Finding Belonging Through Leadership
For Mohamed Zhairy from Johor Bahru, Johor, his journey to the Tun Razak Leadership Programme began with encouragement from those who believed in his potential. A student of Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (English College), Zhairy was strongly urged by his teachers to apply. At the time, he knew very little about the programme and even found it difficult to gather information online. However, a senior’s advice stayed with him: “This programme will benefit you in networking and support your leadership journey.”Motivated by this, he decided to take the opportunity and apply.
When Zhairy later learned that only 60 to 70 students were selected nationwide, he was both surprisedand uncertain. The exclusivity of the programme made him question what to expect and whether hewould truly fit in. Despite these initial doubts, he stepped into the experience with an open mind.
Those uncertainties quickly disappeared once he joined the programme. Over the two weeks, Zhairyfound himself surrounded by students from across Malaysia, all sharing similar aspirations. The experiencebecame more than just a leadership programme — it was a space for connection, growth, and meaningfulinteractions.
Reflecting on his journey, Zhairy described it as a privilege. He valued the opportunity to build friendshipsand spend time learning alongside others, even wishing the programme had lasted longer. Beyondleadership skills, he gained a strong network, lasting memories, and a renewed sense of purpose.
For Zhairy, what started as a simple recommendation from his teachers turned into a defining and transformative chapter in his leadership journey.
From Nomination to Finding a Family
For Kong Yong Sin, her journey to the Tun Razak Leadership Programme began in an unexpected yetmeaningful way. A graduate of SMK Tinggi Kluang, she was nominated by her school counselor, who sawher potential and encouraged her to apply. Interestingly, she was also asked to nominate a friend to joinher, although her friend ultimately did not attend the interview.
Prior to applying, Yong had already heard about the programme through social media and testimonialsfrom her seniors. These stories portrayed it as something almost “mythical” — a rare and transformativeopportunity. Inspired by these accounts, she decided to take a leap of faith and apply, hoping toexperience it for herself.
When she later discovered that only 60 to 70 students were selected nationwide, she felt both honouredand surprised. She had not been fully confident in her interview performance and did not expect to beaccepted. Receiving the offer was therefore an incredibly joyful and memorable moment for her.
Once in the programme, Yong immersed herself fully. She actively participated in discussions, activities,and leadership sessions, connecting with peers from all over Malaysia. Her enthusiasm and commitmentstood out, earning her a special opportunity to travel to London for further exposure and learning.
Reflecting on her experience, Yong shared that she found more than just knowledge — she found asense of belonging. To her, the programme is not just an initiative, but a life-changing journey of growth,connection, and discovery.
Discovering Growth Beyond the Classroom
For Samson Clayobas, his journey to the Tun Razak Leadership Programme began with the encouragement of a senior who believed in his potential. A student of SMK La Salle PJ, Samson was introduced to the programme by an older student who not only encouraged him to apply but also guided him through the process, from preparing his résumé to understanding what to expect during the interview. This mentorship played a key role in motivating him to take the opportunity seriously.
When Samson later discovered that only 60 to 70 students were selected nationwide, theopportunity felt both exciting and significant. After completing his interview, he confidently sharedwith his family and friends that he believed it had gone well. Their support further strengthened hisoptimism, and soon enough, that hope turned into reality when he was selected for the programme.
Before joining, Samson had only a basic idea of what the programme would offer. He expected tomeet students with similar interests, but the experience proved to be far more transformative.Surrounded by talented individuals from across Malaysia, he was exposed to diverse perspectives,strengths, and personalities.
Reflecting on his journey, Samson shared a powerful realization: he once felt like a “big fish in asmall pond,” but the programme showed him he was part of something much bigger. This humblingexperience became a turning point in his growth.
For Samson, the programme was more than leadership training — it was a space for learning, collaboration, and self-discovery, where growth was shaped through shared ambition and meaningful connections.
A Leader Shaped by Opportunity
For Carshief Darius Ambar Bin Saiful Ambar, the opportunity to join the Tun Razak Leadership Programme began with the encouragement of a teacher who recognised his dedication and leadership potential.
A student of The Malay College Kuala Kangsar, Darius had already been actively involved in leadership roles during his school years. He served as a Malay language debater and was appointed Deputy Head Prefect of Academic Affairs, demonstrating both academic commitment and strong communication skills.
