Soft Skills Summit 2025 prepares students for real-world success

The Global Economics Society (GES) under the Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) organised the Soft Skills Summit 2025 to equip students with soft skills that are vital for success in the real world. The event took place on 19 April 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

In his opening remarks, GES Advisor Mr Low Choon Wei emphasised the importance of soft skills, including communication, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, teamwork, adaptability, time management, problem-solving, and leadership. He said, “These may sound simple or even basic, but they are the traits employers prioritise more than ever. Research and employer feedback consistently show that soft skills rank among the top hiring requirements. Many employers today state they are willing to train someone in technical areas, but they find teaching attitude, initiative, interpersonal skills, and resilience challenging.”

Following the opening remarks, a keynote address titled How You Can Be Life-Ready? was delivered by UTAR alumnus Mr Tay Vui Kit. He shared insights from his journey and encouraged students to take ownership of their growth. He emphasised the importance of always being prepared for change and developing resilience to navigate life’s challenges.

The summit featured a series of impactful sessions led by nine accomplished speakers from various professional backgrounds. The first session titled, Leader-Shift: From Campus to the Real World, was delivered by Ms Khoo Yong Shan, who shared strategies for transitioning from student leadership roles to real-world responsibilities. The following session titled, Grit & Perseverance: Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities, was delivered by Ms S. Mogana Rani, who encouraged students to develop resilience when facing adversity. Dr Nur Aainaa binti Hamzah’s session titled Why Humans Think Differently – The Key to Connect to Everyone! explored the psychological aspects of human interaction and communication. Ms Penny Angeline Attenbrough talked about Lessons from the Boardroom to the Startup World, sharing her corporate and entrepreneurial experiences to highlight the importance of adaptability in diverse work environments.

Ms Ng Mei Fun started the afternoon segment with a practical session on Time Management: MoSCoW Prioritisation, introducing an effective method for task prioritisation. Ms Ivy Cheah then spoke on The Art of Giving Back: Volunteerism, inspiring students to engage in meaningful community service. Mr Rizal Lim, who presented Kintsugi: Making Our Imperfections Unique, encouraged self-acceptance and personal growth. After a brief refreshment break, Ms Syereen Ho Lou Shin spoke on Practice Makes Perfect? and discussed the role of consistent effort in achieving excellence. The final speaker, Ms Florence Ku Choon Foong, wrapped up the First Impressions: Pitch and Etiquette session, highlighting the significance of professional presentation and communication.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Soft Skills Summit 2025 Chairperson Minnie Ling Yee Lynn, who thanked all speakers, participants, and the organising committee for their dedication in making the summit a resounding success. The Soft Skills Summit 2025 was an eye-opening and enriching platform for students to explore various personal and professional development facets. The summit effectively empowered students to become more confident, adaptable, and prepared for life through engaging talks, interactive sessions, and real-life examples.