By Dr Norsimaa Mustaffa and Dr Mohd Yahya Mohamed Ariffin

The true essence of leadership today is defined not by authority or control, but by courage, compassion, and connection. This powerful idea took centre stage at the Wacana Inspirasi Ilmu titled “Kepimpinan Transformasi: Mempersiapkan Generasi Masa Depan”, held on 23 October 2025, at the Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM).

The discourse brought together academics, students, and community leaders to explore the values of transformative leadership in shaping future generations.

Gracing the session were two distinguished figures, Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, President of the Malaysian Former Elected Representatives Council (MUBARAK) and Adjunct Professor at USIM; and Tan Sri Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur, former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, and Professor at Sunway University.

Both speakers shared insights drawn from decades of experience in public service and education, reminding the audience that leadership is not about position or popularity, but about the courage to serve, to listen, and to act with integrity.

Courage and character in leadership

Leadership begins with courage, not the absence of fear, but the strength to do what is right even when it is difficult. Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz spoke passionately about the moral courage that defines great leaders.

“A true leader must have conviction,” he asserted. “They must be brave enough to speak the truth, defend principles, and stand firm even when it is unpopular to do so.”

His message struck a chord in a world increasingly shaped by ethical dilemmas, social divides, and digital disruptions. Courage, he said, is not merely about taking risks – it is about upholding integrity when tested by uncertainty.

In the context of today’s fast-evolving landscape, transformational leadership demands more than just authority; it calls for vision, empathy, and moral strength. It is about daring to challenge outdated norms, explore new ideas, and inspire collective action for the greater good.

This idea reflects the essence of responsible leadership, one grounded in moral strength, inclusivity, and wisdom. True leaders are those who not only dare to transform but also possess the humility to keep learning, unlearning, and relearning as they navigate the evolving challenges of a changing world.

Women as pillars of transformational leadership

One of the most inspiring moments of the event came from Prof Dr Noorul Ainur, who reflected on her journey as one of Malaysia’s most accomplished women leaders. She shared her experiences navigating leadership roles in government, academia, and international platforms, highlighting how women bring empathy, resilience, and balance to leadership.

“Women leaders often lead with both the head and the heart,” she said. “They listen deeply, they nurture, and they make decisions that consider not only outcomes but also people.”

Her message was clear: empowering women in leadership is not merely a question of equality, but a cornerstone of national strength.

Women leaders bring a diversity of thought, empathy, and perspective that are vital to inclusive and sustainable growth. She reminded the audience that leadership potential should never be confined by gender, but nurtured through equal opportunity and trust.

Instead, leadership should be based on capability, character, and compassion. The participation of more women in leadership roles can help shape organisations and communities that are more collaborative, ethical, and future-oriented.

This resonates deeply with the transformative ideals of Malaysia MADANI, where leadership is defined by service rather than status, and inclusion rather than isolation. It calls for leaders who empower others, nurture unity, and uphold integrity, recognising that genuine progress stems from empathy, collaboration, and shared moral responsibility.

The power of networking and collaboration

Both speakers emphasised that leadership cannot thrive in isolation. Networking is an essential pillar of effective leadership. For young leaders, building networks means building bridges, connecting ideas, experiences, and people across different fields and generations. Networking opens doors to mentorship, collaboration, and innovation.

In today’s interconnected world, no leader can succeed alone. Transformational leaders must learn to connect with others, across sectors, backgrounds, and even borders, to create meaningful impact.

“Don’t wait until you have a title to build connections. Start now. Every person you meet has something to teach you,” she added.

Echoing her sentiment, Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz reminded that networking must always be rooted in sincerity and shared values. “True networking is about mutual respect and the desire to grow together,” he said. “It is not about using people, but about empowering each other.”

At its best, networking becomes a form of collective leadership, a collaboration of minds and hearts united by a common purpose. It is where influence is shared, ideas intersect, and mutual growth takes root.

In this sense, leadership today is no longer about a single voice commanding the crowd, but about many voices harmonising toward a shared vision. It is a dynamic interplay of courage, compassion, and connection where leaders inspire not through authority, but through authenticity and collaboration.

Media as a leadership tool

In today’s information-driven world, both conventional and social media play a vital role in shaping leadership awareness and decision-making. For young and future leaders, these platforms are not merely channels of communication but sources of insight, connection, and influence.

Conventional media provides credibility, historical context, and balanced reporting, while social media enables immediacy, engagement, and the sharing of diverse perspectives.

A wise leader must therefore learn to navigate both, verifying facts, managing narratives responsibly, and using media as a tool to educate, inspire, and unite communities towards common goals. The ability to communicate effectively through various media platforms also determines how leaders are perceived and trusted by the public.

More importantly, media literacy has become an essential skill for leadership in the digital era. Understanding how information is produced, shared, and interpreted helps leaders to make informed decisions and avoid manipulation or misinformation.

Leaders who are media-savvy can use these platforms not only to voice their ideas, but to listen and engage with their communities, strengthening transparency and accountability.

In essence, mastering both conventional and social media allows young leaders to bridge generations, connect ideas, and cultivate informed, empathetic, and connected societies.

Transforming leadership for the future

As Malaysia prepares its next generation of leaders, the lessons from the Wacana offer timely guidance. Leadership is not static; it evolves with the times. Yet, the core values remain timeless, integrity, empathy, and service.

The discussion also referenced The Pathfinders Model, a framework highlighting six essential leadership traits consisting of Shrewd Judgement, A Hint of Rebellion, Empathy, Data Literacy, Critical and Analytical Thinking, and Entrepreneurial Mindset. These traits are not just abstract ideals, but practical skills needed to navigate the complexities of today’s digital and social environment.

Empathy helps leaders connect with others; data literacy helps them make informed decisions; analytical thinking guides them through uncertainty; and an entrepreneurial mindset drives innovation and problem-solving.

However, beyond frameworks and theories, the Wacana reminded that leadership transformation begins within. A leader must first lead themselves, developing self-discipline, emotional intelligence, and moral clarity.

Both speakers urged the younger generation to seek leadership not for personal gain, but for the greater good. To be a leader, one must first be a learner, curious, humble, and always striving to grow.

A call to future leaders

The Wacana ended with a stirring reminder: Malaysia needs leaders who are as compassionate as they are intelligent, as collaborative as they are confident. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and ensuring that your impact lasts even in your absence,” said Prof Dr Noorul Ainur.

True leadership, the speakers agreed, is not about building empires but about building people. It is the courage to drive change, the humility to listen, and the wisdom to serve.

As Malaysia looks ahead, the call is clear to cultivate leaders who lead with heart and purpose. For in the end, transformational leadership is not merely about changing organisations, but about touching lives and shaping a future grounded in integrity, empathy, and shared progress.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Norsimaa Mustaffa is the Head of the New Media Communications Programme, Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

Prof Dr Mohd Yahya Mohamed Ariffin is the President of the Malaysian Association of Communication Educators (MACE), and Professor of Communication Programme, Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.