Recognising his efforts and active participation in school, one of his teachers suggested his name to participate inthe Tun Razak Foundation Leadership Programme.
When Darius learned that only 60 to 70 students were selected nationwide, the opportunity felt both rare and meaningful. He felt proud, happy, and deeply privileged to be considered among students from across Malaysia.
After successfully being selected, Darius joined the programme with curiosity and anticipation. At the time, he had limited information about what to expect. What he knew came mainly from a senior who had participated in the programme the year before.
Despite the uncertainty, he believed the programme would open new doors.
As Darius reflected:
“This programme will bring many benefits to me and allow me to connect with students from differentbackgrounds.”
Through the programme, Darius looked forward to expanding his leadership journey, building meaningful connections, and learning alongside young leaders from across the country.
Learning Through Well-Organized Leadership
For Theophilus Jathan Hii Chin Ann, the opportunity to join the Tun Razak Foundation Leadership Programme began with a simple yet meaningful nomination. A student from Lodge National Secondary School, he was encouraged to apply by his biology teacher, who recognized his potential and personally invited him to participate.As someone passionate about personal growth and leadership development, Theophilus immediately embraced the opportunity.
When he later learned that only around 60 to 70 students were selected nationwide, he felt both surprised andexcited. The programme’s competitiveness became clear, especially knowing that thousands of students applyeach year. This realization made him even more eager to be part of it, as he saw it as a chance to learn alongsidesome of the most talented students across Malaysia.
Before joining, Theophilus attempted to find more information online to better understand what to expect, but found very little. Despite this uncertainty, he remained optimistic after completing the interview, and was thrilled when he received his acceptance.
As the programme progressed, his appreciation for the experience grew. By the seventh day, he was particularly impressed by how smoothly everything was organized. He admired the effort of the foundation and the Urusetia in managing a complex schedule within a tight timeline.
For Theophilus, the programme offered more than leadership development. It provided insight into the power of teamwork, planning, and coordination — showing how a well-executed vision can create a meaningful and impactful experience for everyone involved.
Embracing Leadership and New Experiences
For Arash Aqasha Bin Zairulnizam, the Tun Razak Foundation Leadership Programme represented an opportunity to grow into a stronger leader.
A student of SM Sains Sultan Mahmud, Arash was motivated to apply because he wanted to improve bothhis leadership and communication skills. The idea of spending two weeks learning and living together witharound 70 students from across Malaysia made the experience feel unique and meaningful.
When Arash discovered that only 60 to 70 students would be selected nationwide, he felt both nervousand uncertain about his chances. After completing the interview, he worried that he might not haveperformed well enough to be chosen.
However, when he eventually received the news that he had been accepted into the programme, hisfeelings quickly changed to excitement and pride.
Curious about what the experience would be like, Arash spoke with one of his seniors who had participated in the programme the previous year. His senior was happy for him and shared some advice and encouragement. Interestingly, he also suggested that Arash should avoid learning too much about the programme beforehand so that he could fully enjoy every challenge, activity, and moment during the journey.
Taking that advice to heart, Arash entered the programme ready to embrace every new experience that came his way.
Finding a Second Family
Muhammad Qawiem Athif Bin Yuzaidi’s journey to the Tun Razak Foundation Leadership Programmebegan through the stories shared by seniors in his school.
A student of The Malay College Kuala Kangsar, Qawiem first heard about the programme from seniors whohad previously participated. Their experiences sparked his curiosity and inspired him to learn more aboutthe opportunity.
Recognizing his dedication and potential, his school and teachers nominated him to take part in theprogramme. During the interview process, Qawiem asked how many students had applied nationwide.When he discovered that more than 600 students had applied while only around 70 would be selected, herealized how competitive the opportunity truly was.
Knowing this made the programme feel even more meaningful.
When he later received the acceptance email, Qawiem felt extremely happy and proud. He immediatelyshared the good news with his family, whose encouragement and support made the moment even morespecial.
Throughout the programme, the friendships he built became one of the most meaningful parts of theexperience.
Reflecting on the journey, Qawiem shared a simple but powerful thought:
“I have made my second family in this programme.”