LUNDU: Globalisation requires leaders to be more proactive in winning the hearts of their people, especially the younger generations.

In stating this during the closing ceremony of ‘Program Wacana Ilmu’ at Kem Pueh, Sematan near here yesterday, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Fadillah Yusof said leaders should be able to adapt to new social changes.

“Economic, political and social changes happen quickly, and leaders should have the strength and spiritual awareness to shape the people they lead,” Fadillah said.

He added that the programme, which combined community leaders and youth leaders from around Kuching, Sematan, Bau and Lundu, was a good platform to create a community that was open to ideas.

“The government is always looking forward to the development of human capital. With a solid foundation development can be directed to the right path,” he said.

Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya member of parliament and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) youth chief, told the  older generations that  they could use a variety  of ways to approach  young people including joining them in their activities.

Earlier on, Mimbar Permuafakatan Ibubapa Malaysia (MAPIM) president, Wan Zain Wan Mohdar, said the programme was aimed at letting the participants discover their own capabilities; shape themselves into better leaders; learn communication skills, and be informed about government policies.

“The fast-paced world today needs our leaders to be more aware and this programme balances everything,” said Zain.

The three-day two- night programme also involved assigning the participants to foster families in villages around Sematan area.

During their stay with the families the participants collected data that later got transformed into seven resolutions by the people of the area.

The people resolved to conduct more drug awareness seminars, improve telecommunication infrastructure, modernise the promotion of rural products; improve roads; build retaining wall at villages close to the sea; conduct seminar on the Malays; and preserve Malay traditional practices.

These were later handed over to Fadillah by  the chairman of  Kuching Malay Community Leaders Association, Sariee Mansor.