AIESEC in Malaysia Convenes Winter National Conference 2026 (WNC2026) to Forge Purpose-Driven Youth Leaders

News and photo Ang Shu Wei

SINTOK, 16 March 2026: AIESEC in Malaysia recently concluded its flagship leadership summit, the Winter National Conference 2026 (WNC 2026), held at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). The five-day conference gathered more than 100 youth delegates from across the country in a concerted effort to strengthen youth leadership and advance a shared vision of a more united Malaysia.

Organised by AIESEC in Malaysia, the conference served as a dynamic platform for experiential learning, leadership development and cross-cultural exchange. The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks by the Local Committee President of AIESEC in Kedah-Perlis, Mr. Eason Chiew Yih Shin, followed by addresses from AIESEC in Kedah-Perlis club advisors, Dr Low Kah Choon of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), and Ts. Dr Hoo Peng Yong of Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).

The conference also heard remarks from Organising Committee President of WNC 2026, Ms. Liew Hooi Shan, and Member Committee President 25.26 of AIESEC in Malaysia, Ms Clarissa Gabrielle Tombeng, setting an energetic and aspirational tone for the days ahead.

Held under the overarching theme of personal and collective transformation, the conference was structured around five thematic pillars of “Codes”—Blue, Believe, Exchange, Lead, and For a United Malaysia (FaUM) — designed to guide delegates on a journey from self-discovery to purposeful leadership and social impact.

The conference began with “Code: Blue,” which centred on self-awareness, discipline and personal clarity. Through sessions such as “Clarity of Why” and “Inner-Outer Journey”, delegates were encouraged to reconnect with their values and adopt a more intentional growth mindset.

This was followed by “Code: Believe”, which shifted the focus towards deeper reflection and perspective-building. Through the Leadership Academy, participants engaged in specialised tracks tailored to their roles, including “Centres of Intelligence” for chapter presidents and “Vertical Development” for management teams.

One of the conference’s most compelling highlight was the “Living Library”, where experienced leaders candidly shared personal stories of failure, resilience and growth. By embracing vulnerability and moving beyond the stereotype of the “perfect leader”, delegates were able to build trust and authenticity in their leadership journeys. The segment culminated in the AIESEC in Malaysia Awards Night (AMAN), which recognised outstanding achievements by chapters and members nationwide over the past year.

On the third day, under “Code: Exchange”, the conference extended beyond the university campus and into the community. In collaboration with SMK Changlun and Schola, delegates conducted the World’s Largest Lesson (WLL), engaging school students in conversations around Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. The outreach programme underscored AIESEC’s commitment to translating leadership into tangible community impact.

Back on campus, the day continued with sessions led by the Member Committee 25.26 of AIESEC in Malaysia, before culminating in the Global Village, a vibrant cultural showcase featuring traditional performances and interactive booths celebrating diversity as a conduit for peace and understanding.

The Global Village was further enlivened by the participation of international students from Albukhary International University (AIU), who shared their heritage through a series of traditional dance performances. Their presence, alongside the various cultural booths, reinforced the spirit of global citizenship that remains central to the AIESEC experience.

The conference then moved into its final stages with “Code: Lead” and “Code: FaUM”, which placed greater emphasis on professional readiness and strategic leadership. On the fourth day, delegates engaged in advanced discussions on organisational models and functional strategies, covering topics ranging from financial sustainability to social impact.

Industry engagement also formed a key component of the programme, with partner sessions featuring corporate leaders from Hankidz and other sectors, offering practical insights into how student leadership competencies can translate into future career success.

WNC 2026 reached its crescendo during the “For a United Malaysia” (FaUM) segment, where delegates participated in a Functional Hackathon to develop strategic plans for their respective university chapters. The exercise was designed to ensure that the ideas cultivated during the conference would translate into immediate and meaningful action upon their return to campus.

The conference concluded with an emotional Closing Plenary, marking not only the end of a five-day leadership journey but also a renewed collective commitment to shaping the future of Malaysian youth through purposeful leadership, unity and service.

About AIESEC in Malaysia

AIESEC is the world’s largest youth-led organisation, dedicated to developing leadership potential among young people through cross-cultural internships, volunteer exchange opportunities and experiential learning. AIESEC in Malaysia continues to serve as a prominent platform for university students to build globally relevant skills while contributing meaningfully to society.