UNIMAS launches Borneo Leadership Talk Series

BY GILLIAN NESSLYN and LAKESH KUMAR

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) launched the Borneo Leadership Talk Series 1/2025, here on Tuesday.

The talk series got off to an impressive start with PEMANDU chairman, Datuk Seri Idris Jala, who captivated the audience with a presentation on ‘Transformational Leadership: 6 Secrets to Driving Big Fast Results’.

The talk was attended by a diverse group of university management, academic leaders, administrative staff and students.

“This series is about bringing the best minds to share knowledge, challenge perspectives, and spark new ideas among our future leaders,” said Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit.

Also in attendance were Prof. Ir Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr Fitri Suraya Mohammad Hapeni Jobli, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Networks) Prof. Ts. Noraziah Abdul Wahab, Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Busari, Director of UNIMAS Leadership Centre, and Datin Seri Pang Ngan Yue.

Idris, widely recognised for his role in driving national transformation and corporate excellence, shared practical strategies derived from his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors.

He underlined the importance of execution over vision, stressing that leadership is ultimately measured by outcomes and the resolve to pursue change despite challenges.

“Be humble enough to learn and make changes tomorrow, not the day after,” he said.

The talk was followed by an engaging Q&A session, where attendees seized the opportunity to interact with Idris directly on ways to handle leadership issues in an organisation.

Many students were also eager to gain insights and guidance on steering impactful initiatives within their own zone of studies in UNIMAS.

The Borneo Leadership Talk Series is designed to empower individuals across the region by inviting pioneering figures who have made a significant mark in leadership, governance and innovation.