UMPSA launches Leadership Cafe Program to develop talent and leadership groups

KUANTAN, 17 May 2024 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the UMPSA Leadership Cafe programme, a collaborative effort between the institution and the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT).

This programme represents an ongoing initiative by AKEPT to enhance strategic relationships and engagement sessions with public universities (UA).

Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, proudly announced the successful implementation of the programme's initial phase, which involved leadership competency profiling of 176 individuals. 

“This assessment was conducted using the Behavioral Event Self-Assessment (BESA) instrument, certified by AKEPT.

"In fact, this evaluation report will also be distributed to meet AKEPT's needs. 

"The uniformity of this structured assessment can be used as a gauge or check-and-balance mechanism to determine the consistency and validation of the assessment results," he explained.

Professor Yuserrie underscored the significance of this initiative, stating that it positions UMPSA as a higher education institution (HEI) known not only for academic excellence but also for its capability to produce leaders for various sectors.

"The conceptual framework and instruments used in the development of talent and leadership at UMPSA are based on a methodology relevant to the dynamic character of leaders, described as 'Leadership by Design'," he added.

He expressed hope that the programme would enlighten and inspire the importance of all roles, duties, and responsibilities required in advancing the higher education leadership agenda.

"In today's reality, leaders in higher education institutions play a crucial role as contributors to national progress with the ability to execute inclusive and diverse policies," he emphasized.

He also stressed the importance of implementing a structured succession plan and retaining competency-based talent groups to maintain human resources and improve the university's educational quality and reputation.

Professor Yuserrie took the opportunity to present certificates and comprehensive evaluation reports to the 176 participants and the task force involved in the programme.

The event witnessed the presence of key figures including Associate Professor Dr. Norazharuddin Shah Abdullah, Deputy Director of the Talent Management Centre of the Higher Education Leadership Academy, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs) Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed, Registrar Dato' Saiful Bahri Ahmad Bakarim, and other members of the university management team.

By: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)