(Kuching, 11th) Sarawak continues to strengthen leadership development and has established a Leadership Academy, a specialized institution aimed at cultivating credible, ethical, and visionary leaders to tackle 21st-century challenges.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari announced that to ensure the effective operation of the Academy and its adequate resources, the Sarawak government will provide special funding, including expertise, a global network, and supportive infrastructure.
He described the Academy as a center for leadership transformation to ensure that future leaders possess not only intellectual capabilities but also strong leadership ethics.
"Leadership development cannot be achieved independently. It requires strategic collaboration with all parties to ensure its success."
During his speech at the opening of the 2025 Contemporary Leadership International Summit (CLIS2025), Abang Johari remarked that today marks a historic step forward in this journey and is pleased to announce that this Leadership Academy will become a reality.
On December 4, 2024, the Sarawak Management Institute (MASA) and the Malaysian Research and Education Foundation (MyREF) signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a significant milestone of this vision.
Under this collaboration, MASA will lead the development of the Academy, while MyREF will play a key role in shaping its leadership education, training programs, and research agendas.
He emphasized that excellent leadership does not rely solely on talent, but requires systematic development through structured training, guidance, and the reinforcement of universal leadership values.
He further stressed that if contemporary leadership is the answer to today's leadership challenges, it needs to be practiced in a structured and institutionalized manner to ensure the continuance of high-quality leadership in the long term.
“Great leadership is not birthed by chance; it requires grooming, molding, and reinforcement with the right knowledge and principles.”
“Therefore, we cannot let the cultivation of future leaders happen haphazardly. It must be based on a planned, inclusive, and forward-looking system,” he added.
The establishment of this Leadership Academy is expected to lay a solid foundation for Sarawak, producing leaders who are not only capable but can also steer Sarawak towards a future of excellence.
This move will position Sarawak as a pioneer in developing systematic, progressive, and resilient leadership.