On Tuesday, 17 September 2024, the Centre for Leadership and Professional Development (UM LEAD) hosted the Purposeful & Principled Leadership Immersion (PPL-IM) Programme for the representatives from the Development Academy of the Bangsamoro (DAM) from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines. The Programme took place over five days.
BARMM is home to about 4 million Filipinos in an autonomous region that was only formed in 2019. The peace process that led to its formation ended decades of armed conflict. The new government of the BARMM region faces development challenges as one of the poorest regions in the Philippines, and still runs the risk of returning to conflict.
This PPL-IM Programme focused on the intersection of leadership, governance, and public policy, providing participants with practical tools and knowledge to apply within the new BARMM government. Designed to address leadership challenges, the programme highlighted the importance of ethical leadership and the need to make decisions in the best interest of the people. Participants were able to immerse themselves in a learning environment where real-world experience and evidence-based research came together.
Chief Administrative Officer of DAM, Dr. Normia A. Salindal said, “This course helps us understand our own strengths and weaknesses. It also helps us develop a clear vision and strategy for the BARMM region, and teaches us how to effectively communicate public policy to the BARMM constituents.”
The programme placed a strong emphasis on policy issues particularly those in BARMM. Through a blend of theoretical learning, group work, and discussions with participants from diverse fields, the course explored leadership and governance extensively. It also included a field study giving participants the opportunity to conduct policy option analysis.
Planning Officer IV, Dr. Datu Jabir S. Gandawali said, “Some of the things I learned that can be applied to my organisation include the importance of aligning leadership with core values, fostering a purpose-driven work culture, and making principled decisions.” With this, participants have gained valuable perspectives on addressing leadership challenges both within their region and globally, fostering collaboration and strengthening leadership capabilities across borders between Malaysia and the Philippines.
This programme featured an esteemed lineup of speakers, including Tan Sri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, former Director-General of the Economic Planning Unit, Dr. Hj. Muhamad Kamal Harun, Chief Executive Officer of the Razak School of Government (RSOG) and Prof. Dr. Syed Hamid Aljunid, former Rector of UNITAR. All three gentlemen are members of UM LEAD's Distinguished Experts Panel.
Other notable speakers included Dato’ Sutinah Sutan, former Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) of the MACC and Mr. Kamarul Bahrin Haron, former Editor in Chief of Astro Awani. Additionally, Datuk Dr. Anis Yusal Yusoff, Executive Director of INPUMA & UM LEAD, Dr. Danial Azman, and Dr. Aslam Jalil from INPUMA also contributed their expertise to the programme.
Centre For Leadership And Professional Development (UM LEAD)
International Institute Of Public Policy And Management (INPUMA)
Level 8, Chancellery
Universiti Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur
