Ytl Foundation Launches Ilmu Fellowship To Shape Future Leaders

KUALA LUMPUR: Some of Malaysia's biggest challenges demand collaboration across government, business and civil society. From economic uncertainty to climate change and the rapid pace of technological change, today's issues increasingly demand collaboration across sectors.

That is the thinking behind ilmu Fellowship, a new leadership programme by YTL Foundation that brings together emerging leaders from government, business and civil society to learn from one another and build the relationships needed to create lasting change.

Developed with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, as well as Acumen Academy Malaysia, Pemandu Associates, and leadership coach Alvin Ung, the 10-month programme combines internationally recognised leadership approaches with Malaysia's own social and institutional landscape.

Twenty-five emerging leaders will be selected for the inaugural programme to take part in workshops, coaching, peer learning and immersive retreats while continuing in their full-time roles.

The journey concludes with a four-day residential programme at the University of Oxford, where fellows will exchange ideas and learn from global examples of cross-sector leadership.

Speaking at the launch of the fellowship today, YTL Foundation programme director Kathleen Chew said Malaysia has no shortage of talented people who want to make a meaningful difference.

"What we need are more leaders who can bridge perspectives, foster collaboration and put the nation's long-term interests first," she said.

She added that the fellowship aims to build not only capable leaders, but also an enduring community committed to shaping a stronger and more resilient Malaysia for generations to come.

British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma said investing in leadership is an investment in a nation's future, noting that the ilmu Fellowship brings together international expertise and local perspectives to prepare emerging leaders for increasingly complex challenges.

Higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir also supported the initiative, saying Malaysia needed leaders with the character, integrity and courage to serve the common good.

The launch included a fireside chat, "Leading Well: The Leadership Malaysia Needs Next", featuring Nallini Pathmanathan, Hamdan Abdul Majeed and Keeran Sivarajah, moderated by Leon Jala of Pemandu Associates, on the qualities leaders need in an increasingly interconnected world.

Nominations for the inaugural ilmu Fellowship close on Aug 14. The programme is open to emerging leaders from government, business and civil society who are committed to creating positive change in Malaysia.

More information is available at www.ilmufellowship.com.