Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam and NAMA Foundation in collaboration with Universitas Islam Nahdlatul Ulama Jepara, Indonesia, Basilan State University, Philippines and Furigay Colleges Inc., Philippines have successfully organised their first International Islamic Youth Camp on 20th-21st November 2021.

Themed ’Muslim Youths: Leaders of Tomorrow’, the event captured the spirit of unity among youths across the globe with 60 student participants and committees from diverse international institutions, represented from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Due recognition for the success of the event should also be given to the Vice Chancellor of UiTM, Ts Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor who officiated the Opening Ceremony for IIYC 2021.

Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, the roaring success of the event proved that physical distance and the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic are not barriers and could be overcome with careful planning, collaborative efforts and innovative ideas from the international organizers. Various exciting events were held through out the two days event which include virtual tour across the three countries, cultural exchange and networking sessions. More interestingly, the sessions were creatively conducted by the students of the respective countries.

The event was also focused to cultivate and enhance the students’ entrepreneurship and leadership skills through inspirational talks by esteemed speakers such as the honourable Mayor Hanie A. Bud, the Mayor Municipality of Maluso, Basilan, Philippines, Dr Saleh Mubarak Bazead, the CEO of NAMA Foundation and Dr Muhammed Hardy Loh Rahim from UiTM Shah Alam of which the students benefitted greatly from their knowledge and experiences.

Each country also presented their own youth leaders as representative in the students’ forum, Youth Leaders Initiatives Across Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines, where they share and inspire one another on the how youths can be proactive and give back to their beloved community and country. Throughout the event, students showcased their amazing talent, skills and charismatic personalities through four categories of the competition which were Student Entrepreneurship Showcase, Leadership Quiz, IIYC Highlights Video Competition and Best IIYC Participant awards.

IIYC 2021 represented an opportunity for the students to participate in an international platform which allows them to actively engage their ideas, experience and knowledge despite physical barriers. As future leaders, it is important that the development of social excellence is given equal importance as academic excellence. This will help inculcate their holistic and comprehensive human development skills which includes the well-being of the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects. The overwhelming positive feedbacks received from the global participants showed that such event is greatly appreciated as it improves their self-confidence and leadership qualities. As future leaders of the country, the proactiveness and resilience of the participants in the face of the pandemic shone throughout the event which indicate great promise as potential global leaders. Indeed, the youths are the leaders of tomorrow.