Malaysia doesn’t have a shortage of talented leaders. That’s the starting point for a new national leadership programme launched by YTL Foundation this year. What the country lacks, according to the people behind it, is enough leaders who can step outside their own institutions and work with people from entirely different worlds, government, business and civil society, toward the same goal.

That’s the gap the ilmu Fellowship is built to close. It’s an inaugural, ten-month programme bringing together 25 emerging leaders for a shared journey that includes retreats, coaching, peer learning and a four-day residential session at Oxford, where Fellows will examine cross-sector partnerships and international models for collaboration. Fellows won’t leave their day jobs to take part. Instead, they’ll carry what they learn straight back into their own organisations and communities as they go.

Malaysia’s future depends not only on strong institutions, but also on leaders with the character, integrity and courage to serve the common good – leaders who can work across sectors, bridge differences and think beyond short-term interests. – Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education

He called the ilmu Fellowship “an important initiative that invests in our future leaders by bringing together emerging talent from government, business and civil society to learn, collaborate and lead with purpose.”

His Excellency Ajay Sharma CMG, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, was also in attendance, situating the Fellowship within a longer-running UK-Malaysia relationship on education and leadership.

Investing in leadership is an investment in the future of every nation. The ilmu Fellowship brings together international expertise and local perspectives to prepare emerging leaders to navigate complexity and drive collaboration. – His Excellency Ajay Sharma CMG, British High Commissioner to Malaysia

He described it as a reflection of “the enduring partnership between the UK and Malaysia, in particular our shared commitment to supporting the development of talent in our countries,” adding that he had “no doubt that this fellowship will make a significant contribution to Malaysia’s future.

The Fellowship is open to Malaysian leaders from government, business and civil society who are ready to lead with courage, clarity and integrity. Fellows may hold formal authority or lead through influence, but all share a commitment to serve the common good.

Those who meet this description, or know someone who does, are encouraged to submit a nomination at ilmufellowship.com ahead of the 14 August deadline.