WELCOMING SPEECH

YAB DATO’ SERI DIRAJA DR. ZAMBRY ABD KADIR
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION

INTERNATIONAL YOUNG FUTURE LEADERS SUMMIT (iFUTURE) 2024

18TH AUGUST 2024

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Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests and aspiring leaders

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh
Salam sejahtera
Salam Malaysia Madani
And a very good morning

OPENING

1. Welcome back to the International Young Future Leaders Summit 2024. I trust that the sessions thus far have been as enriching and inspiring for you as they have been for me. Up until now, we have engaged in profound discussions and started to forge wider and perhaps some new connections that will undoubtedly shape our collective future.

2. As we continue to explore the many facets of leadership and innovation, it is my great honor to introduce one of our summit’s most highly anticipated moments. Let us take this opportunity to pause, reflect, and gain inspiration from a leader whose contributions have significantly impacted not only his country but also the international community.

WELCOMING THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Future leaders, Ladies and Gentlemen,

3. With immense pride and profound respect, I have the honor of introducing our keynote speaker, a statesman of extraordinary vision and dedication, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi.

4. From the very beginning of his career, Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi has exemplified leadership that is both visionary and impactful. His journey began with a strong academic foundation at the University of Malaya, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1976. He further developed his expertise with a Certificate in Banking from Bank Negara Malaysia, which laid the groundwork for his successful career in the banking and corporate sectors.

5. Zahid Hamidi’s leadership acumen was evident early on as he advanced to key roles, including Executive Director of Scandinavian Motors Sdn Bhd, CEO of Kretam Holdings Berhad, and Chairman of several prominent corporations. His tenure as Chairman of Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) in 1999 highlighted his ability to drive strategic initiatives that have had a lasting impact on Malaysia’s housing sector.

6. However, it is in the realm of public service where YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi’s leadership has truly shined. His entry into politics as the political secretary to Datuk Seri Najib Razak in 1986 marked the beginning of a distinguished career dedicated to national service. Elected as UMNO Youth Chief in 1996, Zahid Hamidi was at the forefront of nurturing the next generation of leaders, advocating for youth empowerment and greater political engagement.

7. Zahid Hamidi’s ministerial career is marked by a series of impactful leadership roles. As Deputy Minister of Tourism in 2004, he played a crucial role in promoting Malaysia on the global stage. His appointment as Minister of Defense in 2009 allowed him to strengthen Malaysia’s defense capabilities and enhance regional security. In 2013, as Minister of Home Affairs, he led significant reforms that improved national security and public safety.

8. In his current role as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, he has been instrumental in driving initiatives that enhance the quality of life and economic prospects for rural and regional communities. His strategic efforts in this portfolio have significantly contributed to Malaysia's balanced and inclusive growth, ensuring that development reaches every corner of the nation.

9. His leadership has consistently been characterized by a deep understanding of the complexities of governance and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of the Malaysian people. Whether in the halls of Parliament, the boardrooms of major corporations, or in the heart of rural Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi’s impact is felt far and wide.

10. Today, we are privileged to have him share his insights on leadership, innovation, and the critical role of empowering the next generation. His experiences and wisdom will undoubtedly offer us invaluable lessons and inspiration as we navigate our own leadership paths.

11. Thank you YAB Dato’ Seri for honoring us with your presence today. We eagerly anticipate your words of wisdom and are confident that your insights will inspire and guide us, especially the younger generation, to become the leaders of tomorrow.

12. Please let us show our appreciation with a round of applause for the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Zahid Hamidi.

My beloved young leaders,

13. Today together you can proclaim loud and clear that there is no target too ambitious to reach, no obstacle too hard to overcome, no vision too far to achieve.

14. I know that you appreciate the great opportunity this summit may provide. You are amongst the best educated, most well informed and most inter-connected generation ever and you have an unparalleled ability to catalyze constructive change. You must now stand tall together and show the world how you plan to rise to this responsibility behold on your shoulders and proof to us how you will reahape, build and mold our global community and the future for the better. So, welcome to iFUTURE 2024.

Thank you.

Muat Turun:

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