Future Leaders Forum: Decoding the skills and mentality for success 

A group photo before the event start. Front row, from right: Ms Helena Phua, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Song Hoi-See, Tuan Jaafar, Mr Jonathan Song, Mr Fidelman, Dr Lai Soon Onn

The Future Leaders Forum titled “Decoding the Skills and Mentality for Success” was held on 17 November 2023 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. It was organised by the Plaza Premium Group (PPG), along with the support of The New York Times and UTAR.

Present at the forum were PPG’s Founder & CEO Mr Song Hoi-See, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, PPG’s Global Director of Business Development Mr Jonathan Song, The New York Times Asia Editor Mr Brian Fidelman, Malaysia Airports Senior General Manager Tuan Hj Mohd Arif Jaafar, The New York Times Executive Vice President of Asia Pacific Ms Helena Phua and PPG Regional Director of Human Resources (Southeast Asia) Mr Jimmy Ng.

The forum kick-started with an opening speech by Prof Dato’ Ewe. He said, “Our forum’s focal point revolves around education and leadership, two pillars shaping our future leaders’ trajectory. The discussions on education and leadership are directly aligned with our commitment to nurturing well-rounded, forward-thinking individuals. Thus, I hope all participants can gain insights into the evolving landscape of education and leadership, preparing them to be agile and adaptable leaders in their respective fields.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his opening speech

Mr Song, who hails from humble beginnings in Sungai Udang, Melaka, was born into a modest family. Following his secondary school education, he embarked on a journey to England for further studies. Upon graduating, he ventured into the financial world, joining the Lehman Brothers, where his dedication and talent propelled him to the position of Senior Vice President in 1988. His departure from investment banking in 1990 marked a pivotal moment; it provided him with a firsthand experience of economy-class travel without the luxury of an airport lounge. This experience inspired him to revolutionise the travel industry by establishing a pay-per-use airport lounge accessible to all passengers. In 1998, the Plaza Premium Group was born, inaugurating its first two lounges at Hong Kong International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Over the course of 25 years of unwavering commitment and perseverance, PPG has expanded its footprint to encompass more than 80 international airports across over 30 countries, offering premium lounge services. As Mr Song concluded his inspiring talk, he imparted advice to the younger generation, urging them to "dare to dream" and be ready to embrace changes with open arms.

Mr Song advising the younger generation

Following Mr Song’s insightful sharing, a distinguished panel comprising Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Jonathan Song, and Tuan Hj Mohd Arif Jaafar was gathered for a roundtable discussion on the essence of leadership in the future. The session was moderated by Mr Brian Fidelman. The collaborative exchange among these accomplished individuals culminated in a unanimous consensus. They underscored that future success hinges on the cultivation of a perpetual learning mindset, adeptness in collaborative endeavours, coupled with a profound sense of self-discipline, and an unwavering passion for one’s pursuits. The insightful discussion served as a beacon for aspiring leaders, emphasising that the trajectory to leadership excellence is paved with a commitment to continuous growth, harmonious collaboration, and a genuine love for one’s chosen path.

Discussion in progress

Clockwise, from top left: Mr Fidelman, Tuan Jaafar, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Mr Jonathan Song

Ms Helena Phua said in her closing remarks, “First and foremost, congratulations on PPG’s 25th anniversary; 25 years of making travel better. We all benefited from this great experience and we will continue to be pampered with your excellent products and services. More than 130,000 students per year benefited from your generosity. This means a lot. You know, for future leaders, you offer them a gateway to a wealth of knowledge and information that can be accessed from anywhere at any time. The New York Times encourages critical thinking. Media literacy helps individuals differentiate between reliable sources and misinformation. So, in summary, this gift of knowledge and information provides individuals with opportunities to learn, explore and expand their understanding of the world around them. Thank you, everyone here today for your attendance and participation. This is an amazing journey and amazing partnership.”

Ms Helena Phua delivering her closing remark

UTAR students taking a selfie with the esteemed guests