On the 8th November 2025, the Student Leaders Conference 2025, organised by Taylor’s Student Council, Taylor’s College Student Council, Taylor’s Postgraduate Student Council, etc. Magazine and Shine Ambassadors took place at LT21/22, Taylor’s University. The event was officiated with a welcoming speech by the emcees, Lazima Rahman and Nabilah bt Ghazali, followed by an inspiring speech by the President of Student Council, Justin Chan, on his journey and growth into shaping himself as a leader not only to his team but to others as well. The welcoming speech by the chairman, Mr Ronson, officially marks the start of this inspiring session to shape leaders for a changing world. Before diving into the highlights of the event, an intense opening performance was showcased by Taylor’s LIVE Club of a song cover, ‘Trampoline by SHAED’.

The very first guest speaker of the day, Lim Ben-Jie, a Taylor’s alumnus of 2015, was invited to the stage to share his perspective on leading with purpose, navigating challenges, and achieving success. Listeners had a front-row seat to Ben-Jie's journey from the beginning to where he is today, a journey that includes not only shining success but also the hard work and failures behind the scenes. “Being a leader, I thought I had to be the loudest in the room”. To Ben-Jie, leadership is about more than just skills — it’s about the connections we build with one another, and above all, the belief someone once placed in you, even when you were the youngest or least accomplished in the room. Comparison is the real killer. Another key takeaway from his adventurous journey throughout his entire journey, taking risks was the major key towards it all, to failure, to success, to everything. Regardless, failures never tied Ben-Jie down but boosted him to be better than before. Apart from Ben-Jie’s career journey, a question brought up by the audience, “Would you do anything differently if you could turn back time?” Ben-Jie expressed his wish to have spent more time with his parents, embedding them more into his time back then.

Moving on, Sulaxmi continued the segment by sharing valuable principles for becoming a better leader. Before delving into the theme of leading with purpose, she offered the audience a glimpse into her upbringing and the journey that shaped her into who she is today. Returning to the main focus of her talk, Sulaxmi highlighted three key principles — time, character, and relationships — which she described as the foundational building blocks of leadership.

She emphasised the importance of defining one’s own success early on by understanding what truly matters and who you aspire to be, rather than making decisions based on appearances, popularity, or external pressure. “A position should not define your identity,” she reminded the audience.

Intentional use of time was another crucial lesson. Sulaxmi encouraged leaders to reflect on how they allocate their time: “Is your time going to where your values should be? If not, then it shouldn’t be allocated there — and the same applies to your relationships.” Her words served as a powerful reminder that time is precious and should be spent wisely.

Addressing teamwork, Sulaxmi challenged the notion that selecting others with similar skill sets ensures better results. Instead, she explained that diversity in strengths allows team members to complement one another, fitting together like puzzle pieces that collectively form the bigger picture.

To conclude her insightful talk, Sulaxmi urged aspiring leaders to pursue challenges that stretch and test them — opportunities that may reveal their weaknesses under pressure — rather than choosing roles for prestige or popularity.

Before the audience moved on to the delicacies awaiting in the grand hall, the first round of lucky draw was conducted for 5 lucky winners to win a total of RM50 Grab vouchers. As we entered the grand hall for the networking lunch session, tables were set, and guests were ready to dig in! As the covers unfolded, the strong and fragrant dishes filled our noses before we could taste them. Bon appétit! As our stomachs gradually filled, so did conversations across the tables amongst different clubs and societies, mingling and learning more about one another.

With our stomachs and hearts filled, the conference carries on!

Moderated by Mikhall Mazlan, the panel featured Roshen Maghhan, Estelle Kee, and Syed Mohd Latif Syed Abdul Rahim, who came together to share their personal journeys and insights into what it takes to achieve excellence. The discussion explored one of the most frequently asked questions: “What makes a good, competent leader?”

Each panellist offered a unique perspective — from emphasising flexibility and empathy to Estelle Kee’s belief that “leadership is self-leadership.” She elaborated that one must first learn to lead oneself with discipline before leading others.

During the forum, student leaders raised diverse and thought-provoking issues, including the challenge of initiating change within organisations bound by long-standing traditions. Roshen acknowledged that newcomers often face the risk of being dismissed and their ideas overlooked. His advice: “Go down the ladder and pitch it to the next person — keep repeating the cycle, because eventually, someone will listen.”

Estelle added that having clear structures and channels for constructive dialogue within an organisation is crucial for ensuring that voices are heard.

Among the many questions from the audience, one stood out: “How can leaders keep their members motivated?” — a challenge many face. Mikhall emphasised the importance of compromise, reminding everyone that “no one can have everything at once.” Syed reinforced this idea, urging leaders to move away from self-centred language: “Avoid saying ‘I’ and ‘me’; it should be ‘we.’ There is no ‘I’ or ‘me’ without ‘we.’”

Wrapping up the conference, the stage once again invites Taylor’s LIVE Club with a strong and outstanding performance delivered yet again, showcasing incredible talents at Taylor’s University. Before the event officially concluded, the final round of the lucky draw took place, giving a chance for 5 winners to take home up to RM100 Grab vouchers. As a token of appreciation towards the attendees, the Student Leaders Conference prepared gifts as attendees exited the hall, alongside food vouchers for all to enjoy after the conference.

The Student Leaders Conference concluded with not only success but valuable insights for all to carry along their journey as they strive to be a better leader and lead with confidence. It was a great honour for all attendees towards Taylor’s Alumni for taking the time to share their experience and pass on the words of wisdom to the future leaders. 

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