By: Nik Mohamad Ridhwan Nik Nasrudin

Serdang – In a world increasingly driven by technology and artificial intelligence, future leadership requires courage, knowledge, values, and a clear vision. This was the essence of the International Future Young Leaders Summit (iFUTURE@UPM 2025), a prestigious program organized by the Student Affairs Division of Universiti Putra Malaysia (BHEP UPM) in collaboration with the Buddies Association UPM, held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Educational Studies.

This one-day summit brought together 315 local and international students, making it a platform for intellectual exchange, idea sharing, and global networking aimed at shaping a generation of young leaders prepared to face the challenges of the digital era. With the theme “Innovating Leadership: Empowering Youth for a Digital Future,” iFUTURE@UPM 2025 was not merely an event but a movement igniting the spirit of leadership rooted in values, innovation, and bravery.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr. Mohamad Sabrie Mohamad Salleh, Member of the UPM Board of Directors (Alumni Representative), who emphasized that iFUTURE serves as a catalyst for producing leaders who dare to drive change. In his speech, he urged students to seize this opportunity not only to gain knowledge but also to build confidence in leading with a clear sense of purpose. He stressed that true leadership is not measured by titles but by actions, values, and the courage to create positive impact in society.

A highlight of the program was the keynote address by Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, CEO of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, titled “Leading in the Digital Era: Challenges, Values, and the Future of Student Leadership.” In his address, he reminded participants that technology can never fully replace humanity because genuine leadership stems from human values. He noted that leaders who remain relevant in the 21st century are those who have meaningful purposes, build relationships based on trust, uphold accountability, and embrace lifelong learning. He cautioned that without continuous learning, leaders will become obsolete, while those grounded in values and courage will continue to lead with confidence.

One of the most engaging sessions was the Digital Leadership Forum, themed “Future-Proof Leadership: Data, Technology, and Ethical Responsibility,” which brought together an esteemed panel. The forum featured Prof. Ts. Dr. Rusli Haji Abdullah, former Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, UPM, Muntasser Al Anbagi, Postgraduate Secretariat of the UPM Student Representative Council and Dwight Cutad, President of Google Developers Group UPM. The discussion delved into how future leaders must master technology, manage data ethically, and prioritize social responsibility in decision-making. The interactive exchange with participants opened the floor to critical dialogue on leadership challenges amid digital transformation, inspiring attendees to aspire to be leaders who are not only technologically adept but also deeply rooted in human values.

Adding to the summit’s vibrancy, iFUTURE@UPM 2025 also featured 20 poster presentations showcasing innovative ideas and eight youth speakers in the PUTRA X Talk session, which highlighted themes spanning technology, sustainability, social responsibility, and youth development. Each presentation offered fresh perspectives, reinforcing the belief that today’s young generation is not only tech-savvy but also bold in challenging norms, offering solutions, and leading with a broader vision.

More than just a summit, iFUTURE@UPM 2025 stood as a symbol of Universiti Putra Malaysia’s aspiration to produce graduates who are balanced, resilient, and globally minded. In line with the Ministry of Higher Education’s Strategic Plan and UPM’s True North, the program underscored that shaping future leaders must begin with an emphasis on values, innovation, and courage.

As the program drew to a close, participants walked away not only with knowledge but also with renewed determination to lead the world in their own ways. From Serdang, iFUTURE@UPM 2025 sent forth a wave of change that is set to transcend borders, shaping young leaders ready to drive the digital world with courage, integrity, and a vision that reaches far beyond time.

Date of Input: 29/07/2025 | Updated: 29/07/2025 | ridhwan_nasrudin