What It Means to Be a UTS Young Leader
Becoming a UTS Young Leader is not simply a title. It is an invitation to step into a role built on responsibility, service, and community. UTS chooses young people who show potential and, more importantly, the willingness to learn, listen, and uplift others. Young Leaders are expected to lead by example, to embrace diversity, and to use their voice to create positive change in sport and society. The role is never about being perfect. It is about staying committed to growth and mentorship and about helping create environments where every young person feels seen and heard. This spirit reflects the heart of UTS and it is what Benjamin carries with him as he becomes UTS’s newest Young Leader!
The Meaning of Being Chosen
For Benjamin, being selected as a UTS Young Leader is both an honour and a meaningful milestone. His visual impairment is an important part of his identity, and he is proud to bring this representation into the Young Leaders family. He is the first visually impaired young leader to join UTS, and this achievement carries great significance for him and for many young people in Malaysia who rarely see themselves reflected in leadership roles on an international stage.
Benjamin has always approached his visual impairment with a sense of strength and self belief. It has shaped his awareness and helped him understand the value of creating spaces where everyone feels included. By stepping into this role, he hopes to show other young people with disabilities that they can lead confidently and that their abilities, perspectives, and voices have a rightful place in global conversations. For Benjamin, representation matters. He knows how meaningful it can be for young people to see a leader who does not fit a traditional mold yet stands with confidence and purpose. His appointment sends a message of possibility. It shows that leadership can come from many different experiences and that young people with disabilities in Malaysia and around the world deserve to be seen and celebrated.
Growing up in Kuala Lumpur taught him the importance of community, support, and shared opportunity. These values guide him in this new chapter as he steps forward with gratitude for the trust placed in him and excitement for the path ahead.
How Benjamin Found His Path
Benjamin first stepped into leadership in 2022 when he joined the Inclusive Leadership Programme known as iLEAP. He recalls this experience clearly and speaks about it with gratitude.
He explained, “I recently joined an Inclusive Leadership Programme in 2022. I was motivated from this workshop where it offers an inclusive platform for everyone, no matter if you are a person with disabilities, to have a chance and take the lead in their society.”
This was the moment that shifted his understanding of what was possible for him. It showed him that leadership could be a space where he belonged.
Through iLEAP he discovered that leadership is about more than tasks or positions. As he described it, “Leadership is not just about leadership. It is about friendship and cultural exchange.”
He also carries a belief that guides his approach to every new challenge.
He said, “I am not perfect. It is about learning more and seeing what I can learn. Leadership does not require perfection. We are not perfect as people. If we think we are perfect, we are stopping ourselves from growing.”
Alongside iLEAP, Benjamin also served as Chairman of the Malaysia Children Representative Council for Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. In this role he represented children’s concerns, rights, and needs at the national level. This experience strengthened his commitment to advocacy and to building inclusive communities.
The Qualities He Brings Into Leadership
Benjamin’s leadership has been shaped by experiences that taught him to listen with intention, act with conviction, and remain open to growth.
Respect
He listens carefully and treats others with care. He believes that young people and persons with disabilities deserve to have their voices heard and taken seriously.
Discipline
His years in para chess helped him build patience and strategic thinking, allowing him to remain calm and focused when facing challenges.
Communication
Through iLEAP he strengthened his ability to speak with clarity and empathy, helping him connect with others and guide discussions confidently.
Integrity
Benjamin stays grounded and leads with sincerity. He is motivated more by service than recognition.
Teamwork
He acknowledges every mentor, teacher, and peer who supported him along the way. He believes leadership works best when it is shared rather than held alone.
How He Learned to Lead With Confidence
Benjamin’s journey has included challenges, but he sees each one as a chance to grow. Whether learning to navigate accessibility issues or stepping into new leadership positions, he approaches each moment with thoughtfulness and determination.
One of his closest mentors, Ms Zaidah Binti Mahadi, previous principal at SMK Pendidikan Khas Setapak, remembers him as “one of the friendliest people I have ever met.”
She describes him as “a natural born leader who is always the first to volunteer when needed.”
When asked to summarise him in one word, she chose the phrase “future leader.”
Her belief in him reflects the same trust that UTS places in him today.
Positive Impact on Others
Benjamin leads with empathy and purpose. He is thoughtful about how he uses his voice and is committed to uplifting those around him.
His mentor Ms Zaidah says she sees him in ten years “doing great things to help the community, especially persons with special needs.”
Another mentor, Ms Tania Lee, who serves as the iLEAP Director, has seen his leadership journey from its earliest stages. She shared, “Benjamin is the best support you can ever have. He is my deputy director for the iLEAP KL 2025 and he has been giving a lot of support for the programme. He joined as an iLEAP participant and took the lead in our programme ever since.”
She added that his willingness to keep growing is what makes him stand out, explaining, “Anyone can take the lead but what makes Benjamin unique is his humbleness and willingness to keep growing. A great leader does not stop growing.” She described him in one word as “Humbitious,” and hopes to see him hold positions that continue to support Malaysia’s disability and sports community in the future.
She described Benjamin as “a young, talented, inspiring visually impaired individual” and highlighted his ability to bring insight, motivation and thoughtful leadership into every setting. When asked what makes him unique, she said, “His passion, inspiration, insight, motivational thoughts and execution.” She summed him up in one word, “Talented,” and expressed her belief in his future, saying that he can grow into “a motivational mentor, inspiring coach and a conscientious and compassionate entrepreneur.”
Ms Carmen Chew, General Manager of St Nicholas Home Penang, also shared her experience with him.
Ms Noraseela Mohd Khalid OLY, President of Malaysian Olympism in Action Society (MOiAS) offered a reflection that captures his character beautifully.
“Benjamin is an exceptionally talented young leader with a deep curiosity about the world, especially when it comes to people’s rights. He never hesitates to stand up for what he believes in. What makes him even more inspiring is his eagerness to learn, explore new perspectives, and have meaningful conversations. And if you ever need to make his day, just serve him chicken, he will happily enjoy it at any meal.”
A Forward Looking Message
As UTS prepares for the years ahead, Benjamin steps into his new role with gratitude and a sincere commitment to learn, grow, and contribute to his local community. He hopes to exchange ideas with young people from every corner of the world and to continue championing inclusive leadership that uplifts communities and celebrates diversity. His journey reminds us that leadership begins with purpose and that true impact comes from the courage to serve and help others.
Julia Govinden, CEO of United Through Sports
“At UTS, we look for youth who are determined to make a change in the world, who stand out as potential leaders and who want to motivate their communities and beyond to do better. Benjamin stood out to me immediately, it was obvious that he would be a great addition to our Young Leaders. Ben speaks with conviction, and yet he also listens with deep consideration, and wisdom far beyond his 18 years. A strategist, always with a plan I could immediately see where he can contribute to our youth movement. His passion to bring awareness to vision impairment has already taught us all so much and we know with an open mind and his patience to encourage a change in perspective, I see an incredible future ahead for Ben. We congratulate you Ben and are honoured to have you onboard. Welcome to the family!”
UTS is incredibly proud to welcome Benjamin into the Young Leaders family. His passion, his resilience, and his belief in inclusivity represent everything that UTS stands for. He brings a spirit of curiosity and kindness that strengthens our global community and inspires others to rise with confidence. We are excited to support his journey and to see the positive change he will create in the years to come. His story is only beginning and we are proud to be part of the path he is choosing to walk.
We welcome him with the full belief that he will leave a lasting impact on everyone he meets.
