KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged young Muslim leaders to embrace digital transformation and equip themselves with the skills and values needed to lead with integrity in an era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change.
He stressed that youth leadership development is central to strengthening the Muslim ummah.
“In an era where artificial intelligence, digital communication and automation are reshaping the way we live and lead, Muslims cannot afford to be left behind.
“We must prepare ourselves and our communities with the knowledge, literacy and mindset to harness technology for the benefit of the ummah.
“The Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) envisions a future where traditional Islamic values are strengthened through smart technology, where da’is are digitally empowered, and where our identity remains strong in the digital era,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in his speech during the opening ceremony of RISEAP International Youth Leadership Training 2025 held at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu today (Aug 16).
Abang Johari, who is also the president of RISEAP, said the organisation remains committed to nurturing resilient and self-reliant Muslim communities across the region through strategic partnerships, international training programmes and capacity-building initiatives, aimed at producing leaders who uphold integrity, purpose and Islamic principles.
In addition to promoting Islamic education and da’wah, he said RISEAP is determined to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are spiritually grounded, socially responsible and globally aware, ready to represent and uplift their communities with confidence.
The leadership training, he added, serves as an important platform to exchange ideas, share experiences and strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation.
“Let us use this programme as a platform to interact and foster mutual understanding between Islamic NGO activists and other religious groups.
“This training is designed to shape you, the future leaders, not only to speak, lead and represent but also to embody the message of Islam through your character, actions and service to humanity.
“This training is more than just learning how to speak or manage. It is about shaping the heart and mind of a true leader — a leader who serves, a da’i who uplifts, and a youth who follows in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad, the greatest leader and preacher of all time,” he said.
A total of 22 participants invited to the training are from RISEAP member organisations representing their respective countries — Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Samoa. This programme is a continuation of the International Da’i Training successfully held in Kuala Lumpur in February 2025 through the collaboration between RISEAP and IDIPKL.