AGENDA representative Saidatul Syuhada, Secretary of AGENDA 2025/27 attended The Contemporary Leadership International Summit 2025 (CLIS 2025), organized by the Malaysian Research & Education Foundation (MyREF), brought together global thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching on 11-12 February 2025. The summit explored the evolution of leadership, strategic foresight, and the role of contemporary leadership in addressing today’s economic, social, and technological challenges.
YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, delivered a keynote emphasizing the need for perseverance, strategic planning, and ethical leadership.
His speech outlined the three core pillars of Sarawak’s development:
✔ Economic Stability – Ensuring financial resilience and technological advancement.
✔ Environmental Sustainability – Leveraging hydrogen energy and renewable resources.
✔ Social Inclusivity – Enhancing infrastructure, healthcare, and education accessibility.
The Premier also emphasized that leadership is not defined by tenure but by the impact and trust left behind. He urged leaders to embrace collaboration, adaptability, and strategic foresight to navigate an unpredictable future.
The summit underscored that contemporary leadership is an evolving model—a response to systemic failures rather than a passing trend. Dr. Mohd Fauzi Shaffie, Trustee of MyREF, traced the evolution of leadership theories from Great Man Theory to Transformational, Servant, and Inclusive Leadership, highlighting that modern leadership requires emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a people-centric approach.
🔹 10 Core Strengths of Effective Leaders:
✔ Visionary Thinking
✔ Ethical Leadership & Integrity
✔ Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
✔ Innovation & Creativity
✔ Adaptability & Resilience
✔ Empowerment & Inclusivity
✔ Strategic Decision-Making
✔ Collaboration & Relationship Building
✔ Social Responsibility & Sustainability
✔ Accountability & Transparency
A key outcome of the summit was the launch of the Professional Certificate in Contemporary Leadership, an initiative by MyREF. The program includes three modules and a one-week residential training in the UK, designed to develop future-ready leaders with strong ethical foundations and strategic capabilities. More info is available at their website.
CLIS 2025 reinforced that great leaders are nurtured, not born. The summit positioned contemporary leadership as a critical driver of sustainable development, economic resilience, and inclusive governance. Leaders must embrace change, empower others, and integrate ethical leadership practices to create a lasting impact.
NGO AGENDA is committed to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and ethical leadership. In alignment with CLIS’s agenda, we support the development of the next generation of transformative leaders in Malaysia and beyond.
Reference :
1- Slide from speaker : https://myref.org.my/clis2025/
2- Website myref : https://myref.org.my/clis2025/
