, but these experiences prepare you for much bigger responsibilities later in life,” he remarked.

Beyond recounting his leadership milestones, he emphasised the role of faith and discipline as key anchors in navigating responsibility. He shared that his personal faith had guided his journey, while discipline ensured consistency in decision-making and action. He also spoke about the importance of starting the day early, noting that morning routines often set the tone for productivity and focus. Waking before dawn, he explained, has long been a habit that allows time for reflection, planning, and physical activity before the demands of official duties begin.

Health, he added, is another critical aspect often overlooked by young leaders. According to him, leadership cannot be sustained without physical and mental well-being. He encouraged students to prioritise their health early, cautioning that ambition without balance may lead to burnout.

“You can have big dreams, but without good health, it is difficult to go far,” he said, urging students to view self-care as an integral part of leadership responsibility.

Dato’ Indera Mohd Shahar also stressed the importance of building meaningful networks rather than merely accumulating contacts. He advised students to learn from mentors, peers, and even those with differing perspectives, noting that leadership in today’s complex environment requires collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. His own experience working with diverse stakeholders, both locally and internationally, he said, reinforced the value of relationships grounded in sincerity and respect.

Another key message was the importance of maintaining balance beyond titles and positions. While leadership roles and professional achievements matter, he reminded students that family, health, and personal values are equally significant. Leadership without balance, he cautioned, is unlikely to endure. He further encouraged students to remain lifelong learners, highlighting reading and continuous self-improvement as habits that sharpen judgement and broaden perspectives.

Addressing the realities of a globalised world, Dato’ Indera Mohd Shahar emphasised the importance of mastering the English language as a tool for leadership, advocacy and influence. He encouraged students to become confident communicators capable of engaging beyond national borders, particularly on global issues that increasingly shape Malaysia’s future. He urged them to think beyond campus life and to prepare themselves to contribute meaningfully at regional and international levels.

“Leaders must remain learners. No matter how high your position, the pursuit of knowledge should never stop,” he added.

The event also complemented UTM’s Brisk Walk initiative held earlier in the day, during which Dato’ Indera Mohd Shahar joined members of the university community for a walk from Dataran L50 to the Balai Cerap, reinforcing the emphasis on health and active living highlighted in his sharing.

The programme served not only as a reflection on an individual leadership journey, but also as a reaffirmation of UTM’s enduring role in shaping leaders who are grounded in values, mindful of well-being and prepared to serve society with vision, responsibility and balance.