Reflection on the 13th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS)

Participating in the 13th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) in Kuala Lumpur was nothing short of transformative. As I stepped into this beautiful gathering of young leaders from over 40 countries, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness upon entering the venue. I had been worried about my sharp red traditional wear, but wearing it allowed me to proudly represent Pakistan and connect with so many amazing young people from diverse backgrounds. I even had the chance to try on cultural attire from different tribes, including a beautiful headpiece! Little did I know that these few days and this wonderful experience would ignite a fire within me that I didn’t know existed.

The symposium kicked off with an emotional opening ceremony. They invited two remarkable young refugees—a Syrian boy with a great passion for football and a Palestinian girl who deeply missed her homeland. Listening to their stories, I was struck by the harsh realities many face, and how we often take everything for granted. It was a powerful reminder that we all share a responsibility to advocate for change, no matter where we come from. Their voices echoed in my mind, urging me to recognize the potential we each have to make a difference.

Throughout the event, I met incredible leaders who inspired us with their journeys. One resonating message that struck me deeply was this: you don’t need a lot of resources or grand plans to create change. It can start with the simple act of being present and using what you have at the moment. This really encouraged me to look within and recognize that even small actions matter, as they can lead to significant impacts and open up endless possibilities.

One of the highlights of my experience at the USLS was Kindness Day, where I spent time with 250 amazing refugee children at an indoor theme park in Kuala Lumpur. The energy in the air was electric! The beautiful smiles and contagious laughter of the children touched my heart and will remain etched in my memory forever. On that day, I was assigned to a group of ten kids, and among them, I met a brave 9-year-old named Fatima, who dazzled me with her fluency in seven different languages. Each child I interacted with had their own unique story, filled with resilience and talent that truly touched my heart.

While lining up for the bumper cars, I heard a familiar voice—someone speaking Urdu! To my delight, I found a young teenage boy from Lahore, Pakistan. My heart leaped with excitement at the sight of someone who shared my language and culture. As we chatted and joked, it felt like we were old friends reuniting after years. The connection we formed was truly beautiful and unexpected, filling me with joy and a sense of belonging in that vibrant atmosphere.

Though the USLS lasted just a few days, its impact on my life is profound. I want to express my gratitude to The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) and the Institute for Youth Sustainability Leadership (IYSL) for this incredible opportunity. This experience has fueled my passion for leadership and my commitment to effecting change. I loved every moment and would be thrilled to participate in more events like this in the future!

With a renewed vision, I am determined to “Lead the Change.” The symposium has empowered me to take tangible steps towards creating a future brimming with hope and resilience for those who need it most. I’ve come to understand that leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about inspiring others and collaborating to tackle the challenges we face.

As I look ahead, I am eager to channel the inspiration from the USLS into my community, starting with my university. Change begins with awareness, and I believe that sharing my experiences can motivate others to take action. I plan to organize workshops and discussions that focus on social issues, educating my peers and raising awareness within my community.

The 13th University Scholars Leadership Symposium has been one of the most emotional and best moments of my life. The difficult goodbyes to all the amazing friends I made, the promises we made to lead and change, the urge to return again and again… The lessons learned, the connections made, and the stories shared will guide me as I strive to become a more compassionate and proactive leader. I am committed to using my voice and resources to advocate for those who may not have the same opportunities, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we can create a brighter future filled with hope, resilience, and positive change.

Sabiha Marium, Year 4, BBA-Finance and Banking.