KUALA LUMPUR, 5 May 2026 – Frontier technologies are no longer just improving systems but reshaping how leadership operates across sectors. This was the key message from the plenary session of the International Conference on Leadership in the Service Economy, where discussions focused on adapting leadership to a more interconnected, data driven and human centred environment.

The session, titled “Frontier Technologies and the Dynamics of the Service Economy: Shaping a New-Gen of Leaders”, was moderated by Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Morshidi Sirat from the National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), Universiti Sains Malaysia. It featured Dean of the School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work, Griffith University, Australia, Professor Dr. Jim Woodburn; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CLaas2SaaS Pte Ltd, Singapore, Mr. Leslie Loh; Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Professor Dato’ Dr. Sufian Jusoh; and President of the Malaysian Finance Association (MFA), Professor Dr. Hooy Chee Wooi.

The session began by positioning the service economy as an ecosystem rather than a single sector. Professor Dr. Jim Woodburn explained that areas such as healthcare, education and public systems are now deeply interconnected, requiring leaders to work across institutional boundaries. Leadership is no longer about hierarchy but about coordinating systems, ensuring ethical use of technology and maintaining public trust. Drawing on Australia’s experience, he highlighted how universities are embedding digital and artificial intelligence competencies across all disciplines, supported by industry integrated learning. The Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct was presented as a practical model of this approach.

The discussion then turned to how leadership itself must evolve within organisations undergoing digital transformation. Mr. Leslie Loh described leadership as a dynamic operating system that must continuously adapt. He stressed that technical knowledge alone is not enough, as leaders must also combine cognitive, emotional and adaptive capabilities. He also pointed to challenges in the ASEAN region, including uneven digital talent development and cost barriers for small and medium enterprises adopting artificial intelligence. Lifelong learning, he noted, is now essential.

The focus then expanded to the relationship between manufacturing and services. Professor Dato’ Dr. Sufian Jusoh highlighted Manufacturing Related Services as an important driver of economic value, linking activities such as testing, certification and intellectual property to production. He noted that universities are increasingly embedded within industry ecosystems, helping translate research into real applications. Malaysia’s semiconductor and automotive sectors were cited as examples of this shift.

Closing the session, Professor Dr. Hooy Chee Wooi reflected on the role of higher education in a service led economy. He outlined growing pressures including demographic changes, geopolitical uncertainty and funding constraints, calling for leadership that is forward looking. His concept of a 60-year curriculum highlighted the need for lifelong learning aligned with evolving career pathways.

Overall, the session delivered a clear and urgent conclusion: leadership can no longer remain static in the face of accelerating technological change. It must be adaptive, collaborative and grounded in trust. Frontier technologies may drive transformation, but their true impact will be determined by leaders who can translate innovation into meaningful outcomes, uphold public confidence and ensure that progress remains aligned with human needs and societal priorities.