USM PENANG, 27 April 2026 – The Malaysia–Türkiye Leadership Programme: Navigating Change – Leadership Exchange Across Cultures, held from 27 to 30 April 2026 at the University Conference Hall, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), successfully convened senior government agency leaders, academics from Malaysia and abroad, as well as distinguished delegates from Türkiye and Malaysia.

Jointly organised by the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT) and USM, the programme was spearheaded by AKEPT Director, Professor Dr. Harshita Aini Haroon, as a strategic initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance global-standard leadership development.

The flagship forum featured Datuk Dr. Anis Yusal Yusoff, Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), alongside Mustafa Efe, Head of International Relations Department, Council of Higher Education, Türkiye.

Their discussion focused on public sector reform and good governance from both national perspectives, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in addressing contemporary socio-economic and geopolitical challenges.

The programme also showcased prominent speakers from Malaysia and Türkiye, including Professor Dr. Atilla Arkan, Professor Dr. Özcan Erkan Akgün, Büşra Buluş, and Dr. Khairudin Aljunied. Contributions were also made by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Dr. Madhi Hasan, Professor Dato’ Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian, and Dr. Illisriyani Ismail.

Overall, the initiative successfully reinforced strategic collaboration between Malaysia and Türkiye, while providing a meaningful platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices among leaders of both nations.

This programme is poised to serve as a catalyst for cultivating leadership that is more adaptive, inclusive, and resilient in navigating future global challenges.

Original Text: Professor Dr. Noor Hazlina Ahmad, Dean, School of Management, USM/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe