BY NURIN PATRA & NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: Sarawak will establish a dedicated leadership institute aimed at advancing contemporary leadership and shaping future leaders with strategic vision, strong governance, and inclusive principles.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the institute will serve as a driving force in leadership transformation, ensuring that emerging leaders are not only capable but also ethical and visionary.
“If contemporary leadership is the answer to today’s leadership challenges, then we must ensure it is not just an idea but a structured and institutionalised practice.
“I am pleased to announce that the Leadership Institute, dedicated to advancing contemporary leadership, will soon become a reality in Sarawak,” he said in his keynote address at the Contemporary Leadership International Summit 2025 (CLIS2025) held at Riverside Majestic Hotel today.
Abang Johari said poor leadership leads to instability, economic uncertainty, and public distrust.
“But we have also witnessed the power of visionary, ethical, and inclusive leadership in driving sustainable progress.
“The gap between these two realities is leadership development, and this is where the institute will play a pivotal role through its research and development efforts,” he added.
The Premier also congratulated the Institute of Management Sarawak (MASA) and the Malaysian Research and Education Foundation (MyREF) on the successful signing of a memorandum of collaboration on Dec 4, 2024.
“This agreement marks the first major step toward institutionalising contemporary leadership,” he said.
He further revealed that MASA will spearhead the institute’s development, while MyREF will shape its leadership education, training programmes, and research agenda.
“MyREF has also expanded its international reach through a collaboration with the Markfield Institute of Higher Education in the United Kingdom on Jan 20, 2025.
“This partnership will not only elevate the standards of leadership education but also provide a global platform for the exchange of best practices and thought leadership.
“This is a significant milestone that signifies Sarawak’s growing role in global leadership development,” he said.
