Young people do not need to wait until they are appointed to official positions or reach a certain age to become leaders, but can begin making a difference through their contributions to society, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.
He said many young Malaysians were already demonstrating leadership by representing fellow students, organising volunteer activities, building businesses and conducting research, while balancing the demands of education, work and family.
Fadillah urged young people to build their leadership on values, vision and responsibility, ensuring that their decisions and actions had a clear purpose and benefited others.
“An official position gives you status, but your actions give that position meaning. People may follow you because of the power you hold, but they will trust you because of your character and integrity,” he said.
Speaking at the iFUTURE 2026 programme at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Fadillah cited former deputy prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein as an example of young leadership.
He said Abdul Razak was only 35 when Malaya gained independence in 1957, yet had already served as deputy prime minister and education minister, contributing to the development of the country and its education system.
Fadillah added that leadership was tested through everyday decisions, including managing budgets honestly, selecting team members fairly, listening to differing opinions and showing compassion towards students whose voices often went unheard.
He said young people today faced major challenges as artificial intelligence (AI) transformed education and employment, while the rising cost of living, job competition and climate change added further pressure.
Although technology had made information more accessible and content easier to produce, he stressed that technological capability must be guided by sound judgement and ethical values.
“If an algorithm gives you an answer, evaluate it critically. If a platform gives you influence, consider the impact your words may have on others.
“Innovation should not be pursued simply because something is new. Whether you are developing an AI application, conducting research, building a business or creating something artistic, ask yourself who will benefit from it,” he said.
Fadillah also highlighted the importance of education and skills development, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), in supporting Malaysia’s future growth.
He said national progress depended not only on advanced technology and ambitious ideas, but also on people with the skills to build, operate, maintain and improve what was created.
“A country needs people with big dreams who can generate ideas. At the same time, it needs people who can build, operate, maintain and improve those innovations. Both groups deserve equal respect,” he said.
Fadillah added that success was most meaningful when it created opportunities for others, whether by mentoring younger students, providing someone with their first job or solving long-neglected problems.
