By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 11: Sarawak is set to establish a Leadership Institute as a dedicated centre for cultivating contemporary leaders, shaping leadership as a responsibility driven by vision and impact rather than mere authority.
A significant milestone toward this vision was marked on Dec 4, 2024, with the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration between the Institute of Management Sarawak (MASA) and the Malaysian Research and Education Foundation (MyREF).
Under this collaboration, MASA will spearhead the institute’s development, while MyREF will play a pivotal role in shaping its leadership education, training programmes, and research agenda.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, emphasised the urgency of institutionalising contemporary leadership to nurture future leaders, particularly among the younger generation, and create a structured pathway for leadership development.
“Great leaders are not born – they are nurtured, developed and equipped with the right knowledge, skills and values. Leadership excellence does not happen overnight; it requires structured training, continuous learning and mentoring, and inculcation of a strong foundation in good universal principles.
“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. Leadership excellence cannot be left to chance. Leaders must be nurtured, trained, mentored and equipped with the principles of strategic foresight, trustworthiness, and inclusivity—and this requires a sustained effort of a dedicated institution,” he said when addressing the Contemporary Leadership International Summit 2025 at a local hotel here today.
With the complexities and uncertainties of the global landscape, Abang Johari underscored the need for a leadership paradigm shift—one that not only addresses present challenges but also anticipates future complexities.
He cautioned that poor leadership leads to instability, economic uncertainty, and public distrust.
“This is where contemporary leadership emerges, not just as an alternative, but a necessity.
“The concept of contemporary leadership is built on three fundamental pillars of strategic foresight, trustworthiness and inclusivity. These elements are not merely leadership qualities nor an abstract ideal, but essential competencies for navigating today’s challenges, and practical traits that distinguish great leaders from those who struggle to adapt,” he said.
In Sarawak, he highlighted the transformative power of leadership under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration, citing the region’s remarkable revenue growth from RM6 billion in 2017 to RM14.2 billion in 2024.
He also reiterated Sarawak’s commitment to equitable development through initiatives such as the establishment of development agencies across 12 strategic areas, ensuring inclusive progress.
Furthermore, Sarawak aims to provide free higher education to all Sarawakian students studying at local institutions starting in 2026.
“This reflects the resilience and hard work of our people, overcoming economic challenges and global crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Sarawak is targeting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM280 billion by 2030. With the right commitment, direction, human resources, and integrity—while embracing new technology and harnessing our resources—I am confident we will achieve this goal,” he expressed.
Abang Johari emphasised that the Leadership Institute will play a critical role in institutionalising contemporary leadership through research, development, and education.
“The responsibility for leadership does not belong to one individual, one organisation, or one government alone. It is a shared duty—a commitment that extends across generations. This Leadership Institute shall not be just another institute; it shall be a legacy and a game changer that we are building today, for the leaders of tomorrow.
“Let this be the beginning of a movement—one that redefines leadership excellence, inspires change, and fosters a future where leadership is measured not by position, but by impact on society,” he concluded.
Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, MyREF chairman Emeritus Professor Dato’ Abang Abdullah Abang Ali, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjerie were present. — DayakDaily
