​The 2019 University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Kuala Lumpur was inaugurated on August 2nd by Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammed and Education Minister Dr. Maszlee Bin Malik. Over the next week delegates from over 150 universities participated in workshops and panel sessions. ANPERC PhD student Saleh Hassan describes his experience at the event:

"My philosophy as a young researcher is that it is very important to stay engaged with the society/reality with hands-on experience in order to develop innovative solutions and practical technologies. The sessions of this conference were right on the dot; very advanced state-of-art technologies developed by students were introduced by the president of the National University of Singapore Prof. Tan Eng Chye. At the same time, a full day of activities with refugees reminded us of the blessings we have in our day-to-day life and the need to give more to planet Earth and make the world a better place. The officer for outreach, engagement and global communication at the NGO Relations & Advocacy Department of Public Information at the United Nations Mr. Felipe Queipo encouraged all participants to take initiative and be creative in creating a better future for our planet."

For another look at the event, see Malaysian newspaper The Star's article here, which features a comment from Hassan.