USJ students participated in the 10th University Scholars Leadership Symposium 2019 in Kuala Lumpur
USJ students participated in the 10th University Scholars Leadership Symposium 2019 in Kuala Lumpur
08
Aug
08/08/2019
Two USJ students participated in the 10th University Scholars Leadership Symposium 2019 in Kuala Lumpur
Two University of Saint Joseph (USJ) students, Kuok Hoi Man, Carman, and Hoi Wan Ieng, Sora, recently attended the 10th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In total, 873 delegates from 57 countries attended the event. The programme consisted of a week of networking, with the aim of helping communities in need, and hearing from humanitarian speakers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The electrifying atmosphere at the USLS ignited their passion for humanity and, at the same time, the delegates were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, and set their hearts on greater causes. It challenged people to live a life as a servant leader with passion, persistence, patience and purpose.
Reflection from Carman:
The USLS was an incredible experience that I will never forget. The unique opportunity to exchange internationally and meet like-minded individuals from diverse cultures, languages and backgrounds, and to serve the community together, it was a fantastic way to appreciate the innate humanity which connects us all.
In the USLS I learnt more than what is mentioned. It reminds me of the power of individuals. Instead of thinking “can I help you?”, I would replace this question by “How can I help at least?”. The speakers of the USLS inspired me a lot. As an educator, I am ready to serve my community in education field. I am motivated to help those in need and develop myself continually in order to help more people.
Reflection from Sora:
It was really a great opportunity to participate in the University Scholars Leadership Symposium, which inspired me a lot.
The speakers brought up three questions which lead me to thinking about how I can be better in the position of a leader. “Where can I help”, “How can I help” and “What can I do to help”. The three questions maybe just normal questions but, to be a leader, you should keep on thinking those questions.
The University Scholars Leadership Symposium gave me a chance to think, to ask and to apply. The talks never tell you how you could become better in leadership, instead of giving answers, they shared stories or, I must say, the real facts of what is happening in the world today, to give you the inspiration of thinking.
What I remember the most about the trip is the Service Day for the refugees. The organisers asked us to serve the refugees by playing, having fun and sharing happy moments with them. After that, I am really sorry to say, I might have been the happiest one in my group. It was a great pleasure to meet and get to know my group mates, having such fun and communicating with everyone. People have their own personalities and characteristics and, despite our differences, we still can be friends with each other. Just bear in mind that we need to respect each other.
Refugees could not choose their lives and they are not criminals, they are just little ones who, like us, look for safety and security. They just seek comfort and peace and nothing else. But criminals are the ones who force others.
Everyone has the power to change, and the power to influence someone else. Why do not we make the world a better place, make life better for us all?
In conclusion, I want to use a quote from Katie Couric, “Changing the world doesn’t happen all at once. It isn’t a big bang. It’s an evolution, the sum of a billion tiny sparks.”
Therefore, just go and find something that you care about enough to act and take the first step.
