USM-UTAR Leadership Programme

Participants at the workshop

Following the success of the first Leadership Breakthrough! programme in December 2014, UTAR and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) jointly organised the second Leadership Breakthrough! programme at UTAR Perak Campus from 29 to 31 May 2015.

A total of 36 USM and 12 UTAR students took part in the programme which aimed to nurture budding leaders and empower them with leadership qualities through leadership building sessions that included workshops, outdoor activities and games. With the guidance of facilitators and experts at these leadership training sessions, participants from various backgrounds came together to learn, exchange ideas, and put the essential leadership skills that they learned into practice to solve problems.

Participants presenting their ideas 

Participants joining hands to ace an indoor game

 “Coming to UTAR is akin to a trip down memory lane. It rekindles my memories and other bittersweet experiences that I gained here as a student. I am glad to be back in my former alma mater,” said Choong, a UTAR Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) Computer Engineering graduate who is now a Master of Computer Science student in USM.

He added, “This programme has given me valuable insights into the importance of leadership, particularly in our interaction with other team members. I learned that a good leader is also a good listener and a good team player.  I have new friends from this experience and I have learnt a lot.”

Echoing Choong’s sentiments, USM student Teo Keng Boon said, “This programme has taught me a lot about human connection. Leadership is not just about giving commands. To be a good leader, you must be able to communicate with others and maintain good rapport with your subordinates.”

Representing UTAR Vice President (Student Development and Alumni Relations) Assoc Prof Dr Teh Chee Seng at the closing ceremony, Deputy Dean of UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science Ng Eng Kiat said in his remarks, “It is our pleasure and honour to have this collaboration with USM and we are more than happy to welcome our USM friends to UTAR Perak Campus.”

He added, “Dr Teh is unable to attend this event but he would like to convey his congratulations to all of you who have successfully completed this programme. We hope you have benefitted and that it has helped to uncover hidden talent or skills that you can develop further.”

Representing USM Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Dato’ Dr See Ching Mey at the closing ceremony, USM student leader Ng Liu Yi said, “I would like to thank UTAR staff and student helpers for your dedication and hard work in preparing this programme. It has enriched our understanding on the importance of soft skills. The wonderful times we spent together have strengthened the bond and friendship among UTAR, USM and international students from Kenya, France and Singapore.”

The closing ceremony ended with a certificate presentation to the participants, an exchange of mementos between UTAR and USM, a group photo-taking session and a group dance performance.

Group photo with (third row, from right) Ng Eng Kiat, UTAR staff, student helpers and corporate trainer Ng Thian Watt (front, centre)

A fun dance before parting