I am deeply concerned about the millions of students and young people around the world. I hope that they can fulfill their potential and purpose in life. Please take the time to read my open letter. Before we begin, let’s consider four classic definitions of leadership:
1. Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, driven by passion, vision, conviction, and purpose.
2. Leadership is the ability to guide others without force, leading them to feel empowered and accomplished.
3. Leadership is the ability to bring out exceptional performance from ordinary people.
4. Leadership is about taking risks, challenging the status quo and motivating the team members.
Mr. Raja Singham’s speech at the Brickfields Asia College (BAC) Convocation 2023 is filled with valuable leadership tips and insights for students and youth. Here are some of the key points from his speech:
“I have been asked to share some wisdom that I have gained over the years. Here are eight areas where I can offer some advice.
The first area is PURPOSE- We’re born, we live, we die. Life is a gift, don’t waste it. So, just promise yourself to be the best version of yourself.
Secondly is VALUES– It is important we all lead a life of values. And for us to find certain values that will be our moral compass to take us through life’s journey. First one is, as you enter the workforce, BE PROFESSIONAL, the second one is ACCOUNTABILITY. How? Take ownership. The third one is EMPATHY– We always feel that we have things bad, but there are others who are worse off and always put yourself in someone else’s shoes. When you look at a problem or anything that is going on, have empathy for others. The fourth, and I think this is the real key to happiness. Money is not the key to happiness. The key to happiness is GRATITUDE. Being happy with what you have. Because if you’re in a quest to always chase after things, you’re like that hamster on the wheel that will just keep running. I’ve made my first million, I want my ten million, I want my hundred million. And you will never ever stop, to just be happy. And the next one is that no virtue can be more important than HUMILITY. Always be humble! Realize that whatever we think we have done, whatever we think we have accomplished, at the end of the day we’ve all got a certain time on this planet and then we leave. And that’s what education really is about, it’s the culmination of formal learning and all that informal learning that you go through with your colleagues, your classmates, your friends, your teachers, that entire circle around you.
Thirdly is RELEVANCE. The biggest challenge you are going to face is, ‘’How do we stay relevant?’’ Darwin put it this way, ‘’It is not the strongest nor the most intelligent of species that will survive, but the one most adaptable to change’’. Toffler said, ‘’The illiterate of the future will not be those who cannot read or write but those who can’t learn, unlearn and relearn.’’ And this is not just for individuals, countries have become irrelevant, companies have become irrelevant. And the same goes for people. So, unlike our generation, for us, we could just go study law, or medicine, or dentistry or engineering, or whatever and be very happy sitting there for the next thirty years, because the rate of change wasn’t as fast. But today, it is a different game. And you need to be up to it. You need to continuously learn, improve, and not just within your area. So, how do we stay relevant? The answer to this question is in the next point.
Fourthly is LEARN. You must be prepared to learn. Gandhi put it best when he says, ‘’Live as if you’ll die tomorrow, learn as if you’ll live forever.’’ The thirst for knowledge which is the hunger to learn must always be there with you. Charlie ‘’Tremendous’’ Jones put it in another statement which I like, he says, ‘’The person you are today and five years from now will depend on two things, the people you meet and the books you read.’’
The next point is BUILD COMPETENCES. I’m very much an advocate of what we call a ‘’polymath’’. A polymath is basically a person who has skills or knowledge and the ability in diverse areas. If you learn across fields, you become much more useful to the community and you’ll find that you’re really empowered. You’ve got your purpose, your values, relevance, learning, and building competencies.
The sixth point is BRAND. Your brand is your most important asset. And in actual effect, each one of us here is a brand. And that’s your single most important asset. And you have to build that brand. You have to work on building that brand, and protecting that brand. And how do you do that? Every interaction with another person, be it a face-to-face interaction, or online, is your brand in action.
The seventh point to note is GIVING BACK. And I always think, you know if we had 6 billion people on this planet, doing more for the world than the world has done for them, we would be living in a very different world. And why do I bring this up? Today, everyone can do things which were not thought possible. Technology has been a great leveller. Getting help, getting troops together, getting people to go do good, has never been easier. During the pandemic, we’ve got this thing called GIVEBACK, and we have the Make It Right Movement and Uplift two organizations. We worked with our partners and actually, in the two years, we managed to give out aid to half a million people. Two hundred thousand (200,000) in the form of food provisions which lasted them for two weeks. Many of them were migrant workers, refugees, and B40 families.
The last area to mention is BALANCE. Balance is your work-life balance. You sometimes have to pay your dues. You may have that first job when you come out after you graduate, you may have to take a job that you don’t like that much. But always keep 10-20% to do things you enjoy in the initial stage. But if you find something that you enjoy, then you will never have to work a day in your life. I always say, I’ve never worked a day in my life because I enjoy what I do. You may not have that luxury just yet, but at the end of the day, find it! And always have the time for fun, for family, for other things, which has got to be important.’’
21st- Century Students And Young People
Teenagers, students, and youths are the hope, asset, and future of our world. The future is shaped by the actions and decisions of today’s young people. Everything that the world will become in the next few decades lies in the hands of students and youths. They are dynamic, curious, innovative, and full of potential.
I want to express my gratitude to the United Nations and other organizations for establishing International Youth Day on August 12th. This day recognizes the importance of young people and their contributions to society.
The influence of today’s students and youths is significant. These ebooks are designed to unleash the potential of our young generation and prepare them for a bright future. In the 21st century, young people are a force for change and progress, shaped by technology and a globalized world. It’s essential to get these proven ebooks to ensure that you are not settling for less in your life’s journey.
As a student, I encourage you to consider these undeniable truths about life and destiny:
1. Don’t prioritize being liked by everyone. Focus on pursuing your dreams and destiny.
2. The results you desire are often found in the tedious or challenging work you avoid.
3. The lifestyle you dream of is often on the other side of the risks you fear taking.
4. Investing in yourself is crucial for financial success.
5. It’s better to take a risk and fail than to regret missed opportunities.
6. Don’t worry about how long it will take to achieve your goals; start taking action now.
7. Embrace hard work and fall in love with it starting today!
8. Surround yourself with friends who are honest, supportive, respectful, encouraging, dependable, understanding, and give as much as they take.
Embrace The Leadership Journey: Paving Your Path With Purpose
As you set out on your journey, remember that you have the power to shape a meaningful and impactful life. Learn from leadership principles, time management, and intentional living, and use these aforementioned insights as stepping stones on your path. Commit to these principles to create a legacy that matters and inspires others. Your journey is an opportunity to craft a leadership narrative with every intentional step and lived-out principle. Walk with purpose and let your life make a positive impact. YOU will succeed!