Intense: the panelists discussing some
of the points made by each other
Faculty of Economics and Policy Science
Lecturer Dr. Ong Kian Ming (second from
right) moderates the Forum
Wan Mohamed Firdaus Wan Mohamed Fuad,
Director of the Institute for Democracy
and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) stresses a
point
Kuala Lumpur, 12 August 2010
- The promise of an evening of invigorating intellectual
discussion was fulfilled on Thursday, 12 August during
a forum hosted by UCSI University’s Faculty of Economics
and Policy Science where multiculturalism, freedom and
intellectualism were the focused themes. Held at UCSI
University Kuala Lumpur Campus, the forum entitled “Nurturing
the Minds of Future Leaders,” was moderated by Dr. Ong
Kian Ming, a lecturer from the Faculty of Economics
and Policy Science to highlight how to better prepare
today’s youths to take on the challenges of tomorrow
as the nation’s leaders and to help them to compete
nationally and globally.
This forum was also held in conjunction with the Perdana
Leadership Foundation’s essay-writing competition, “Malaysia
in a Globalised World”, which is opened to Malaysians
between the ages of 18 and 25 to help develop awareness
in today’s youths on nation building in preparation
for their future leadership. Established in 2003 to
support the country’s future developments, the Perdana
Leadership Foundation, aims to provide Malaysian youths
insight on the contributions of the nation’s leaders
by showcasing the history and work of Malaysia’s previous
prime ministers.
The panellists for the forum were Zarina Nalla, policy
and project development consultant with the International
Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, Wan Mohamed Firdaus
Wan Mohamed Fuad, director of the Institute for Democracy
and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) and Zarina Abu Bakar, general
manager of the Perdana Leadership Foundation.
Zarina Nalla believes that children need more interaction
and exposure to other races from a young age to inculcate
a more tolerant way of thinking for leadership requires
an appreciation and understanding of other cultures.
“(A child) needs to live the experience, and she won’t
have the experience if she is in her comfort zone all
the time,” she said. “You need to see and hear the other
and see them as your own. We are all part of one society.”
Malaysian children, she said, are often separated by
race during primary school, making it difficult for
them to overcome stereotypes. Likewise, she feels that
Malaysian youths are often exposed to racial stereotypes
and power plays from a young age, which leads them to
similar thinking as adults.
Thus, Zarina Nalla reiterated, “The concept of equal
citizenship can be taught to a 7-year-old”.
Wan Mohamed Firdaus felt that the problem with Malaysian
society today is its lack of encouragement for natural
born leaders to assume leadership roles. Specifically,
he said those who are smart and would make the best
leaders are encouraged to enter into medicine or law
instead of politics, thereby leaving important government
decisions to those who may not be as well-qualified.
This, according to Wan Mohamed Firdaus is related to
today’s youths lacking the freedom to make their own
decisions regarding their future and their restraint
in challenging family pressure to enter into a specific
field. He said young people need the ability to make
these decisions from young to prepare them for the more
difficult future decisions – decisions which normally
fall on the shoulders of leaders. He was also critical
of the Malaysian media because Malaysian youths, he
said, also need exposure to more analytical and informative
newspapers and other media sources – such as those in
the United Kingdom – to be effective leaders.
Zarina Abu Bakar was of the opinion that today’s youths
need to be more politically engaged in order to become
better leaders.
“I think responsible leadership starts from being responsible
citizens,” she said. “To become leaders of the future
we have to start by being aware of current concerns.”
Zarina Abu Bakar then spoke about Vision 2020 - Malaysia’s
goal to create a fully-developed economy and unified
society within the next decade – and the need to develop
a knowledge-based economy to achieve it. Thus, she felt
today’s youths need to develop their knowledge base
and be aware of current events, thinking about them
critically and to vote. For this, Malaysia, she said,
needs to develop a culture that encourages intellectual
freedom, creativity and innovation.
The forum became more interactive when the students
in the audience shared their own ideas what they needed
to become better leaders. They also echoed many of the
panellists’ concerns for more freedom to voice their
opinions and to make mistakes, without fear of family
condemnation.
UCSI University biotechnology student Ngizan Nomishan
who agreed that students need the ability to make their
own decisions said, “My parents wanted me to study medicine,
but I chose biotech”.
Fang Hong, who studies business administration at UCSI
University, and who learns from the ideas of others
agreed, “I think leadership is important”.
Although the forum ended around 7.30pm in honour of
breaking fast, the stimulating discussion continued
on to the dinner table for many of its audience and
the three panellists.
UCSI students who have a flair for writing are encouraged
to take part in the essay competition organised by the
Perdana Leadership Foundation by submitting their entry
before 30 September. More information could be
obtained from
www.PerdanaEssayCompetition.com.my.
"Without
prejudice to the rights of UCSI the information herein
is correct at the time of printing and UCSI reserves
the right to make amendments without prior notice."
Last updated:
18 Aug 2010
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