DEPUTY Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called on young people across ASEAN to become ethical, globally minded leaders capable of transforming diversity into strength, saying the region's future depends on human capital grounded in integrity, mutual respect and compassion rather than technological advancement alone.
Delivering the keynote address at the ADNI International Students' Conference (AISC) 2026 on Monday, Fadillah said the conference's theme, "Thriving Together: Diversity, Education and Wellness in a Digital World", reflected the realities of an increasingly interconnected world where cooperation is essential to addressing shared global challenges.
Fadillah reminded participants that diversity is a blessing intended to foster understanding rather than division.
He said the conference challenged students to move beyond simply celebrating diversity by transforming it into collaboration, knowledge into wisdom and education into meaningful service for humanity.
Fadillah commended ADNI Islamic School for organising the conference, which brought together about 150 local and international students, describing it as an important platform for cross-cultural dialogue, intellectual exchange and regional friendship.
He said the participation of delegates from several ASEAN countries reflected the spirit of openness and cooperation that has long underpinned the region's stability and development.
"We live in an era shaped by rapid technological change, increasing global interconnectedness and emerging challenges that require collective solutions. In such a world, a nation's success is no longer determined solely by economic strength or technological advancement.
"Rather, it depends on the quality of its human capitals, individuals who can think critically, communicate effectively, adapt to change and collaborate across cultures and borders."
Fadillah, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said today's students would eventually become the leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, scientists and policymakers responsible for shaping ASEAN's future.
"Today, we are not merely gathering students from different schools and countries. We are bringing together a generation that will shape the future of ASEAN and the world. Technology may connect our devices, but only shared values, mutual respect and trust, carried by people like you — can truly connect our societies."
He stressed that national development must be holistic, encompassing education, well-being, ethics, creativity, sustainability and social cohesion.
"The challenges of tomorrow whether climate change, public health, digital transformation or social inequality cannot be addressed in isolation. They require cooperation among governments, educational institutions, the private sector, civil society and, importantly, young people themselves."
Fadillah added that the digital age will present extraordinary opportunities, but it will also test your judgement, your integrity and your humanity.
"Artificial intelligence may become more intelligent, but it will never replace wisdom. Technology may become faster, but it cannot replace compassion. Information may become limitless, but character remains the true measure of leadership." - July 6, 2026
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