KOTA KINABALU: Over 300 participants, including 250 students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), government agencies, NGOs, and industry representatives, attended the National Leadership Seminar:
From Campus to National Leadership, organized by the Malaysian Leadership Academy in collaboration with the Malaysian National Academy, the Prime Minister’s Department, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah. The event was held at the Recital Hall here today.
The ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, who also serves as Advisor to the Malaysian Leadership Academy, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar bin Hj Nasarah. He emphasized the pivotal role of universities in shaping national identity and fostering credible leadership among students.
The seminar featured Dr. Hajah Fatimah Sabrina Moahmmad, Deputy Chairperson of the Malaysian Professional Women Secretariat, alongside other invited panelists.
In her presentation, Dr. Sabrina, affectionately known as Kak Sab, highlighted the importance of amplifying the voices of Sabah women and the disabled community within the framework of national leadership.
“Sabah women possess unique strengths, resilience, a deep understanding of societal realities, and abundant empathy. Women and persons with disabilities are not merely policy recipients; they are the voices of the people and deserve a seat at the decision-making table,” she stressed.
She also referenced the national target to ensure that at least 30% of leadership and board positions in both the public and private sectors are held by women.
To date, the top 100 listed companies have achieved an average of approximately 32.2% female board representation. However, in politics, participation remains low, with only about 13.6% of seats in the House of Representatives held by women.
“These figures clearly demonstrate that women are capable of leading. What is needed is not special treatment, but fair opportunities and equal access,” she noted.
Dr. Sabrina urged students to cultivate leadership based on:
• Knowledge – to think critically and maturely
• Empathy – to understand those they lead
• Integrity – to remain steadfast when entrusted with power
“Graduates bring qualifications. Leaders bring values. And it is these values that determine the direction and dignity of the nation,” she said.
The seminar served as a strategic platform to nurture visionary young leaders, including young Sabah women and the disabled community, preparing them to assume national leadership roles in the future roles that begin at the university level.-pr/BNN
