Twelve young Malaysian community and business leaders selected to take part in one of the world’s most innovative leadership programmes, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences.
KOTA KINABALU: Twelve young Malaysian community and business leaders are among 300 emerging leaders from across The Commonwealth selected to take part in one of the world’s most innovative leadership programmes, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences.
The programme commenced in 1956 by His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, with the intent “to study the human problems of industrial communities in the Commonwealth…to pool experience and to listen to views and opinions.”
Since then, more than 8,000 people have taken part in Commonwealth Study Conferences across the world, including several programs that have been held in Malaysia.
This year, 12 Malaysians from different professional backgrounds and representing different parts of the country are travelling throughout Canada as part of the 11th Commonwealth Study Conference.
They are Michelle De la Harpe, Penang; Srividhya Ganapathy, Kuala Lumpur; Rizawani Fiona Heng, Sabah; Enoch Khoo Boo Wei, Sabah; Alyssa Lim Siew Wei, Sabah; Su Yen Pang, Kuala Lumpur; Tatianna Solibun-Choy, Kuala Lumpur; Adelene Teo Yee Ming, Kuala Lumpur; Justin Wong, Kuala Lumpur; Sabrina Yap Pin Foong, Kuala Lumpur; Li Ling Yap, Sabah; and Yvonne Yong Yit Phung, Sabah.
The Commonwealth Association of Leadership Malaysia (CALM), founded in 2018, was tasked with selecting the 12 to attend the Commonwealth Study Conference (CSC) – led by President, Hanaa Wong Abdullah and a 4-member selection team.
“We were delighted to receive almost 40 very impressive applications from all over Malaysia – it was an incredibly difficult process to edit the list to the dozen we ended up selecting.
But we are so proud of the delegation we have sent; these individuals will bring back amazing experiences and global connections that will help drive Malaysia’s continued success on the world stage,” she said.
The opening plenary was held in Banff, Alberta (3-5 June) in the presence of the HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, prior to delegates heading out across Canada on their study tours. The closing plenary will be held in Montreal (15-18 June).
“It is truly a privilege to have been chosen to participate in the CSC as it was a goal set from the very moment I heard of the conference. I was fortunate to have participated in peripheral emerging leader dialogues and being part of the CSC now is the pinnacle of the entire programme. Not only have we started debating in the first 2 days of the Opening Plenary within our preassigned study groups on new topics, but even amongst my fellow Malaysians in topics that do not apply to our country. In only 2 days I have already learned so much that has reassured me of my reason and direction in life and I look forward to the next leg of the study tour,” said de la Harpe, who is President of the Meraki Daat Sabah Initiative.
Srividhya, lawyer and child rights activist, said: “I’m looking forward to meeting and connecting with leaders from all over the world, and learning. I’ve learned so much from the speakers and my fellow delegates in these past 2 days. Super excited for what the coming weeks will bring!”
“I came to CSC Canada with an open mind and ready to learn. The group has such rich diversity in experience, knowledge and culture. I look forward to putting these learning into practice,” said Rizawani, businesswoman and NGO advocate.
Khoo, an executive director, said she wants to learn, exchange and share the Malaysian experience with 300 top emerging leaders and strategically bring back relevant ideas to add value to our community after this.
“I feel so fortunate and grateful for being part of CSC2023. I am humbled to be able to connect and learn from a diverse group of global leaders. As our team are leaving for our study tour to Yukon, I am optimistic that this will be a life changing moment in my leadership journey,” said Lim, founder of the Inner Peace Academy.
“It’s been liberating to meet 275 emerging leaders from over 35 Commonwealth countries who are just as hungry as me in walking the talk to find solutions for the adversities faced in this ever changing & fast moving world. I hope to be an exemplary leader who is all inclusive, impartial & competent so we can raise the bar even higher as we nurture another generation of emerging leaders,” said Su, who is Executive Director of an idea company.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to connect and learn from this community of global leaders. As we depart to our respective study groups today, I bring with me an open mind and heart, ready to be inspired by the enriching experiences ahead,” said Tatianna, Manager of a financial regulatory body.
“Exciting, inspiring, and colourful! A real experiential learning right from the start of the journey to Canada itself. One that tests and builds resilience, patience, adaptability, innovativeness, and most importantly, the ability to take a step back when required – all of which are key leadership qualities. I am looking forward to embracing the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Teo, a policy analyst.
Wong, who is Vice President of a human resources, said: “I am appreciative to have the opportunity to work with global leaders from various sectors and communities. I am inspired to unlearn things within my study group by pursuing the unfamiliar, and getting to know different opinions.”
“I am thrilled and deeply grateful to have the opportunity to participate in this prestigious CSC Canada 2023, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am eager to engage with and learn from the diverse array of Commonwealth countries leaders, and I cannot wait to embark on this transformative journey,” said Yap, Enterprise Solution Specialist.
“I am thankful for the opportunity presented by the CSC, as it allows me to explore the right questions, seek common ground amidst diverse opinions, and actively contribute to becoming a solution for the collective global challenges we face today,” said Li, Corporate Affairs Director, Forest Solutions Malaysia.
“The opening plenary in Banff has been amazing with great diverse speaker lineup. Looking forward to see everyone’s leadership qualities during our study group tour, and to explore more on how to push myself further, to be inspired, and to inspire,” said Yong, Women Youth Chief, Sabah Progressive Party.
