PETALING JAYA: The IEM Leadership Bootcamp: Catalyst 2026 – Beyond the Blueprint was successfully held from 4th to 6th June 2026 in Sunway University and Wisma IEM, bringing together more than 50 engineering students and executive committee members from IEM student sections representing public and private universities across Malaysia for three days of leadership development, technical exposure, and networking.
Representing Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) at the national event were Suzliynica George and Willencio Wesley William, both members of the UMS IEM student section, accompanied by IEM-YES Sabah graduate and student leader, Ts. Dr. Nurul Shahadatul.
Organised by the IEM Young Engineers Section (IEM-YES) in collaboration with the IEM Sunway student section, the bootcamp aimed to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills among student leaders; encourage knowledge sharing across engineering disciplines; strengthen networking within the IEM student community and foster nationwide collaborations; as well as inspire future engineering innovation and professional growth among aspiring engineers.
The programme commenced with a technical visit to the iconic Merdeka 118 tower, providing participants with firsthand exposure to one of Malaysia’s most remarkable engineering achievements. Participants were also given the opportunity to engage with PNB Merdeka Ventures chief executive officer, Tengku Dato’ Ab Aziz, who shared valuable insights on leadership, vision, and the development of large-scale national projects. The first day concluded with ice-breaking and team-building activities, fostering communication, collaboration, and meaningful connections among student leaders from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
The second day focused on leadership development and professional growth. Participants attended the forum titled “Three Paths to One Goal: Shaping Future Leaders in Engineering”, featuring representatives from IEM, Siemens Energy, Vantris Energy Berhad, and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad.
Participants also completed the DISC Personality Assessment, which provided insights into different personality traits and working styles, enabling them to better understand effective collaboration and communication within diverse teams.
A key highlight of the day was the parallel workshop sessions tailored to different aspects of leadership development. Suzliynica attended “Crisis to Control: The Management of the Unforeseen in Events”, delivered by Wai Yee Ng, SEPC, DES. The workshop covered risk management, crisis management, and contingency planning, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and adaptability in leadership roles.
Meanwhile, Willencio attended “Leading Beyond Titles: Leadership and Team Management”, delivered by leadership coach Chloe Ong. The session explored adapting leadership approaches to different organisational situations, strengthening internal communication within leadership teams, and effective resource allocation to achieve organisational objectives while supporting team members’ growth and development.
The day also featured networking sessions among IEM student sections from across the country, providing opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, share best practices, and establish connections for future collaborations.
On the final day, participants proudly represented their respective institutions in their corporate attire during a series of inspiring leadership sessions. The programme featured CEO talks by Datuk Ir. Ho Hon Sang of REHDA, Ir. Kow Yew Hoe of Cenergi SEA Berhad, and Ir. Kow Kah Loong, who shared their professional journeys, leadership experiences, and perspectives on the future of the engineering profession.
The bootcamp concluded with a town hall session featuring IEM president Ir. Yau Chau Fong and guest of honour Lee Chean Chung, Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya and an engineering graduate. The session highlighted the evolving role of engineers in society and demonstrated how engineering professionals can contribute beyond technical fields through leadership, policymaking, and public service.
Adding to the achievement of the UMS delegation, Willencio was named one of the winners of the bootcamp’s Instagram Story Challenge during IEM YES Leader’s Night 2026, which recognised participants who creatively documented and reflected on their daily learning experiences throughout the three-day programme.
The participation of the UMS representatives was made possible through the generous sponsorship and support of IEM Sabah branch chairman Ir. Ts. Tan Kok Jyh, JP, and IEM YES Sabah chairman Lee Tze Yei.
From left are Chuah Pei Lim (IEM YES HQ Honorary Secretary), Lim Yiren (IEM YES HQ President), Willencio, Ir. Yau Chau Fong, Suzliynica, and Ts. Dr. Nurul Shahadatul.
