Siena:Young leaders are being called upon by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof to engage in leadership within their communities without waiting for formal titles or positions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah emphasized that leadership is defined not by age, but by the willingness to assume responsibility and serve. He delivered this message during his Special Address at the International Young Future Leaders Summit (iFUTURE) 2026. He stated, "The future does not belong to those who wait for a title; it belongs to those who serve before they are called."
The event was attended by prominent figures including Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) secretary-general Datuk Amiruddin Hashim, and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) vice-chancellor Prof Yatimah Alias.
Fadillah highlighted the importance of three core foundations for young leaders values, vision, and responsibility, especially in a world experiencing rapid technological advancements and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). He noted that while technology can enhance capabilities, it is values that provide direction, aligning with Malaysia MADANI's focus on human dignity and public trust.
He stressed that having a vision is crucial for navigating change, pointing out that leadership requires actively shaping the future rather than merely imagining it. Fadillah urged that values and vision must be translated into meaningful actions and responsibilities, indicating that even small actions can have a significant impact.
Additionally, Fadillah encouraged the development of resilience among young leaders, the importance of building trustworthy teams, and maintaining openness to feedback and collaboration. He remarked that listening and asking for help are strengths and integral to value-based leadership.
The three-day summit, themed 'Redefining Future Leaders Through Value-Based Leadership', runs from October 11 to October 13. It aims to create an international student leadership network through intellectual discourse and strategic dialogue with top national leaders, drawing over 1,000 student leaders from higher education institutions across 60 countries.