Tun Wan Junaidi: Sarawak's future leaders need to think strategically

KUCHING, 7 Oct: Sarawak's future leaders need to have strategic thinking, far-sightedness and be able to adapt to technological developments including artificial intelligence (AI), new economies and geopolitical changes.

Sarawak State Elder Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said in a statement that the challenges of an increasingly complex world require leaders to have extensive knowledge and expertise, as well as real experience in administration and service to society.

According to him, the development of an inclusive leader among the people should not depend solely on academic achievement.

"In a world that is changing so fast, especially with the development of technology, artificial intelligence (AI), new economies and geopolitical changes, future leaders need to have strategic thinking and far-sightedness", he said.

He said this while receiving the honorary visit of the Institute of Contemporary Leadership (ICL) delegation headed by its Chairman, Emeritus Professor Datuk Abang Abdullah Abang Ali at Astana State Sarawak here today.

Tun Wan Junaidi is accompanied by his wife, Toh Aunt Grandfather Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

He said leaders also need to understand management at the micro and macro levels as well as master organizational functions led to ensure that every decision is made based on comprehensive knowledge and understanding.

He said that leadership is not just about position or office, but it requires vision, principles, knowledge and courage to make the right decisions for the benefit of people and future generations.

"Even if someone holds a high position, leaders need to have vision, principles, knowledge and courage to make the right decisions for the benefit of their people and future generations, as well as always be ready to change and adapt to the world", he said.

In this regard, he welcomed the establishment of ICL as a contemporary leadership development platform launched last August.

He hoped that the ICL could open more space for Sarawak's leaders and young generation to gain exposure through sharing experience with leadership figures as well as experts from the public sector, academia and industry.

According to him, strategic networks internationally including with leading institutions such as the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, are also important in expanding the perspectives and knowledge of a new generation of leaders.

During the meeting, ICL delegation also outlined its strategic direction in developing a line of present and future leaders who are visionary, integrated and able to adapt to world change.

The effort is based on three core principles of ICL, namely Strategic Foresight, Trustworthiness and Inclusion or STI.

Meanwhile, ICL also shared the development of Professional Certificate in Contemporary Leadership (PCCL) program developed for senior leaders from government sector, industry, academic and civil society organisations.

The third cohort of the programme, PCCL-3, completed the programme on 19 September 2026 at Markfield, United Kingdom, in addition to attending a strategic cooperation session with the Oxford Character Project at the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford.

Tun Wan Junaidi hopes that the ICL can continue to strengthen leadership development by producing effective and professional Sarawak leaders, as well as having integrity, broad knowledge, insight and understanding of aspirations and needs of people.

He said that trained, knowledgeable and integrity-minded leaders are among the key factors in ensuring the success of an organisation as well as preparing Sarawak for future challenges. - TVS