Participants at the Future Leaders Camp were urged to instil a sense of volunteerism within them and among the community they lead.
"You do not have to be a rock star or billionaire - be it Bono or Warren Buffett - to contribute. Almost everyone can - and everyone who can, should," exhorted Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan, who was speaking at the Nilai University College-Ministry of Higher Education Future Leaders Camp, which had the theme – 'Volunteerism and the Future Leader'. "Many young people think they can't do much, but actually they can. You have the energy and the passion to get out there; don't let youth, or inexperience, be a barrier."
In his keynote address, Tunku Ali stressed to the participants that they were a privileged class as they were enjoying higher education and possess special skills and knowledge which could be used to help others in various situations. He also pointed out the many ways in which students can contribute to various causes and how not to let time and scheduling constraints get in the way of volunteerism. He cited a number of examples of his own university mates who volunteered their services despite being full-time students in demanding programmes.
In conclusion, Tunku Ali said, "I have a lot of faith in the youth of today, you are all incredibly socially aware - I suspect far more so than your predecessors. Now is the time to convert that awareness, and that interest, to action. Why not start today?" Judging from the standing ovation his keynote address got, many of the participants were suitably inspired and it certainly set the tone for the rest of the three day camp, held at Nilai Springs Resort Hotel.
Aims & Objectives
The Future Leaders Camp was initially conceived by senior academics at Nilai University College (Nilai UC) and received the support of the Ministry of Higher Education and the World Youth Foundation. The camp is open to students from all private and public universities in Malaysia, and this year's edition again attracted the cream of the crop, with more than 100 students from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds converging to discover, learn, and share from each other.
The purpose of the Future Leaders Camp is to provide a platform for student leaders to fully realise their potential. While they may have learned many lessons in running organisations, clubs and societies at their respective alma maters, the camp provides the opportunity for these student leaders to delve on a variety of subjects that are important such as intercultural understanding and gender issues, which were themes of the previous editions of the camps.
The key objectives of the Future Leaders Camp are to sharpen leadership skills, provide opportunities for self-development, to help initiate a global networks and to promote inter-cultural understanding.
The Future Leaders Camp programme was also designed to improve on areas which employers have found to be lacking in the modern graduate. Hence, participants are exposed to speakers such as Tunku Ali and professional trainers who can help mould these student leaders into captains of industry, government officials and citizens of note.
Make It Happen
Among the many speakers invited to speak at the Future leaders Camp was John Kultgen, content writer for the Dosomething.org, one of the largest youth volunteer organizations in the United States of America. By leveraging on the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, Dosomething.org mobilises under-25s to recognise their own ability to make a positive change in society.
In his presentation, Kultgen shared with students on how to identify causes and the best ways to market the ideas to potential funders. He gave many examples of people within Dosomething.org who have carried out successful projects. He also told participants to keep ideas simple, relevant, consistent and truthful for them to be strong. Other tips he shared touched on issues of branding and how best to utilise online media to connect with people. Judging from the many questions the participants had for Kultgen, it appeared his talk had the desired impact.
Other speakers at the camp included trainers from Dale Carnegie Training and Chapter One Asia. Volunteer organisations such as Mercy Malaysia, Salam Malaysia and Save A Stray were also on hand to share their experiences and to encourage students to volunteer their time. All the sessions received positive feedback from the participants and many said they felt privileged to have been selected to attend the Future Leaders Camp. "This was definitely the most productive workshop I have attended. I got to network with students from different universities and countries. I learned many valuable lessons and got plenty of self-improvement tips. But most importantly, I realised I can make a difference through volunteerism. It is this realisation which I believe will make a real difference," says Tan Ee Zhou, a student in Nilai UC School of Foundation.
The administrators at Nilai UC believe in giving the 'Total Student Experience'. This means making the student varsity experience memorable and fulfilling both within and outside the classrooms. The Future Leaders Camp is part of this philosophy of enhancing the 'Total Student Experience' and is designed to produce well-rounded graduates who are academically qualified and socially confident. For more information on Nilai UC and the Future Leaders Camp, kindly visit www.nilai.edu.my or call 06-8502338/07-3332336/03-79603089.
