Written by Dr Leha Saliman
The MADANI Youth Leadership Programme, held on 2 November 2025 in collaboration with Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia (AKM) Sarawak, stood as a meaningful initiative dedicated to cultivating civic awareness, strengthening national identity, and developing key leadership competencies among youth in Kampung Semera and the wider community. Aligned with the national agenda of enhancing human capital, the programme offered an inclusive platform that encouraged responsible participation, value-driven engagement, and a deeper understanding of the principles that shape Malaysia’s social fabric. At its core, the initiative reflected a broader aspiration to nurture young individuals who embody the ideals and values of Malaysia MADANI.
The event began with welcoming remarks hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), followed by the introduction of AKM and the invited speakers, Mr. Muhammad Saufi bin Suut and Mr. Rakhael bin Kosman. Their involvement highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration in strengthening youth empowerment efforts. An address by the representative of the Village Chief of Kampung Semera Lot added a warm and encouraging tone, reinforcing the community’s support for youth-focused educational initiatives.
A major highlight of the programme was the motivational and leadership session led by the AKM Sarawak speakers, who guided participants through essential leadership values such as integrity, ethical and informed decision-making, and adaptability in navigating contemporary social challenges. Their discussion framed the MADANI values as a practical foundation for character development, social responsibility, and transformative leadership. Delivered through an interactive and participatory approach, the session encouraged reflective thinking and meaningful dialogue, enabling youth to connect leadership theories with real-life applications in their communities and the broader national context.
This emphasis on active learning continued with a National Awareness Kahoot Quiz, which reinforced key themes of patriotism, civic identity, and national values through an engaging, game-based format. Participants revisited Malaysian history, governance, and nationhood while building teamwork and critical thinking skills. The subsequent Question-and-Answer session provided an open platform for deeper discussion, allowing youth to articulate their perspectives and broaden their understanding of citizenship, leadership responsibilities, and Malaysia’s ongoing nation-building efforts.
The programme concluded with closing acknowledgements, where tokens of appreciation were presented to AKM in recognition of their partnership and support. A group photography session captured the collaborative spirit between UNIMAS, AKM Sarawak, and the Kampung Semera Lot community, symbolising the shared commitment to youth development.
Overall, the MADANI Youth Leadership Programme successfully realised its objectives by fostering civic awareness, reinforcing national identity, and enhancing leadership abilities among young participants. Through motivational guidance, value-driven leadership insights, interactive learning activities, and direct community engagement, the programme provided a comprehensive and transformative platform essential for developing Malaysia’s future leaders. The strong and sustained partnership between UNIMAS, AKM Sarawak, and the Kampung Semera Lot community not only ensured the programme’s success but also reaffirmed a shared commitment to nurturing responsible, community-oriented, and civic-minded youth leaders who embody the aspirations and ideals of Malaysia MADANI.
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